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I recorded an acoustic guitar with a RODE nt4 mic. I have a pretty noisy environment for recording and unfortunately, it's probably not going to change. Most of my recordings are distorted guitar through a Palmer Speaker Simulator and everything else is software, so room noise isn't generally a problem. For this, however, it definitely is.

I like this performance and would like to keep it. Any recommended software? Thanks...

http://www.switchrocks.com/Songs/AcousticTest.mp3

Comments

Guitarfreak Sat, 08/08/2009 - 09:21

Space wrote: Instrumentals don't have other tracks?

Ahh, I should have said 'parts'. The other parts will cover up the mistakes in this part unless they are recorded acoustically in the same room, then there won't be much difference. But since you claim that acoustic guitar recording is the only thing that gives you problems then anything layered on top of them will cover those errors you are hearing.

jammster Sat, 08/08/2009 - 12:31

I really dislike the sound of noise reduction plugins. They usually add some garble, even if your trying to take away a tiny amount of hiss anyway.

Perhaps someone knows something I don't, I think your track sounds fine. I'm sure it bugs you because you really enjoy your efforts. Its like when you build a house, nobody ever notices the details until they've seen them hundreds of times.

I hope you do find a way to clean it up, however most ways will effect the quality of the recording. You could try and reduce the treble a tiny bit.

I'm only guessing but it sounds like your multitracking one or two additional parts to a solo. Isolate the track where the noise is bugging you the most and start from there. Perhaps play around with your parametric eq and try to make the noise stand out as loud as possible, then simply take the level control and do the opposite, take away the hiss only slightly. Remember not to go crazy with it, a little can go a long way. You can also try automating the eq in and out with your DAW only at the points where the noise peaks.

Best wishes.

dvdhawk Sat, 08/08/2009 - 16:59

Noise reduction plug-ins would't be very kind to an acoustic guitar, it would probably rob it of too much tone.

Listening at normal volume on my middle of the road computer speakers nothing jumped out at me either.
Anyway, you didn't mention what you recorded it on, but

What specifically bothers you about it? Noise throughout the whole track, or just one section?

Can you redraw the waveform of the offending spot(s)?

Does the note, chord, part repeat itself elsewhere in the song without the noise that you can copy, paste, blend?

It would be a lot easier to help if I heard what you're hearing. Maybe I'll try the studio phones later to see if I can hear the phantom noise.

hueseph Mon, 08/10/2009 - 00:51

I didn't particularly hear anything offensive either. I did think it was a bit boomy. I took the liberty of downloading the file and messing with it. I hope you don't take offense. It could really use a reduction at around 200-250Hz. I thought a boost near 500Hz wasn't such a bad idea either. Other than that, I didn't hear any noise per se. Are you using any compression on those tracks? It sounded like you were hitting it pretty hard. I could be way off. My room is not ideal either.

At any rate using plug in eqs on a master track isn't such a great idea. On the individual tracks it would have worked better.

You did a great job recording the guitars though. Lots of meat to work with.