7
votes
Why early films had crackling noises in background?
I'd be inclined to think it would be from scratches/dust in the optical medium that sound was carried on in cinema film, up until 1976.
See this image from Wikipedia…
Edge of a 35mm film print ...
- 8,560
6
votes
Why do some audio amps use AC while others use DC
Is AC current fundamentally better as a working current when it comes to amplifying audio signal?
No. If anything, using an AC power supply makes it more difficult to have low noise.
The circuits ...
- 1,578
5
votes
How can I make a voice in the background come to the foreground and remove foreground noise?
Short, honest answer: nope, forget it.
In principle it's possible nowadays to separate any part of a signal, using software like iZotope RX or the (rather dated, by now) Algorithmix Renovator. These ...
- 6,066
5
votes
Accepted
Why do some audio amps use AC while others use DC
The type of current is actually completely irrelevant as all transmitted power is AC. Unless you are driving your amplifier from batteries, everything has to be converted at some point to DC.
The end ...
- 8,835
4
votes
Do XLR cables wear out?
Yes, they do wear out eventually. As pointed out already, the life time depends greatly on use and quality. Even with a cable that seemingly works sound quality may get drastically reduced. See below.
...
- 3,782
4
votes
Accepted
Faking depth and stereo separation?
It depends on what you mean by “cleaner” really. Is this a professional or amateur recording? If you just want to improve the recording, then there are many things you can try. EQing to get a better ...
- 2,526
4
votes
Isolate a subwoofer from the floor below
How much money have you got to spend & would you consider replacing the floor entirely with a new one made of solid concrete, not connected to the current walls or floor?
That is not as frivolous ...
- 8,560
4
votes
Is it possible to remove a whistle-like noise from audio?
A very High-Q notch EQ filter can do the trick, although I would probably recommend spectral cleaning to nail this. Izotope RX Advanced Spectral Cleaner is the way to go.
- 8,835
3
votes
How to fix loud thunderous noise from Peavey PA system?
This is most likely an issue related to microphone cable, connectors or wireless receiver. Try the following to determine the source of the error:
Test amplifier
Connect amp and speakers only - NO ...
- 3,782
3
votes
Remove hiss from audio
To fully discard the option of the method you tried make sure that before you invert the phase of the left channel you bring both channels to the center field; then you invert the phase and judge if ...
3
votes
Why is there noise in my spectrum analyser despite having no external devices plugged in?
All audio electronics create noise, including your interface itself. It's actually pretty good that the self noise of the interface is at around -100 dB.
Even when all other sources of noise are ...
- 2,210
3
votes
Noise in usb audio interface?
This could be a variety of things but there are a few things you can do to trouble shoot.
Ensure that everything is plugged into the same outlet. In some cases crossed grounding can cause buzzing if ...
- 1,010
3
votes
Why am I hearing weird static nosie on my speakers
I have figured out the problem. We had a netgear wifi router connected to the mixer. It is supposed to enable wireless connectivity to our mixer. If I turned that off, the mic signal doesnt drop and ...
- 151
3
votes
What is the best way to reduce background noise on a video recorded with a camcorder (background chatter)?
There are automated algorithms like those you tried in iMovie, the ones in Audacity might be worth a try but if you want better results you should individually edit phrases.
Software like izotope RX ...
- 842
3
votes
Accepted
Denoising studio induced noise and noise due to poor recording
Firstly, do any and all processing in WAV files. If your source material is on CD, then rip to 44.1kHz/16bit WAV and process at 24-bit in your software. Do not transcode via mp3.
Tracks like 104b ...
- 8,835
3
votes
Accepted
Does DC translate to sound?
Sound is derived from vibrations which in turn are generated or represented by changing current levels. Sound can never be derived from a static voltage or current. Your statement that "DC should ...
- 8,835
3
votes
Accepted
What is causing the 5.5 kHz noise in my recording setup
This is a broad sweep at the issue, some guesswork & experimentation required.
First of all, if you have an alternative DAC try it, no matter how basic, just to eliminate the simplest explanation....
- 8,560
3
votes
Background Noise Removal in Audacity 3.0.2
As you've not uploaded a sample, I can't say for sure, but the first step should be trying to understand where exactly the noise is. To do this, you can use spectrogram view that shows your audio file ...
- 33
3
votes
Background Noise Removal in Audacity 3.0.2
If you have a podcast file consisting only of human voices, you owe it to your future self to check out some AI-powered audio tools for cleanup. I've done the “conventional” ways, including the ...
- 469
3
votes
Accepted
Is this a good way to eliminate nose whistle from a recording?
Based on a comment I got that said "if all you have is EQ, then it's the best you can do. Modern "AI"-based noise reduction can probably do a far better job in one click", I found ...
- 141
3
votes
Scratchy noise with studio monitors
Trying with your laptop was a great idea and tells us what the problem likely is. There’s probably some kind of grounding issue with your desktop computer and that’s causing noise in the ground ...
- 2,210
3
votes
Accepted
my USB mic is on an arm and connected through a shock absorber, still picks up noise from my mouse
You're going to need to fasten the arm to something else, not connected physically to the desk.
I have a mic very similar to that [I bought it just to answer questions like this] & the 'shock ...
- 8,560
3
votes
Electrical hum?
There are two ways to tackle this - the proper way & the easy way.
The proper way is to identify & isolate your source of interference. 'Hum' is going to be something at mains frequency. You'...
- 8,560
2
votes
Fix for terrible "Hard Drive Noise" Audio Interference?
Have you considered investing in a power conditioner? They are used in most studios and also live venues. It's basically like a rack mounted power bar, but it does so much more than just basic surge ...
- 475
2
votes
USB input high-pitched whine
I have the exact same interface and was hearing the exact same noise, except it was not there when I bought the interface.
It does seem to be a power-supply-related problem, turns out the noise only ...
- 121
2
votes
USB microphone introduces buzzing after a few minutes of listening
Had the same problem for years, until I read this thread and decided to try some diagnostics testing before buying a new mic. Whaddya know? Problem basically solved.
Mic AT2020 USB
DAW: Reaper
Same ...
- 21
2
votes
Can you have white noise in stereo?
As John has pointed out, the advantage of stereo depends on what you want to achieve with the sample. In most cases, since white noise is used for measurement and calibration purposes of loudness and ...
- 475
2
votes
Accepted
How can I get the best sound quality from my Zoom H1?
Tom, buy a little camera tripod for a few quid, screw it into the threaded socket in the bottom of the H1 and use it as a handle. This avoids handling the casing when recording.
To help prevent wind ...
2
votes
Who makes the quietest microphone?!
https://www.lewitt-audio.com/microphones/lct-recording/lct-540-subzero
The Lewitt LCT540 has the quietest specs I've seen available in a commercial mic.
Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible