34 - All Kinds of Noise

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Since the earliest days of sound recording, noise has been a
major limitation in audio quality. In early part of my career,
tape hiss was usually the biggest challenge. But today’s digital
recorders are virtually noise-free in most situations.


We still have to battle with noise, but the sources of the noise
have changed. Today’s engineer has to deal with noise generated
by the switched-mode power supplies that are in our LED bulbs,
computer equipment, and even appliances. These sources of noise
can get into electric guitars and create quite a racket. But the
noise can also raise the noise floor in subtle ways, and we might
not immediately recognize the source. Light dimmers, cell phones,
and solar panels are other sources of noise.


In this episode, I talk about the various causes of noise, and
provide some tips on how to identify the source, and advice on
how to eliminate, or at least minimize, the noise on your
recording.


For more in-depth, practical suggestions on how to avoid and
mitigate electrical noise, my friend Jim Brown has a wonderful
set of tutorials and presentations. Jim is an expert on this
topic and has served on AES Committees for decades. Go to his web
site, http://www.k9yc.com/publish.htm and scroll down to the
section titled, “Hum, Buzz, and RF Interference -- Written for
Audio Professionals.” You will find several excellent resources
there.


There is a transcript for this episode. If you want a written
version, you can download a PDF version from dougfearn.com


And please keep the suggestions and comments coming. Your
feedback helps me determine what I should talk about.


If there is sufficient interest, I am considering having an
occasional question and answer episode. If you have something you
would like me to answer, record it in your studio with your best
equipment. In keeping with the high audio quality goal of my
podcast, you can record your questions at 24-bit, 96kHz sample
rate and send the file to dwfearn@dwfearn.com


Simple questions I can answer in an episode dedicated to
answering them. Some other topics may suggest an entire episode
dedicated to the topic.


Please tell your friends and colleagues about this podcast. And
leave your ratings and reviews with the podcast app you use.
Thanks.


This episode was recorded with a Sennheiser MKH8050 condenser
microphone instead of my usual AEA R44 ribbon mic. The MKH8050 is
an amazingly clean-sounding mic, although it is probably not the
best choice for vocals or voice recording. The preamp is a D.W.
Fearn VT-2 and the converters are by Merging Technologies. The
audio was processed through a D.W. Fearn VT-4 equalizer and a
VT-7 Compressor. The original recording is 24-bit, 96kHz.


email: dwfearn@dwfearn.com
www.youtube.com/c/DWFearn
https://dwfearn.com/