how to record HQ sound to your PC

[bc4]

Hi all,

I've been asked to create a narrated slide show for business use, to put on the web. I have several pc's running xp and vista. I plan on creating a flash movie to post this on the web.

My question is how to record high quality sound to my pc? I've tried several different mic's and software settings but always seem to get either too low of sound input or a high level off noise (buzzing).

I'm looking for recording software and microphones that you have personal experience with. So far, all my computers have integrated sound cards but i'm not opposed to buying a sound card (<$60) if you can personally testify that is my problem.

Another question is how to tell what is "good" quality? I know this is all up to taste but if my volume is set just right then what i'm using now seems fine. The problem is if I put this on the web and the speakers are low, then they cannot hear me; and, if the volume is high, they hear a ton of noise.

I'll listen to all suggestions, so please post them

thx

 

[dobby]

to get a decent sound into a PC your going to need a decent sound card, i would recommend an external sound card, such as one form the m-audio USB series, although firewire is much better (like i have) it is way other budget. then just make sure you have a decent mic, doesnt have to elaborate, anything from rode or shure, just not a carioki mic.

hope this help.

 

[Tug]

With a less than $60 USD budget you can improve your recording. More money will get you more and better stuff, but here is how you improve your recording setup on Less than $60 USD.

1. On Google, find an ART Tube MP Studio preamp. You can easily find this on the Internet for $29. This preamp will boost the signal of your mic so that you can get a decent recording. It should help even if you are using a cheapo mic.

2. Search on Ebay for a Creative Labs Audigy 1. The model number is SB0090. Use that in the Ebay search and you should be able to get one for $15 to $20 USD (shipping included).

Free part.
3. Do not install the Creative Labs drivers for the sound card. Use the kX drivers instead:
Might be a good idea to stay away from the latest driver download which is BETA at the moment. download an old stable version from TravelRec's site:http://www.electricstart.de/index.htm

click on "kX drivers" and download 3534f FULL.

Read the Getting Started Guide before installing.
http://kb.kxproject.lugosoft.com/guide/index.html

Join the kX forum for help:
http://www.driverheaven.net/kx-project-audio-driver-support-forum/

4. Free recording software:
Kristal
http://www.kreatives.org/kristal/index.php?section=download

Visit the Kristal forum for recording advice:
http://www.kristalusers.net/forumdisplay.php?fid=2


More money could easily be spent on:

good desktop mixer
high end audio recording sound card
good condenser and dynamic mic
near field studio monitors
good headphones

But with your budget, I believe that you will improve your sound by a lot. If you get hooked on recording, you could end up spending hundreds more in the future but try it out.

Good luck

 

[Tug]

By the way,

Use the XP computer for recording. Vista is still somewhat troublesome for audio recording.