Kill the Mic Noise - Clean and Quiet Recording

Updated! Hearing hiss, hum or buzzing in your vocal recordings? In this tutorial, we'll measure the actual noise floor of your audio signal, identify mic noise sources and tips to get clean and quiet recordings.
Waves NS1 Noise Suppressor Plugin: bit.ly/ns1-plugin-sd
Hum Ex Ground Filter: bit.ly/hum-x-sd
Furman SS6B Power Conditioner: bit.ly/furman-ss-6b-sd
Monster Prolink Microphone Cable (Balanced XLR): sweetwater.sjv.io/dobOP2
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UPDATED Divine Mastering Chains SR (StudioRack): bit.ly/mastering-chains-sr
Divine Mixing Waves Template (Logic Pro X, Cubase & Pro Tools): bit.ly/waves-template
Divine Mixing Vocal Chains - Logic Edition (Logic Pro X): bit.ly/vocal-chains-le
🎹 Synth Presets & Drum Samples:
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The Niche Kit (Creative Drum and Loop Kit) - bit.ly/nichekit
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[@SeanDivine]

Crazy to think it was 5 YEARS AGO I last posted a video on this topic…thought I’d share an update! I’ve noticed different noise in my vocal chain more recently and thought you all might have some of the same issues. Your noise sources may seem subtle at first... when they all start adding up and we get in to mixing with compression, EQ, etc. it becomes a real problem that's tough to fix in post. Hope this is helpful and much love 🙏

[@ericb-amuur9897]

Hey bro, thanks for this info. If you cant get a humX, get a little adapter that basically allows you to plug into a old non grounded power receptacle. I had a few from a really old house I used to live in, but it actually removes the hum much of the time.

[@PARENTALADVISORYPODCAST]

@@ericb-amuur9897 5:19

[@lionelmaryboy2486]

One of my issue was my phone, lol. I was tryna find the hum and crackles from my monitor. Found out it was my phone. Airplane mode for those that use their phones to write lyrics.

[@SeanDivine]

Ahh nice one! Always good to keep the phone away from monitors 👍

[@iloveeverything4380]

How would it be the phone?

[@Nirvanablue89]

@@iloveeverything4380signal interference.

[@ricardomedrano8205]

This is crazy😮

[@tj-introoutrobed8136]

I still refer back to your old video when I run into noise issues -- and it still helps. Thank you for this update!

[@badtrip858]

Always had mic issues. I had been anticipating this specific video. Danke♥️

[@JoeyBotello]

EVERY VIDEO YOU PUT OUT IS A BANGER

[@deanthonybyrd6000]

Not only my favorite guy on KZbin, but i just recently started using total mix with my new babyface pro fs. Im mad hype you just mentioned in this video 😂. Blessed for the content you post!!

[@gphiproductions]

Good tips. I've run into some of these same problems that you mentioned in this video and your information is on point. Thanks for sharing! 👊🏽 👍🏽

[@mystikrebel1089]

Just the vid i needed as im setting up to do vocals soon .. Thanks Sean again for this

[@jermainesmith6315]

I WAS JUST LOOKING FOR ON THIS THE OTHER DAY!!! THANKS FOR POSTING

[@JayUrbanMusic]

Another great video man! Lovin it

[@Warrior2044]

I can’t get rid of the static noise from my microphone.

[@JrumBeats]

The GOAT!! Much love famo!! I still listen to your album “Not The Same” on repeatttt! Timeless music and lyrics! Bless up.

[@SeanDivine]

Appreciate that bro! 🙏🙏

[@BaldiB704]

Goat?? No, but this guy knows what he’s talking about!

[@trappfrancis3426]

@@BaldiB704 if he a goat to him that's exactly what he is to him🤷🏿‍♂️ u sad

[@WEdHarris]

Very informative! Thanks so much for this! Dealing with floor noise in my home studio which recently developed and your video has definitely given me some food for thought as I begin to track down the cause. Liked and Subbed!

[@SeanDivine]

Glad it was helpful Ed! Welcome

[@MIHAO]

Great info, thx Sean!

[@hosky5220]

THANX 2 U i found my Noise problems just from the power source and a faulty cable !!!! you the best

[@victorelisha3387]

Really helpful thank you!

[@muzikgardenztv7827]

Great work buddy

[@vmadethebeat2]

Appreciate the game/ info 🔥💯

[@asirus]

I learnt stuff. Thanks! 😊

[@ShotByTWade]

Needed this!!!!!

[@beatsxkd]

Thank you 2 years later ❤🫶🏾!!!

[@timotheelejuez1876]

00:05 Identifying and isolating noise in vocal mic recordings 01:06 Measuring noise floor and adjusting noise gate 02:07 Turn off phantom power for condenser mics and lower gain for dynamic mics. 03:26 Identified noise floor in recordings and found the source of the noise. 04:36 Using the wrong AC adapter for my camera caused audio signal issues. 05:26 Using a hum x can eliminate hum in audio equipment, but it may not work in all situations 06:33 Use balanced cables and proper cable management to reduce noise in recordings. 07:28 Reducing Noise Floor Issues in Recordings

[@vblogvibe8812]

Thank you for the information ℹ️ it's really helpful 💯

[@SeanDivine]

Glad to help 🙏🙌

[@TheLouDynamite]

Thank you for this 🙏🏻

[@bigbadbaby7640]

Wow that’s so adorable 🥰 n cool thanks for the tips!!!

[@josephn3496]

Very helpful, thanks

[@omarr2423]

Have you done a “my mixing evolution” video yet ? Would be interesting to see how your mixes have changed sonically as you have gained more experience. I think lots of producers struggle with feeling stuck when they are actually making progress. Good content as always

[@SeanDivine]

Appreciate the suggestion Omar! I think it’s important to realize no matter what level you are at, you should be aiming to progress / learn daily, which I still am 😊 will keep this in mind for furure content…

[@moneyman9159]

thanks brother very helpful

[@NewMateo]

This is great. I've decided to just use a gate in Nectar 3 to cut the noise floor lol. It's lazy as hell but it seems to be doing a good job so far.

[@MrLyons-jp4de]

It’s crazy I just ran across this video. I made a mixtape song too a beat 2500 or something like that. I called it 2000 miles away. You made the beat. It’s dope . I can’t find that beat for shh now lmao. I wanted to properly remake the song

[@neferin]

great video

[@seppous]

I subbed after watching.

[@emanuel_soundtrack]

excellent. Til i dont figure out Waves Nx2 wasmy saver. It is frustrating to do profissional work and have noise exactly because you are investing more. The most ridiculous was me using again macbooks built in mic or headphones mic + noise reduction because my interface was not silent (m-audio duo). Since i do voice and piano it is harder to find a setting that is good for both, and as podcast or performance in the same session, unless one has the right gear making it easier. Otherwise one has to always be mindful of the signal and all that is going on, and this is not my taste…. By the way i have to buy some display just to monitor sound all the time, like EQ and loudness, great idea yours. Overtime this becomes a visual reference for mixes i guess, also if we hear music from other people and see the visualization of the sound . Having these plugins always open is a nice idea to keep these aspects in mind, and a small display can already show it very beautifully

[@FoulBundy]

Legend.

[@alphamedianangili7387]

I like your professional bro

[@theaassiim]

I found Neutron gate module within Neutron from Izotope has a preset called reduce room reverberance it has a learn function that measures the room noise floor automatically then utilizes a multiband gate that works so good you have to try it to believe there are no settings whatsoever that you have to tweak its the easiest cheat I found especially if you have a badly treated room only thing is multiband adds a bit of latency but you can use it even after the live recording session results are the same I'll try your method as well thanks for the tips.

[@SeanDivine]

Awesome, will have to check that out! Thanks for sharing 🙌

[@prodcountryjames]

Thanks bro, I'm getting this weird autotunes effect during recording, my cables is correct plus managed well. I think it could be that my computer is plugged into my power conditioner. We shall see. Thanks for the video...

[@DreErdna]

Do you any recommendations on mic cables? Also, I saw on your monitor you boost the low & high frequencies a bit. Is there a reason for that or was it something that sounded best with that specific room? Something I do is unplug anything in the room I don’t need to use when recording. Idk how much of a difference it makes, but i still do it. Great tip on using separate power-strips. I was just looking at ur channel a couple days ago to see if you posted... Appreciate the update!!!

[@SeanDivine]

Monster Prolink Performer at the desk, Pro Co DynaMike in the booth. Also have a Mogami Gold that I use sometimes but they're not cheap and it hasn't held up all that well. All balanced XLR... There's a large open space in the room on the opposite side of my left monitor that affects the frequency response. Using the shelf controls help fill in the gaps!

[@DreErdna]

@@SeanDivine Thank you for always being thorough & transparent!! Have a good one, brotha!

[@scutifr]

@@SeanDivine the Mogami Gold should have a lifetime warranty

[@DomKayd]

Do you change the settings on the noise gate in your RME interface before every song recording? Like the attack and release?

[@SeanDivine]

Attack and release stay pretty much the same. I do change the threshold, depending on the mic/vocalist and if I'm recording near the desk.

[@crisnla1]

G O L D ✨

[@iloveeverything4380]

It's weird sometimes i get more noise floor in my recordings than others even tho im in the exact same spot

[@EELMusic]

Can you please give me the links to download these apps?

[@ODBmusic314]

thanks a lot sean. can you shed me an information how i incorporate my art voice channel on my volt 476p interface connections cables where i might plug the cables. I want to use it for my recording im having a hard time figuring how it will work. Badly needed help thanks

[@dv8media578]

noise gate on input... yessssss

[@DonovanJamesOfficial]

No lies told on this

[@andrewhorner2801]

Can I ask what those grey sound filters are? Or where you can purchase them? Or is that a DIY job? Great content Sean. Cheers!

[@SeanDivine]

I bought these from GIK acoustics. It’s the 244 panels!

[@yngr0ss]

god damn i like this channel!

[@ERICDIZZYASMR]

You think the Monster ProLinks are better than Mogami cables? I'm recording voice over and the noise has gotten disrespectful. I'm going to try the process of elimination to figure out where the noise is coming from but wanted to know your thoughts on prolink vs mogami. Thanks for the video.

[@SeanDivine]

For price / quality, I've had a better experience with Monster cables thus far. I'm rough on cables and the materials have held up over time, never had one fail. Good shielding.

[@DougAustin]

You mentioned putting your laptop power adapter on a separate outlet than the rest of your audio gear… do you think that would be something that would help from a desktop computer as well? I have all my stuff hooked up to a furman power distributor (not conditioner), speakers, interface, preamps, etc. I was going to get a rackmount power conditioner to help with this situation, but should I isolate the computer from the rest of that?

[@SeanDivine]

It depends on the computer. In my experience, laptop adapters tend to more commonly cause noise issues... that said, I had an iMac desktop that I had to use a Hum X for! If you isolate it and it's not causing noise, it's perfectly fine to keep it hooked up to the same power conditioner.

[@DrivetoFI]

I purchased 2 Samson Q2U mics and a Comica linkflex audio mixer and using my iPhone 15 to record. I’m getting that “white noise” or what I call static and don’t know how to get rid of it.

[@militantknowles4777]

Listening on a 7.1 headphone, the bass is incredible

[@lolilollolilol7773]

what the hell is a 7.1 headphone ???

[@IagoVital]

@@lolilollolilol7773 same lol

[@shubhshinde4438]

Can you please tell me how can I use direct monitoring from logic rather than from total mix fx because after turning the logic monitoring, it sounds harsh?

[@iloveeverything4380]

What if the clicks pops and hums are heard in the middle of vocal recordings

[@reggiedillard7731]

Bro u should start doing consultations for up and coming producers and engineers who respect your level of knowledge and is willing to pay a fee for your time. Keep the prices somewhat reasonable and I see u making good money on the side of what your already doing. 🍻 I’d love to book like 20 to 30 min with u. On the boarder line of giving up and u just might have some input to reroute this plane. 🤷🏾‍♂️ lol 💯

[@SeanDivine]

Appreciate the feedback, Reggie! I offer 1 on 1 sessions on occasion, as time allows - seandivine.com/contact

[@omarrandall6477]

I use an expanser on my input mic channel

[@Starguyultimate]

i have a problem when recording with my nt1 microphone,it always pick noise ,and when i set my Gain in normal level it won't work still i turn it down,how can fix it

[@nassermo.8805]

I think we also need an update on mixing 2 track ... What do you think Sean?

[@SeanDivine]

Stay tuned 🙌

[@nassermo.8805]

Let's go 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@bisects]

my hyperx quadcast picks up my computer fan and its not even near close to it... I cant get a decent sound coming from it. my fans my air conditioning are off. and it picks my pc fan off at 55 decimals. 1%cpu %10gpu in task manager too. what do I do?

[@philjames7467]

Raspect bro,

[@philjames7467]

Pleasant day bro, jah love to you and families, little more

[@Iamkrismanns]

See I only hear static when I hit record and on playback. I can sit there with headphones in, mic on, and complete silence. But when I hit record, the static starts and it's do bad I can't record cause can hear it in my recording.

[@JayfkProductions876]

I use a Gaming Laptop for production maaan the fans are my Mic's worst enemy but I'm relocating the 💻 furthest away bcoz no booth in my studio

[@user-mk2vy2cm8m]

Thanks for the video. Question; my signal chain is very basic. Passive Cardiod Mic > M-Audio AIR 192/6 USB w/ phantom power switch > PC > Studio One or Videopad > 2.1 speaker setup. In your opinion, where in this chain do you see the most potential for hum and/or buzz? It should be noted that in order to get a respectable gain on the mic, I have to use phantom power and set the gain at 5 o-clock ( level 9 out of 10 ). Thanks, -J.

[@SeanDivine]

The mic and/or the interface. Different mics have different self noise characteristics (some have a much higher noise floor than others). Cranking your preamp near full gain is almost always going to have a more noisy result as well.

[@user-mk2vy2cm8m]

@@SeanDivine Yep, that's what I was afraid of. Both of my previous M-Audio boxes were great units and I'm sure this one will be too, but I cannot for the life of me understand why they would choose to package the AIR box in a content creator startup kit with a Marantz microphone? Yeah I was a kid throughout the entire 70's so I know what I'm saying when I tell you that Marantz was all about stereo receivers and turntables, and were in competition with Techniques, Pioneer, and to a lesser extent Panasonic for the US home stereo market. But pro audio? Nope. Hell, a house brand mic from Radio Shack would probably kick this things ass. I'm going to try sending a less maxed-out signal through Voicemeeter and see what shakes. In the interim, if you could suggest a good active, non-ribbon mic tailored to this application, that would be great. Thanks!

[@SeanDivine]

@@user-mk2vy2cm8m for the price, you can't go wrong with the NT1 5th gen IMO. It's one of the quietest mics out there in terms of self noise and doesn't require a ton of gain. If you want to go a bit more expensive but more versatile with pickup patterns, I like the AKG 414 XLS.

[@user-mk2vy2cm8m]

@@SeanDivine Thank you. I found out that the video editing software I use has a plug-in that boosts your clean gain up to 3x the current setting. Problem solved.

[@alexaleman16]

Any recommendations i can only breathe out of one nostril so when i play its very hard to keep my breathing noises from getting recorded, are there any tricks to this? I tried to breathe out of my mouth instead but ill naturally stop and switch to my nose during the recording, what would be some good tips for getting those out of recordings?

[@SeanDivine]

You can automate the volume on the breaths or use a plugin like Waves DeBreath (easier option)

[@MeadeSkeltonMusic]

Im getting self noise from a condenser mic that requires phantom power. I got a cheap phantom power that uses usb to power itself. I was wondering if maybe that is the culprit.

[@SeanDivine]

That would be my first guess. Not all preamps are created equally.

[@WickBeavers]

I sadly use open back headphones to record my vocals and so, obviously, I have a little background music from the band on the vocal track. Do you deal with getting rid of this noise anywhere? Thanks!

[@SeanDivine]

Something like Waves Clarity may be helpful… better solution would be to record with closed back and mix / master with open back if possible.

[@officiallistengreatmuzik]

I have someone who sent over raw wav stems from over seas and the mic has some hiss in it, is it any way I can clean up what's already been recorded?

[@SeanDivine]

Depending on how prominent it is, I use Waves NS1 or X-Noise with good results!

[@cesargonzalezbueno3359]

Hey Sean. Why is the ringing point in my recordings?

[@drbeats309]

Hello Mr would you make Mastering tutorial for me

[@smilleur]

Guess who just found out my crackling/microphonic noise was an old mic cable I made :/

[@SAUVEASMEGANG]

👍🏾

[@marquisnicholas6985]

My vocals are always filled with white noise every time i record

[@MrSasUGames]

What audio interface you have? Babyface Pro FS?

[@SeanDivine]

RME UFX

[@MrSasUGames]

@@SeanDivine i have baby face pro fs and its a pitty that don't have this fx xd

[@PatientisKeytoSuccess]

I have a Samsung laptop that costs $200. I only recorded it in my Samsung laptop. I'm not sure if the laptop is not high quality and why it keeps buzzing when I sing or when I listen to my recording.

[@SeanDivine]

Are you using an audio interface? Try plugging your laptop into a different power outlet than the interface / mic.

[@alessiogr]

@@SeanDivine What if the interface is connected to my laptop? I'm using an Elgato Wave XLR Interface, which doesn't need external power.

[@Nothingtodobro]

How to control laptop fan noise bro

[@iameverydaylife1]

Where can I find that desk??

[@SeanDivine]

It's a custom build :)

[@iameverydaylife1]

@@SeanDivine awesome. Keep going with ur vids. We love them! Ily

[@djcj]

6:52 the cables all being together wouldn't cause noise?

[@SeanDivine]

It's a bit misleading back there :) The important audio stuff isn't touching and I'm using LOTS of cable ties.

[@daniell2964]

Big thing that I've come across is that the Macbook fan makes a lot of notice when running sessions... Feels like a hard culprit to eliminate... :/

[@SeanDivine]

It’s a tough one :( the recent macbooks are MUCH quieter… a noise gate is helpful and also if you can place your laptop docked as far away from the mic as possible.

[@eddyrock8136]

I just copped a laptop cooling fan that you place your laptop on top of. Keeps the laptop cool to reduce fan noise when you're not tracking. Then just unplug while you track. The laptop should be cool enough to be quiet.

[@daniell2964]

@@eddyrock8136 oh really? Which did you buy? Do you think it’s worth it.

[@Reachland02]

name of the app?

[@kiminthemix4251]

I have some noise coming out from my monitors. Sometimes..

[@Skrenja]

Lemme guess? KRKs? If they are, then good luck. They aren't sheilded and it's common to hear static, humming and GPU interference through them.

[@kiminthemix4251]

@@Skrenja Not KRKs...A company called Vault

[@lindsaythomas2283]

-70 db is pretty dam good. The best I can get is about -68 db.

[@SeanDivine]

It's a journey, for sure! A lot of experimenting over the years.

[@precisionsoundworksstudio]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@ericpablo]

Subtitulos en español porfavor 🙏

[@dv8media578]

word

[@daminantrecordsmarcoentert1149]

2000 sub

[@Savi-digital]

I hear the beat behind my vocals...why is that?

[@SeanDivine]

Could be headphone bleed if you're monitoring loudly. Which headphones are you using and how isolated are they?

[@333racso]

Hi I need help with Sennheiser Mic e825 when I turn off the handsets the box looks active and makes a noise , Help please!!!!!!😢

[@AgentCarbide-94]

4000th like

[@jonathansmith4394]

So if we purchase RME total mix that will help us remove the background noises??

[@SeanDivine]

It’s not necessary… I show you how to do it without totalmix in the video :)

[@animeguy6097]

What do I do if none of this works

[@LEBRONGWOPPAJAMES]

🤐🍔

[@bigeddie1669]

🔥👏🥹

[@Sammysapphira]

You missed an opportuntiy to say "I'm Sean Divine, hope you're all doing fine"

[@yomoney2871]

Just go buy s Scheps Omni Channel from Waves and turn the Expander Theshold up until the nosie is gone🤷‍♂️ Vocals come out in the front CRYSTAL CLEAR. Your welcome 😎 your welcome

[@Bradleybrookwood]

If I could make a few suggestions that would make your content a lot easier to watch, you've got music on that's really distracting and you've also got jump edits where the audio cuts in and out as though it's all spliced together like you don't take a breath and it makes the audio seem unnatural and very tough to listen to. I think if you were to ditch the background music and ditch the jump edits in terms of audio it would sound a lot more authentic and a lot more organic because it sounds very rushed like you took audio clips of yourself speaking and splice them together and it doesn't always sound very good.

[@WAVSAudioStudio]

Can u pls share your mail id so that I can send u my recordings that done in my studio. From there pls get me your opinions. I feel my recording are hissy