UkingViking
Well-known member
Hi,
I have been using my Blue Yeti for recording for the Seasons of the Ukulele here on UU for a while, but I am not sure I am getting the best results that the mike can deliver. Lately I have found that when I raise the level of the tracks to match the sound level of other youtube videos, the sound gets distorted.
So a few suggestions would be welcome.
I know that I could get a real setup rather than a USB mic, but I really want to get the best from what I have.
My setup:
I use a tabletop PC with Audacity and a Blue Yeti USB microphone.
Recording style:
I want to record vocals and ukulele simultaniously, to sync into my video. Recording one track at the time has advantages, but I have little time to do it, I don't play very tight so it often sounds a mess, and the video recording would require a lot more work also. So I stick with both at the same time.
Current modus operandi:
Audacity is entry volume is set to 7/10.
Blue Yeti gain is set right in the middle
I record in Stereo mode.
I set on a stool with the mike on the dining table. The ukulele, my mouth and the mike forming a triangle with 1,5-2 feet sides. At least I try to accomplish that.
With these settings the graphic indicators in Audacity on the screen show response without going nuts.
I have read recommendations for stereo mode for stringed instruments, but also recommendations for cardioid mode for all recordings. I dont know how much the effect depends on how close you are to the microphone. If I record one thing at the time, being able to place the uke just e foot from the mike or less, I guess that cardioid will be clearer and you dont get any stereo effect from the room anyway. But how about with my setup, where I am further away anyway?
And how to turn up the volume - gain, input level, or adjusting it in Audacity afterwards?
I have been using my Blue Yeti for recording for the Seasons of the Ukulele here on UU for a while, but I am not sure I am getting the best results that the mike can deliver. Lately I have found that when I raise the level of the tracks to match the sound level of other youtube videos, the sound gets distorted.
So a few suggestions would be welcome.
I know that I could get a real setup rather than a USB mic, but I really want to get the best from what I have.
My setup:
I use a tabletop PC with Audacity and a Blue Yeti USB microphone.
Recording style:
I want to record vocals and ukulele simultaniously, to sync into my video. Recording one track at the time has advantages, but I have little time to do it, I don't play very tight so it often sounds a mess, and the video recording would require a lot more work also. So I stick with both at the same time.
Current modus operandi:
Audacity is entry volume is set to 7/10.
Blue Yeti gain is set right in the middle
I record in Stereo mode.
I set on a stool with the mike on the dining table. The ukulele, my mouth and the mike forming a triangle with 1,5-2 feet sides. At least I try to accomplish that.
With these settings the graphic indicators in Audacity on the screen show response without going nuts.
I have read recommendations for stereo mode for stringed instruments, but also recommendations for cardioid mode for all recordings. I dont know how much the effect depends on how close you are to the microphone. If I record one thing at the time, being able to place the uke just e foot from the mike or less, I guess that cardioid will be clearer and you dont get any stereo effect from the room anyway. But how about with my setup, where I am further away anyway?
And how to turn up the volume - gain, input level, or adjusting it in Audacity afterwards?