Do I need a Digital Audio Interface besides my Alesis Mixer

stjoeguy · Jul 17, 2012

I have been giving Voiceovers a go and have been told that I need both my Alesis Miser as well as an Digital Audio Interface. My Mixer has a built in preamp and plugs directly into my computer by the use of an USB cord. My Alesis Mixer also has two XLR ports for my Studio Condensor Mic. But I am told the outcome is not as clear as it would be if I now ran out and purchased an Digital Audio Interface and/or a better sound card. The Sound card I am using is merely the ON-BOARD sound card that came with the machine.

I'm confused. Hope someone can straighten me out.

Thanks

fireberd · Jul 17, 2012

I have a recording studio (using Sonar software). The Alesis should give you satisfactory results.

As you are using the built in PC sound card, I would use the Analog outputs of the Alesis Mixer rather than the USB. Connect the output either to the Mic input or to the Line In input and then use that as your recording (voiceover) source. Depending on what the Alesis has, you can adjust the EQ for what type of response you want. PC sound card inputs are about -4DB (maximum) so the "Line Out" on a mixer matches well with the PC sound card input.

You can test the sound, as what you are inputting should be what you are hearing in the PC's speakers (or PC headphones).

If that does not provide desired results then you can look at some other audio interface unit. What is the Alesis model you are using?

(I used to live in KCMO North)

stjoeguy · Jul 17, 2012

I am using the Alesis Multi-mix 4. Has two XLR bays and one left and right out for the XLR. Also has a preamp for the mic. I do have an unused Rocketfish 7.1 Sound card I can stick in the PC if you think that would make a difference.

fireberd · Jul 18, 2012

I don't think its the sound card. But, try using the LINE (analog) output from the mixer to your sound card, rather than the USB interface. Also, make sure your input is set to MIC.

Also, what mic are you using? You say condenser mic, but not all condenser mic's are created equal. I used to use MXR condenser mics in my studio but was having a lot of sound quality issues which turned out to be the MXR mic's. I've since moved on to other brands that are much better.

stjoeguy · Jul 18, 2012

Cheap Behringer B1 - really all I had teh money for. Any good suggestions?

stjoeguy · Jul 18, 2012

I see you have your own home studio. Ever do any Demo work for Voice Artists?

Did my own www.stjoevoice.com... but was told they were weak. (???)

fireberd · Jul 18, 2012

No I haven't done any of that. I'm not close to St Joe anymore as I moved from KC to Florida when I retired.

The Behringer may be part of the problem. Not ALL Behringer is bad, but something to consider. Can you borrow a mic from someone else to try? Some music stores will even let you try out equipment. You may need to boost the volume level of what you are recording in whatever program you are using to record. As I noted I use Sonar and I can record at whatever level and then boost the volume to whatever I want before I mixdown.

stjoeguy · Jul 18, 2012

Sonar??? Is that your Mic? What is the Model Number and cost if yuo don't mind.

Sorry... I see that was your software. HA! Reading to many things too quickly and not grasping all that's there. Thanks for your help. Catch you later.

fireberd · Jul 18, 2012

Yes, I'm using Sonar X1 recording software. My mic's range from Shure SM57's and 58's to a Shure Beta 58, special drum mic's and an Audio Technica AT2035 condenser mic that I use as my main vocal mic.

I also have a couple of MXR 990's but I've "retired" these do to the tendancy to have a "trebly" sound. There are a couple of modifications out for the MXR990's and I may try one of those some day to see if it tames it.

Shure SM57 and 58's have been the workhorse of the broadcast and live music industry for years. You will also see these in almost every recording studio. I've seen SM57's on the Presidential podium's.

stjoeguy · Jul 18, 2012

Did you get Sonar X1 Essential? Or Producer? Which one doo you think would be best for Voice overs? I noticed Essential has a lot of SFX and cakewalk type tools. Looks pretty neat.

fireberd · Jul 18, 2012

I have the full Producer version (64 bit), but the Essential would be plenty for what you want.

Here is the Sonar forums Cakewalk Forums

stjoeguy · Aug 7, 2012

Hey Fireberd - hope you're on today... I did as you mentioned. I ran every thing through the on-board sound card that came with my computer and the mic will record - but in the earphones it sounds like a strong echo. Tried to rest my settings on my computer to play through the headphones only and record through the mic - but no matter what mic I used - even an old Headset mic... I still got an echo. Any ideas?

Thanks

fireberd · Aug 7, 2012

Check to see if you have "Sound Enhancements" option for your sound card. The enhancements include echo and reverb, which could be what you are hearing.

stjoeguy · Aug 7, 2012

No there are no enhancment tabs with this stupid cheap onboard card. HA! Guess I need to get a sound card eh?

Had a rocketfish (SC) but it wouldn't fit into the sound card PCI slot in my computer. Have a Dell Inspiron 620 64 bit of course.

fireberd · Aug 7, 2012

You need a PCIe sound card, PCI is dead. Better yet, you need an external recording device for best recording performance. Even a cheap recording interface unit will be better than ANY PC sound card (and it will take an instrument level or standard P.A. type microphone level input and thus better sounding voice overs.

Something such as this Alesis unit: Alesis iO2 Express Audio Interface | Musician's Friend

stjoeguy · Aug 7, 2012

I already have this one... Alesis MultiMix 4 USB Compact Mixer | Musician's Friend

The problem is I am getting all kinds of White Noise or room noise. Using that Boehringer B-1 Condenser mic though. Thought about trying a MXL 990. You ever owned one of those or heard much about them?

fireberd · Aug 8, 2012

I have two MXL 990's (and another model MXL mic) that are "collecting dust". They tend to be too bright/trebly for most vocal situations. I've seen modifications to these mics on the gearslutz forum and one of mods even changes the actual condenser module to a different type.

stjoeguy · Aug 8, 2012

Yikes! Thanks for the heads up! Guess Im going to have to save up and get a good one - whatever that is. SO MANY OUT THERE!!!

fireberd · Aug 8, 2012

The Shure SM58's are a workhorse on stage and for commercial applications. They are about $100 (on line at sites such as American Musical). Many local music stores will match prices with the on-line stores or the Guitar Center's (closest one from St Joe is in Independence).

stjoeguy · Aug 8, 2012

Thanks! I appreciate all your help.

Do I need a Digital Audio Interface besides my Alesis Mixer

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