Topic: Clipping?

[MasterOfPuppets]

Is this audio clipped? Audacity doesn't show any clipping, but there seems to be some sort of distortion... Is there any way to fix this in post? It seems to be only on the vocals, but it may be in small amounts in other places. (Part is somewhat loud, caution to people to have headphones on high).

[page]

based purely on your description I'd ask the following question:

Were the vocals the loudest thing?

If yes, then it could be that the vocals distorted the input of your preamp/recorder. You'll find more often on cheaper recorders that there are settings which allow the recorder to have an overloaded input and have a lower signal than would clip the ADC (which is why you don't see anything clipping digitally).

If no, then it's likely an over-driven signal chain at the show (an input was too hot, the soundguy pushed the speakers too hard, bad mic, etc).

You won't be able to fix either of these, but one of them is preventable.

[MasterOfPuppets]

The vocals probably were the loudest in parts, there may be a little distortion on the keys as well, but it's very minor in comparison if it is.

I've gotten similar results with the same mic (Tascam iM2) at another show with about the same seats, but a different venue/band. Since the only options on the mic are level (which wasn't at max) and the limiter, would the limiter be of any help in the future?

[page]

I've gotten similar results with the same mic (Tascam iM2) at another show with about the same seats, but a different venue/band.

The tascam mic may be what's overloading. I'm not familiar with it or the specs.

[MasterOfPuppets]

The tascam mic may be what's overloading. I'm not familiar with it or the specs.

Thanks for the help!