Questions & Answers

High white noise for microphone recording

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asked Jun 9, 2020 in Computer Based Recording & Production by fredparker1 (150 points)
I am using a Shure SM7B microphone, a Presonus TubePre V2 and a Focurite Scarlett Solo which is connected to the computer via USB. I record audio books for a charity and I wanted to be able to read without having to raise my voice.

To get the correct level, using Sony Soundforge, and WITHOUT the Presonus I have to speak quite loudly but there is a very low sound floor of around -60 so in the silent parts of my reading there is no background noise. When I introduce the Presonus, to get an acceptable level so that I can speak less loudly, the background noise rises to about -36 on my VU meter and this is just not acceptable for my audio recordings.

Is something wrong or is this just how it is?

Thank you!

1 Answer

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answered Jul 7, 2020 by AlexTinsley (925,100 points)
 
Best answer

You're dealing with what's called "Gain Staging".

Read this in-depth Learn article that will help guide you to your solution. 

https://www.presonus.com/learn/technical-articles/Getting-Started-With-Gain-Staging

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