How to Reduce the Hiss When Recording From a Mic

Use a professional microphone for crystal clear vocals.

A hissing sound on a microphone recording is a high frequency noise that mars that quality of the music or voice. The sound can be caused by a variety of things, from electrical interference to poor microphone quality. Even the type of lighting used in the recording room can cause an unwelcome background noise on the microphone. You can use a few simple tips and tricks to combat the hissing sound for crystal clear recordings.

Things You'll Need

• Directional microphone
• Noise-blocking stand
• Foam mattress pad (optional)
• Wooden stands (optional)
• Sound card with balanced input
• Shielded cable

Instructions

1. Use a professional, directional microphone. These are designed to pick up the sound from one particular point of the microphone, rather than picking up every sound coming from every direction.

2. Keep the microphone a distance of at least 48 inches away from the computer. The noises and vibrations from the computer, such as the whirring of the fan, cause vibrations throughout the surrounding equipment and will often translate into noise on the microphone.

3. Set the microphone on a noise-blocking stand. You can also create a homemade baffle to set up around the microphone. Cut a large rectangle from a piece of foam mattress pad. Staple the two short ends to wooden stands or supports. Arrange one support stand on either side of the microphone so the foam padding forms a U-shape around it.

4. Use a sound card with balanced input and a shielded cable to run from the computer to the microphone. The sound card helps to eliminate noise and the cable allows you to set the microphone a distance of at least 48 inches from the computer.

5. Sing or speak directly into the top of the microphone. The microphone should be parallel, not perpendicular, with your lips. Your head will help to block out ambient noise.

Tips & Warnings

• If you find the hissing noise on the recording, despite your best efforts, use a post-production program designed to eliminate noise from recordings.

References

• Hal Leonard Recording Method Vol. 1 Microphones and Mixers; Bill Gibson