2. pc-audio
  3. 172733-168702

How to improve sound quality

Hi everyone

I have a condenser microphone (Zingyou BM-800) running through a Neewer 1-channel 48V phantom power unit. I am using XLR to XLR from mic to power supply, then XLR to mini-jack to the PC. I am unsure if the cable is shielded (either from the mic to power supply or from power supply to computer).

I have the microphone set up within Windows 10 at 100% with a full gain of 30dB. When speaking to others online this is fine but when I record in Microsoft's own voice recorder software I get a distinct set of clicks (electrical data from the PC?), as well as the slight hum from the PC itself.

I know I need to replace the fans in the PC (they're a little old anyway) but how do I resolve the clicking sounds? I am assuming that having the mic at 30dB gain with 100% input signal is not good?

Would appreciate any and all advice.Ā šŸ˜

garyn
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,598 posts
 

I think that this is an audio forum. Only robots ask computer questions.

Lotso luck.

apogeum
34 posts
 

Could be a problem with different sample rates/bit depth. Are the audio settingsĀ  the same for recording and playback?

auxinput
2,920 posts
 

When speaking to others online this is fine

This could be a result of compressed bandwidth that typically occurs with voice-over-tcp/ip software solutions.Ā  This could be masking the humm and clicks problems you have (but I cannot say for sure).

As far as sound quality for your input, you should really get a good external audio interface.Ā  An example of a decent budget audio interface is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.Ā  This is a usb interface and supports microphones that require phantom power.Ā  They will typically sell used on ebay for anywhere between $50 and $130.

There are obviously much better audio interfaces, but based on your microphone choice, you want a budget level solution.

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