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Brian,
Check on your PC software and look for a function called "Normalize". If
it has it, highlight the entire piece and apply the effect. See what that
does for you.
The effect you're trying to get is that of a compressor. A compressor is
basically like having someone sitting at your board who can turn down the
input volume when it gets past the threshold you've specified. Imagine
telling your wife, "OK, when I get too loud, turn me down, but then when I
get quiet again, turn me back up." That's what a compressor does. See if
your recorder has some kind of built in compression. I have a Sony handheld
DAT recorder i use for recording stuff live, and it has a built in
compressor. However, I never use it (the compressor) because it's threshold
curve is EXTREMELY aggressive and its sucks the energy out of every loud hit
a band has, so in turn I have to record with a lower input volume.
Ever wonder how Kurt Cobain could whisper into a mic and then SCREAM into
it in the same breath without it clipping? An analog tube compressor, that's
how.
As a sidenote, this is an aspect of recording where analog stomps
digital's ass. When you send too much audio into the codec of a digital
recorder, it can't resolve it into data and any clipping you hear back is
digital garbage created because you crossed the threshold, which is VERY
defined. Tape has it's own natural compression because of it's physical
characteristics, which gives you a bit of wiggle room when you start to get
close to your threshold, which lends to some really cool sounds.
If you don't subscribe, you should absolutely head over to and sign up for a free subscription to TapeOp
magazine. It's an incredible mag which is offered to anyone who wants it for
free, because they make all of their dough through advertising. Tons of
useful information about recording techniques and devices as well as great
interviews with knowledgeable engineers and producers.
-Dano
-=The Nebulas=-
>From: "Brian Neal" <>
>Reply-To:
>To: <>
>Subject: [SurfGuitar101] Home Recording Question
>Date: Sun, 11 Jan 2004 20:16:21 -0600
>
>Hey,
>So I've been messing around with a digital recorder (Fostex MR-8) and its a
>blast. However, the level is too low. In other words, I'll record myself
>and
>then transfer it to my PC where I'll mix it into an mp3. When I see the
>waveform on the software I am using, the amplitude is small; thus the
>volume
>is low, and I have to turn up the computers volume to hear it properly.
>
>The recorder has got a trim control for the mic input, and if I have it
>full
>up, I get some clipping when I play an accented note or play a loud ringing
>chord. So I back the trim down a little, but now the overall level is low.
>I
>could turn up the amp, but I don't want to blast the house anymore than I
>am. I've got the mic right up against the speaker grille. Any suggestions?
>Would putting a mixer in front of the recorder help? Move the mic back and
>turn the amp up a bit?
>
>I'm totally new to this, so any words of wisdom are greatly appreciated.
>
>Thanks,
>BN
>
>
>.
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