Topic: Crackling in recording CA14 cardioids

[Thierry]

Went to see aerosmith yesterday and got the show recorded there is a weird crackle all over the recording. I've already replaced the cable from my m10 to the battery box but that wasn't the solution. Any ideas? I can post a sample if needed.

Got my next show on Tuesday...

[Thierry]

I've got the mics clipped on my shirt. It looks like the problem is with the mics, if that's the case I'm screwed for next weeks gigs..

Please check the attachment.

[willndmb]

i don't hear anything but with a 1 sec clip that might be why
can you do at least 10

[Thierry]

Hopefully this will do it (see attachment). The strange thing is, it's not there all the time. Or at least not audible, at quiet parts it's really annoying.

[Chuck]

I hear no crackling. I do hear applause (sharp hand claps).

[Thierry]

I hear no crackling. I do hear applause (sharp hand claps).

Please check again with headphones - it's definately not applause.

[Chuck]

In an editor I see there is something wonky about the right WAV form, but with only that short clip I attributed it to the guitar sound. But, I don't see any crackling there.

[Thierry]

In an editor I see there is something wonky about the right WAV form, but with only that short clip I attributed it to the guitar sound. But, I don't see any crackling there.

Must be something with the mics, can't be anything else. My recording from the day before this Aerosmith gig has the same issues.

[Thierry]

It's a problem with intermittent power, signal, or humidity on the capsule in the right channel.

Thanks is there anything that I can do to fix this?

[Thierry]

That depends on whether the microphones can be serviced.  What equipment are you using?

Church Audio CA14 cardioids -> Church Audio Ugly 2 Pre-amp -> Sony M10.

I guess I won't be able to record the Richie Sambora gig in Cologne this Tuesday now .

[Marshall7]

Well...you can still record, and if the problem occurs again, worst case scenario is you can replace the bad track with the good one and create a "dual mono" recording.  Hell of a lot better than nothing.

[Marshall7]

And the first thing I thought of when you said this - "I've got the mics clipped on my shirt" - is that the mic was rubbing against your shirt when you move.

[hoppedup]

Well...you can still record, and if the problem occurs again, worst case scenario is you can replace the bad track with the good one and create a "dual mono" recording.  Hell of a lot better than nothing.

I did this when I pinched one of the cables on my CA-11 and did not realize it until after I'd made two recordings with a crackling sound.

[Gutbucket]

Haven't listened, but you may be able to salvage the recordings by playing around with the filter settings of a "pop and click" reduction filter typically designed for surface noise on LP transfers.  I've used that for mic rubbing against fabric noise crackle before with excellent results.

[Church-Audio]

I would be more than happy to take a look at the mics for you.

[Chuck]

I would be more than happy to take a look at the mics for you.

 

There you go.

[Ekib]

You know what , I think it sounds like airco . I've had it on several gigs too , indoors , where you don't use windshields. Now if I feel airco blowing I move up a little bit . Because that is exactly how airco sounds on a recording .

I am attaching a piece of a recording I did . It has the same crackle as your clip . There was nothing wrong with my mic , it really was the airco blowing into the mic with no windshields.

[anr]

Applying a 60Hz hum filter fixes it. 

[Thierry]

Applying a 60Hz hum filter fixes it.

Unfortunately it didn't fix it. I've bought a new pair of CA14 omni's and I'll ship the broken cardioids to Chris to let him fix it .

[Thierry]

You know what , I think it sounds like airco . I've had it on several gigs too , indoors , where you don't use windshields. Now if I feel airco blowing I move up a little bit . Because that is exactly how airco sounds on a recording .

I am attaching a piece of a recording I did . It has the same crackle as your clip . There was nothing wrong with my mic , it really was the airco blowing into the mic with no windshields.

There are windscreens on the CA14 cards, it surely can't be the airco.

[anr]

Applying a 60Hz hum filter fixes it.

Unfortunately it didn't fix it. I've bought a new pair of CA14 omni's and I'll ship the broken cardioids to Chris to let him fix it .

It fixes the file you posted, but of course doesn't address the root problem.  I used Waves X-Hum, 60Hz with the steep roll off. 

[adrianf74]

There are windscreens on the CA14 cards, it surely can't be the airco.

I would disagree.  Even though they have "built in" windscreens, if you're right under/close to the vent, you can get that "sound" in your recording.   If you haven't shipped off the mics for repair yet, try doing a recording in an empty room (with no air conditioning) and see what you get.  If that phenomenon exists again, it's the mics.  If it doesn't, it was something in the venue (and likely air conditioning).

[it-goes-to-eleven]

It's good to do a wiggle test once in a while. Assemble the rig and listen to the headphone out while wiggling all the connections, cables, etc. Though reviewing the waveform is often a better test than trying to hear stuff that can be subtle.

[pontiacb]

There are windscreens on the CA14 cards, it surely can't be the airco.

I would disagree.  Even though they have "built in" windscreens, if you're right under/close to the vent, you can get that "sound" in your recording.   If you haven't shipped off the mics for repair yet, try doing a recording in an empty room (with no air conditioning) and see what you get.  If that phenomenon exists again, it's the mics.  If it doesn't, it was something in the venue (and likely air conditioning).

I second this view, I've been under fierce aircon with CA14s and had similar issues.  The inbuilt windscreens will stop a light draft, but not a thumping full on aircon.

[Thierry]

Guys, the issue where definately the mics. I've had the same problems for my last 3 recordings.

I've borrowed a set of CA14 cards from my friend this week, recorded Richie Sambora in Cologne with it. The sound came out great.

I only wish Chris Church would reply to my e-mail with his address so I can get my mics fixed..

[anr]

I only wish Chris Church would reply to my e-mail with his address so I can get my mics fixed..

Given the cost of shipping/insurance, turn round time etc it MAY be worthwhile just looking for 2nd hand mics from a European user in Yard Sale. 

[Thierry]

I only wish Chris Church would reply to my e-mail with his address so I can get my mics fixed..

Given the cost of shipping/insurance, turn round time etc it MAY be worthwhile just looking for 2nd hand mics from a European user in Yard Sale.

I don't mind to pay for it. I'd really like them to be repaired.

[Ekib]

I only wish Chris Church would reply to my e-mail with his address so I can get my mics fixed..

Given the cost of shipping/insurance, turn round time etc it MAY be worthwhile just looking for 2nd hand mics from a European user in Yard Sale.

I don't mind to pay for it. I'd really like them to be repaired.

Chris always answers emails , did you try his correct email ?
Otherwise sent me a PM .