what is the best audio gear i can use to record audio book in my bed room?

[Richard Crowley]

The SM57 sounds "best" to me, because it is the only one that does NOT sound "boomy".

The better frequency response of the other, more expensive, mics seems like a disadvantage in your examples because of your voice and/or the resonance of the room.

[Mohamed GadAllah]

Thanks for your feed back.

Originally Posted by Richard Crowley

mics seems like a disadvantage in your examples because of your voice and/or the resonance of the room.

Please may you clear this point more?

[Richard Crowley]

All of the samples (except the SM57) sound "BOOMY" to me.
They sound like they were recorded inside a barrel with a strong resonance in the low range.
That resonance reduces the intelligibility of the speech.

You could use equalization to filter out the "boom", but that seems silly.
Why use an expensive microphone and then filter everything when you get a better signal without filtering from an inexpensive microphone?

Or you could modify the acoustics of your room so that it does not resonate like that (perhaps with absorbing materials and/or bass traps).

[Mohamed GadAllah]

I was talking while I was about 2 inches away from the microphone in each sample, do I need to be in a far position ?

[Gary Nattrass]

Originally Posted by Mohamed GadAllah

I was talking while I was about 2 inches away from the microphone in each sample, do I need to be in a far position ?

Most cardioid mic's have a proximity effect that increases the bass response the closer you get, 2 inches is fine to get the best signal to noise ratio but I would suggest a high pass filter 80-100hz to cut down the proximity lift.

Personally I would be using a condenser mic to do voice over work and they would allow more control and a mic such as the SE X1 would allow you to add a -10db pad at the mic end and an 80hz high pass filter.

Have you considered a package like this as it would also allow some room isolation: sE Electronics X1 Condenser Microphone + Shock Mount + Pop Filter + Reflexion Filter + 3m XLR Cable at Juno Records

[Mohamed GadAllah]

I've tried several condenser microphones (but not the model you listed) and it was picking a lot of background because I am recording in my bed room so any small sound in the other rooms or in the street it capture (sometimes I found it capture the voices that I do not hear my self with my own ears but I can hear it after recording in the background of the recorded clip).
This is why I've choosed dynamics path in the early beginning instead of condenser.
This is why I am a bit confused.

[Gary Nattrass]

Originally Posted by Mohamed GadAllah

I've tried several condenser microphones (but not the model you listed) and it was picking a lot of background because I am recording in my bed room so any small sound in the other rooms or in the street it capture (sometimes I found it capture the voices that I do not hear my self with my own ears but I can hear it after recording in the background of the recorded clip).
This is why I've choosed dynamics path in the early beginning instead of condenser.
This is why I am a bit confused.

Condensor mic's are generally more sensitive than dynamics so that is why they tend to have a -10db pad, if it is 2 inches away then you should be able to get reasonable results as the voice will be way louder than any background ambience but that isolation arc pictured will also help.

I have done many voice overs and on-location narratives and if you choose the best room you have you should be able to get reasonable results with a mic very close but you need to get your gain structure right and avoid proximity effect.

A dynamic mic 2 inches away with a good amount of foam windshield will be OK too but you will also still need to filter the proximity effect to reduce the bass lift. I would personally also add some high frequency sparkle but if you are still having problems then maybe your bedroom is the ultimate problem.

I would personally put on a 80-100hz high pass filter and look into getting a pop screen and isolation arc so you can get even closer to the mic therefore reducing the gain required on your recorder which will in turn make any noises in the background quieter.

[Mohamed GadAllah]

So you think that I should buy this package from sE Electronics? and give up dynamics microphones I have.

[Gary Nattrass]

Originally Posted by Mohamed GadAllah

So you think that I should buy this package from sE Electronics? and give up dynamics microphones I have.

No but like Richard I think the SM57 sounds best and if you add the isolation arc and a good pop filter so you can get closer and then a 80-100hz high pass filter it will improve things further.

I think other people have already said that choosing the zoom recorder may not have been the best option in the first place.

If I was setting up to do such a recording project I would have bought a USB interface with better mic amps and record straight to my computer, the Tascam I have also has it's own in-build basic software mixer and comes free with some audio editing software from Steinberg

So for me a Tascam US-366 interface and the SE X1 mic package I linked to would have been a better starting point than an external recorder as it would allow better control and monitoring with your recordings going straight to your computer ready for editing and uploading for on-line use. You would also be able to add basic equalisation before recording and afterwards.

[Rick Reineke]

If you are in close proximity to a 57/58.. a different mic/preamp will definitely not make a night/day difference. You have other issues my friend. (recording space and/or skills on both sides of the mic)

[Greg Miller]

Mr. GadAllah,

Looking over this very long thread, I feel as if you have asked the same question numerous times: "What new equipment should I buy that magically will solve all my problems?"

And I see that numerous people have given you answers that are all over the universe.

It's as if you are in the middle of the ocean, trying to learn how to swim. You are surrounded by strangers who keep saying, "Swim this way," "No, swim over toward me." "No, try a backstroke." "You will drown unless you try a breaststroke." "You are going in the wrong direction." Eventually you will get exhausted, you will quit swimming without getting anywhere, and you will drown.

I'm sure that the advice has been given in good faith, but this whole thread seems to be heading toward floundering and frustration.

I listened to a few of your mic tests. I hear the resonance of the room. It is probably rather small, with hard surfaces. And I hear children yelling somewhere (outside?). And I hear some hiss from the preamp in the recorder.

The hiss can be reduced electronically, although that might cause a slight reduction in the quality of the voice. If the recording is for a few friends and family, that is probably acceptable. If you plan to sell (or give) the recording to hundreds or thousands of people, then maybe a better preamp would be appropriate. Thus, again, we need to know the ultimate plan for this recording.

The room resonance, and especially the children yelling, bother me. They are distracting. In my opinion, rather than spend thousands of dollars buying lots of electronic equipment that you do not need (and probably will never use), you should think about a better studio. It needs to be isolated from outside noise. And the interior needs to be treated to reduce the resonance. Can you invest in building -- or in renting -- a better studio space?

One problem with using this forum is that you will always be offered numerous ideas, which will pull you in different directions. They are mostly good ideas, but they are different options. You don't have the experience to choose which option is best for you. And each person here has his own idea of what is best. This will always be confusing to you.

It's too bad that you cannot find one professional, close to you, whom you can trust. Life would be much less confusing if you could get just one person leading you in one direction. It's too bad you are not nearby, where we might be able to evaluate your studio and to show you -- in person -- how to connect and use your equipment. Even if it is a paid consultant, I think you would be less confused, and would reach your goal much sooner.

For now, please let us know whether you have any other options for your studio ... either making changes to the present room, or renting a different room. Knowing these things will help me, at least, formulate some further suggestions.

[Mohamed GadAllah]

Originally Posted by Greg Miller

Mr. GadAllah,
Looking over this very long thread, I feel as if you have asked the same question numerous times: "What new equipment should I buy that magically will solve all my problems?"
And I see that numerous people have given you answers that are all over the universe.
It's as if you are in the middle of the ocean, trying to learn how to swim. You are surrounded by strangers who keep saying, "Swim this way," "No, swim over toward me." "No, try a backstroke." "You will drown unless you try a breaststroke." "You are going in the wrong direction." Eventually you will get exhausted, you will quit swimming without getting anywhere, and you will drown.

You successfully expressed my exact situation and you can imagine course the money I've paid so far in such gear ... but I am convinced now completely that I was mistaken to buy gear in my own.

Originally Posted by Greg Miller

I'm sure that the advice has been given in good faith, but this whole thread seems to be heading toward floundering and frustration.

I embarrassed to tell so so thanks once again for give me the chance to say and confirm so.

Originally Posted by Greg Miller

I listened to a few of your mic tests. I hear the resonance of the room. It is probably rather small, with hard surfaces. And I hear children yelling somewhere (outside?). And I hear some hiss from the preamp in the recorder.
The hiss can be reduced electronically, although that might cause a slight reduction in the quality of the voice. If the recording is for a few friends and family, that is probably acceptable. If you plan to sell (or give) the recording to hundreds or thousands of people, then maybe a better preamp would be appropriate. Thus, again, we need to know the ultimate plan for this recording.
The room resonance, and especially the children yelling, bother me. They are distracting. In my opinion, rather than spend thousands of dollars buying lots of electronic equipment that you do not need (and probably will never use), you should think about a better studio. It needs to be isolated from outside noise. And the interior needs to be treated to reduce the resonance. Can you invest in building -- or in renting -- a better studio space?

Recorded audio book will be sent to some websites to be downloaded by visitors and I want audio quality to be s good as possible.
Yes the room is 4x5 meters and it is full with furniture (bed, table, desk, clothes closet) and wall is not covered with anything, so I think I will cover the wall with something to have any kind of treatment.
They are my kids in the next room.
I think I will work when they are a sleep.
Does the preamp I've (Behringer MIC2200 Ultra Gain Pro) considered enough? or you think having a mixer like Allen & Heath Zed FX12 or Behringer Zynex UFX1204USB may be a good preamp and sell H4N and get H6 to get a better preamp.

Originally Posted by Greg Miller

One problem with using this forum is that you will always be offered numerous ideas, which will pull you in different directions. They are mostly good ideas, but they are different options. You don't have the experience to choose which option is best for you. And each person here has his own idea of what is best. This will always be confusing to you.
It's too bad that you cannot find one professional, close to you, whom you can trust. Life would be much less confusing if you could get just one person leading you in one direction. It's too bad you are not nearby, where we might be able to evaluate your studio and to show you -- in person -- how to connect and use your equipment. Even if it is a paid consultant, I think you would be less confused, and would reach your goal much sooner.
For now, please let us know whether you have any other options for your studio ... either making changes to the present room, or renting a different room. Knowing these things will help me, at least, formulate some further suggestions.

Actually I did get some paid consultant but there were not professionals to give me a solution. How can I let you be in my situation as possible?
shall I film my place? or covering the wall with Acoustic Panels in the front of me and will use small booth like a portable one during recording.

But once again you expressed me correctly when you said that I do not know the final solution.
Yes and I am still thinking about the hardware if I need to sell it and get other thing or go ahead with what I've.

[Greg Miller]

Originally Posted by Mohamed GadAllah

I want audio quality to be s good as possible.

With all respect, those words, "as good as possible," are part of the confusion. If you want the audio quality to be as good as possible, find a professional recording studio with an announce booth with proper soundproofing and acoustics, a knowledgeable engineer, and the correct equipment (as chosen by the knowledgeable engineer).

Oh... you don't want to do that? So then you do not really mean "as good as possible."

When different people answer your question, each person has his own idea what is "as good as possible" within some limits. And since you have not explained your limits, each person imagines a different set of limits ... what HE would think is good enough for a free audio book.

One person might think, "this is a hobby project, so a little hiss from the preamp, and a little reverberation from the room, is quite adequate." Another person might think, "the recording should sound as good as a commercially recorded audiobook that is sold for profit."

So, let us make more clear the idea "as good as possible." Let's go one step at a time.

You said you will record when your children are asleep. So the first question is this: should we ignore the children's voices that we hear in your test recordings? If your answer is "yes, ignore them" then for now we can ignore making the room soundproof. If your answer is "no, don't ignore the voices," then we need to talk about soundproofing. That gets complicated. We would need to know about construction practices where you live, how the room is built, what changes can be made, how much this would cost, how much you are willing to spend.

So let's all agree on this one question. What is your decision, Mohammed? Should we ignore the children's voices that we hear?

[Mohamed GadAllah]

Finally someone really feel my situation and how much frustration and disappointed I am.

Originally Posted by Greg Miller

So let's all agree on this one question. What is your decision, Mohammed? Should we ignore the children's voices that we hear?

No sir, do not ignore the kids voices and I will not rent a studio because it is very expensive as I am working in my own as a volunteer and will not sell the audio and yes I want it to be as good as the commercial audio so I will have to work on my place and treat it to be able to do the job.
I will have some pictures to my place where I set to record so you can have a better idea.
Once again thanks a lot :)

[Richard Crowley]

I fear that you started out with the wrong question. "Gear" may be the lesser of your problems with recording in your bed room. A much bigger issue for you (and most other people who want to do this) is creating an acoustic space suitable for recording. You will be far better off creating a suitable space vs. buying big piles of gear which you don't need.

Many people in similar situations find that they must do their recording in the middle of the night or early morning when their house (and their neighborhood) is quietest. It may even be the case that getting decent quality recordings is simply not possible in your bed room.