clicks / pops recording with SM57

pootayjj · Post by **pootayjj** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 12:47 pm

Hello, I am using:

SM57 into M-Audio FastTrack Pro into DP 5.12 mono track

When recording a french horn (even at very low levels), I am getting clicks and pops -- sometimes during long notes sometimes during the ends of notes, etc. I cannot figure it out, perhaps I am micing too closely to the horn? Has anyone encountered this problem with this setup before.

Thank you for the help!

jrdmcdnld · Post by **jrdmcdnld** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 7:22 pm

I've seen many 57s with loose mesh grills.

Tell me about your buffer settings.

BradLyons · Post by **BradLyons** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 7:45 pm

Sounds like it could be a sample buffers issue, is it only with that mic? Maybe it's a bad cable, have you tried different cables?

pootayjj · Post by **pootayjj** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 9:09 pm

Thanks for the replies, guys. I have tried multiple cables and still have the same problem. Currently I've got my buffer setting set to 256K for recording (same as when I record in MIDI parts). Unfortunately I only own the one mic, so I guess I don't have others to compare it to.

jrdmcdnld · Post by **jrdmcdnld** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 4:59 am

What computer are you using? If you are using a mac with a single processor, you should have the work priority set on medium or low, not high.

pootayjj · Post by **pootayjj** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 7:00 am

I am using a PPC 2.0GHZ, and my work priority was set to High. I've searched the help menu and DP manual, but I can't find an explanation as to what this specific setting means. Why would having it set to High adversely affect the recording, and do you know what specifically I am "prioritizing" in this menu selection. Any supplemental documentation as to this setting would be greatly appreciated!

I have a good handle on my MIDI but am truly a novice when it comes to recording.

Thanks,
Jason

jrdmcdnld · Post by **jrdmcdnld** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 5:56 am

The work priority setting is the processor thread priority. DP is optimized for dual processor machines. In most cases, if you are running a single processor machine, you have to use a medium or low setting. This will have no effect on sound quality (IMO). Set it to medium, and that should help with clicks and pops.

pootayjj · Post by **pootayjj** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 6:46 am

Thanks jrd! I'll give it a shot. And thanks for the explanation.

jrdmcdnld · Post by **jrdmcdnld** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 12:10 pm

No sweat. I hope that takes care of it for you.