Which recording has more noise?

[harmonica44]

There are two recordings in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHf8-UoY7lE&feature=youtu.be

It's the same room tone, recorded at different gain and fader settings, with different modifications made in post to each. Half way through, it switches to another recording. The difference may be subtle but which recording do you think has less pre-amp/mic noise?

 

[Pavelcz]

The first one is a bit better in my opinion.

 

[harmonica44]

I though the second was better. What about the first one do you like?

 

[mad_hatter]

Oooh... I love competitions. What does the winner get?

 

[gpforet]

The first has more overall noise. The second has less noise in the mid/high band but a high pitched (maybe 8-10k) whistle which is distracting. In addition, there's seems to be more low end rubble in the second one. If I was choosing between which to use, I'd likely take the first and apply noise reduction.

 

[harmonica44]

Okay thanks. When you say low end rubble, are you referring to a sound produced by the mic or pre-amps themselves, or by a sound that was actually in the room, when recorded?

 

[gpforet]

Can't really tell but I doubt the low rubble was caused by the preamp. Sounds like the room. More likely the first was recorded with high pass engaged, and the second one without or the preamp in the first part is not sensitive to low end.

I can't think of a time when recording on set, that I did not have high pass engaged, although depending on the source, I'll use a 80hz or 120hz cutoff.

Okay thanks. When you say low end rubble, are you referring to a sound produced by the mic or pre-amps themselves, or by a sound that was actually in the room, when recorded?

 

[harmonica44]

Okay thanks. I didn't use a high pass or anything engaged. I also boosted up the gain really high in post, to see which has more noise. But everything on set is recorded at a much higher quality. Which scream is recorded better between these two:

http://youtu.be/7ufZ7M30u5A

 

[klawire]

Okay thanks. I didn't use a high pass or anything engaged. I also boosted up the gain really high in post, to see which has more noise. But everything on set is recorded at a much higher quality. Which scream is recorded better between these two:

http://youtu.be/7ufZ7M30u5A

The second scream sounds much more distant and less powerful than the first one.

 

[harmonica44]

Okay thanks. Even though the first one sounds closer though, does it not sound a little more distorted though?

 

[klawire]

Yes, it does sound a little more distorted. Althought I'd guess it's not technically distortion, but the natural sound of the throat vibrating. I can't say which one is better, it depends on what kind of an effect you're aiming for.

 

[Alcove Audio]

I hope Harmonica never becomes a parent - the kid would starve to death while he debates whether to get Beechnut or Gerber.....

 

[harmonica44]

Okay well both screams, are the same and are both mine. I assume my throat was vibrating in both, since I tried to scream as loud as I could. So if it is my throat, then that one is better quality, but if it is not, then it's audio distortion.