Need some advice Audacity or Kristal? - Page 3

carol m · September 14th, 2007

I want to fix my computer so I can record. I've been reading threads for a couple of hours and would like some guidelines before I take the plunge.

I have already tried using the soundcard that came with the computer with a headset + mic in a USB port, and a relatively cheap mic into the 'mic in' port, but both methods result in 'gale force wind' effects so you can hardly hear the guitar, and nomatter how I try I cannot get the recorder to record for more than 60secs (I'm not taking it personally).

I don't have a pre-mixer or pre-amp but would buy one if I needed it.

I downloaded Audacity version1:2:4 about a year ago and haven't used it yet. When I go to Audacity site there is a version 1:2:6 available.

I can see it's going to take a good deal of effort to learn about a software program, so I should decide before I start if I should go with Audacity or Kristal. I see there's a sticky for Audacity (Hi Kenny), and a lesson on Kristal (Hi Tekker) and now would be the time to make a good choice rather than later. It needs to be as simple as possible as I know zero about levels, clipping, mixing etc. Also I found a Yamaha keyboard in the attic that was used about twice by the kids a few years ago so it would be good if I could tie that in later too.

I have my CD player and speakers linked to my computer already (for listening). I also have an audio tape deck (remember them?) hooked up to the CD player and computer so they are all linked.

My questions are,
1.should I go with Audacity or Kristal?
2.which is 'easier' for a beginner?
3.and if I go with Audacity should I ditch the older version and download the latest version before I start?

Any info and opinion would be appreciated

eddiez152 · #31 September 15th, 2007

Once you start, you will then understand the need for that next lyric and that next tune. The next step to doing it your way.

carol m · #32 September 16th, 2007

I'm already working on my own tune, Eddie, that's why I had to have a go at cracking the recording thing. I still have work to do on refining the recording sound but I have the tune finished. Also, I need to go and buy a mic stand instead of propping the mic up in a coffee mug.

X4StringDrive · #33 September 16th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by carol m

Also, I need to go and buy a mic stand instead of propping the mic up in a coffee mug.

LOL, I accidently "propped" my cell phone in my coffee the other morning{Wednesday}...works today btw

Can't wait to hear your tune Carol M...

carol m · #34 September 16th, 2007

Couldn''t stand all that yelling Kenny, had to delete it asap.

btw, I was awake enough to use an empty coffee mug.

s16 beat me to it!!!!!! I deleted the first one at the same time, which has been over-ridden by Simon - I'm not sure why there is still one of your posts left, Kenny, so if the other one disappears too I'll re-instate it.

X4StringDrive · #35 September 16th, 2007

Sorry about the yelling and I should wake up any moment now...thanks to you both

namiguShin · #36 September 17th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by carol m

I had the mic too far away and not directed acurately enought to the sound hole.

Don't direct your microphone to the sound hole!!! That's a big NO-NO...

Your sound will be "explosive", i.e. your mic will catch sound that should be avoided (you'll probably hear pick hitting strings), you'll have a lot of "booms" and probably a lot of clipping...

You should aim your mic to the 12th fret, that's the safest method as far as I know...

All best

carol m · #37 September 17th, 2007

Thanks for that advice namiguShin. When I get my mic stand I'll experiment with that in mind. When I say 'directed to the sound hole' I really meant vaguely in that vicinity rather than 3 feet away and off to the side!

skinnybloke · #38 September 17th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by carol m

I really meant vaguely in that vicinity rather than 3 feet away and off to the side!

This could be a steep learning curve Carol

.

carol m · #39 September 17th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by skinnybloke

This could be a steep learning curve Carol

.

Watch me fly, Skinny!

I already know what 'clipping' is

Live Stone · #40 September 18th, 2007

Carol:

Just wanted you to know I am looking forward to you having fun doing some recording. I wish I could offer some advice, but all my stuff is complicated and I don't understand half of it myself. Just remember it is not a contest and just do it from the heart and I am sure we will all love it.

Best wishes

Danny

carol m · #41 September 18th, 2007

Ha Ha, No worries, Live Stone, if I thought it was a competition I wouldn't be able to get out of bed in the mornings

carol m · #42 September 22nd, 2007

Hi there friends and helpers, I need some more advice with Audacity.

1) I have quite a bit of white noise, and 'help' says to go to 'Noise Removal' in the Effects menu, but all my effects menu is greyed out. In
'help' it says that 'effects' only work if you have 'Audio' selected but I can't find where and how to select 'Audio'.

2) I changed the 'Output level meter' (in the Meter Toolbar top right) to 'Input meter' which was good, but now I can't restore it to the original Output meter function (for seeing recording levels when listening to Playback).

Any ideas?

namiguShin · #43 September 22nd, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by carol m

1) I have quite a bit of white noise, and 'help' says to go to 'Noise Removal' in the Effects menu, but all my effects menu is greyed out. In
'help' it says that 'effects' only work if you have 'Audio' selected but I can't find where and how to select 'Audio'.

Ok, just click on the track with your left mouse button and drag it to the left or right... Release the button...

Edit: the part of the track from the point of clicking to the point of releasing should be selected... //

When you start recording you should let it record "nothing" for one second or two... I mean you should let Audacity record the "silence"... Then start playing... When you finish, select these first one or two seconds, go to "Noise Removal" and click on "Get Noise Profile"...

Then select the whole track (just double click on the track) and again "Noise Removal"... I have never tampered with this "Step 2"... Just click "OK" and it should be fine...

Hope this helps...

Tekker · #44 September 22nd, 2007

namiguShin has it covered, but also note that Audacity effects are permanent, the only way you can remove an effect is with the undo. So if you save and close the program, it is permanently applied there's no way to get the original audio back (as I don't think Audacity creates another file when appling the effects, but I could be wrong on that).

-tkr

namiguShin · #45 September 22nd, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by carol m

2) I changed the 'Output level meter' (in the Meter Toolbar top right) to 'Input meter' which was good, but now I can't restore it to the original Output meter function (for seeing recording levels when listening to Playback).

I'm not sure what is the problem... I have them both visual...