Updated April 1, 2021
When live streaming, gaming, or having to defend your thesis online, background noise can ruin any audio feed.
Here are 3 ways to reduce background noise picked up by your microphone.
1. Turn down the Microphone Gain
Microphone gain increases the microphone amplifier. When increased, gain lets the mic capsule pick up more of the room sound. When decreased, the mic capsule will have a tighter area capturing less of the room sound. Gain is different from the fader volume, which is the sum of the entire channel including effects.
Mic gain can be adjusted from the front of the microphone with the encoder by holding the "Monitor" button until it becomes green. Mic gain can also be adjusted from within Universal Control or from within Studio One 5.
2. Use a Gate or Expander
"Gates" are a quick way to cut out noises quieter than the main target.
- Adjust the Threshold knob clockwise to start closing the gate
- Use the Attack and Release knobs to smooth out how the gate closes
- The Range can be adjusted to make the gate less pronounced
- Key Filter is useful to target a specific frequency to make the gate open. Use Key listen to focus on the selected frequency.
"Expanders" are very much like a gate except when a sound crosses the threshold, the gate opens in a smoother fashion. The range knob will also be set to Auto.
3. Treat the Room
Hard surfaces, high ceilings, and bare walls can all cause unwanted or amazing reflections.
If your room sounds too hollow, try adding open-cell foam to the walls for sound absorption.
Open-cell foam is very useful for absorbing High-Frequencies and when thick enough, it can absorb Low Frequencies.
If the sound is coming from the ceiling, use a medium or thick rug to soften the reflection. The rug really does tie the room together, dude.
Other alternatives could include acoustic panels, blackout curtains, couches. Basically, anything dense enough to slow down a sound wave.
Here is an article going more in-depth on treating your room for mixing.
==============================================================
Please contact PreSonus Technical Support by creating a Support Ticket at My.PreSonus.com for further assistance.
>How to create a support ticket<