some synths have a lot of hiss on them and when I compress the signal (out of necessity for the song) I naturally increase the hiss.

Is there any way to reduce the hiss when using a synth through an analogue desk and could it be my desk that's at fault - it's a Behringer MX2542A

Behringer...Hissinger...Crapinger

You have to love Behringer for the low cost products but remember, you get what you pay for.

Actually, upon further thought...

What are you monitoring when you record? The synth or the computer out?

Are the tracks loud/hot before you compress them?

Get them as hot as possible without distortion before compression. You are basically trying to manipulate the signal to noise ratio. It's a crapy way to deal with the problem because you are just masking the hiss with signal.

Are you using really good cables? Better to invest in some really good cables that a new mixing board to start.

Finally, why are you going through the mixing board with the synth and not directly into the computer

Barb,

Never apologize for boosting the signal to noise ratio. Those of us old enough to have spent decades in the analog recording world understand that your advice is always a good idea: Record as hot as you can without distorting. That will give you the best S/N ratio, and in the digital world gives you more bits for dynamic range.

Thanks for the replies. Sorry for the delay in replying. I only just saw your replies.

yes, the desk is crap. I know. I can't afford anything else at the moment, though.


The synth.


At first they weren'T. It was only after asking around I learn this trick. You're right, though - I needed a much mcuh greater S/N ratio.


I only have a 2 in 2 out card and I go into the computer with the outs from the desk. Then I just plug everything into the desk. The next thing on my list of buys it a decent sound card. (and of course, a better desk)

Do Mackie analogue desks have less hiss? Or do I have to go the whole hog and get a digital desk before the hissing really stops.

Cheers