Using the USB Audio Recorder PRO app, many Android devices are now able to utilize USB microphones. This feature has been available for iOS for a while, but it’s new to Android functionality. Being able to use your USB microphone for mobile recording can drastically increase recording quality since the integrated microphones are rarely known for producing high quality recordings. The app itself is available for $4, but considering the options that it opens up, it’s pretty inexpensive.
Clearing Unwanted Distortion
Distortion has its place in music, but unwanted distortion can ruin a recording. Distortion can result from a microphone receiving too much sound. Think of someone on the other end of the phone screaming; their voice will be far from clear. Some simple solutions include moving the mic farther from the source, or even using a different type of microphone.
You can read more tips about distortion here: http://www.prosoundweb.com/article/church_sound_audio_distortion_–_finding_the_source_and_clearing_the_air/
Eliminating The Hum Of A Ground Loop
A ground loop is an electrical problem that can present as a noisy hum. Some musicians like to use a three-to-two pin converter plug as a quick fix for the problem, but that can remove the important safety features of using a grounded outlet. Start by plugging all of the equipment that will be handling your audio signal into a single power strip (be careful not to overload it!). This works because all of the ground lines in your gear will eventually lead to a single ground point, the wall outlet, eliminating any chance of a difference in electrical potential, which is the root cause of a ground loop.
You can read about other ways to avoid or fix a ground loop here: http://en.audiofanzine.com/recording-mixing/editorial/articles/banish-ground-loop-hum.html
When Are You A Producer
It may be your goal to be a producer, but where do you cross the line drawn between hobbyist and professional? The point comes with money. If someone is paying you for your production skills, you’ve done it! As the adage goes, if you’re good at something, don’t do it for free.
You can read more tips for up-and-coming producers here: http://www.prosoundweb.com/article/in_the_studio_how_do_you_become_a_producer/
Build A Home Recording Studio On A Budget
There’s only so much that can fixed when mixing. Starting with a good recording will make your life easier, and eventually you may want to have a dedicated area for recording complete with good acoustics and proper wiring. Notably absent from the list of things you want with a home recording studio is a second mortgage, but it doesn’t have to be that expensive. Take a look at the eBook linked below for tons of tips on how to get your studio set up on a budget.
For the link to purchase the eBook for $24, take a look here: http://www.amazon.com/Home-Recording-Studio-Build-Like/dp/143545717X
We also have an eBook for $5.99 that shows you how to put together a computer-based recording studio capable of producing pro audio starting for under $100. You can get the pdf version here: How To Build a Home Recording Studio.
Kindle version: How To Build a Home Recording Studio.