Excessive popping when recording

whocares2021 · #1 05-12-2010, 11:09 PM

So, my band has recently begun recording our songs for use in a demo. However, I've noticed that my tracks have a lot of popping sounds. I'm trying to figure out exactly why this is so I can fix it. I'm not sure if it's an equipment or technique problem.

Some facts: I use my fingers to play. I don't feel like I'm hitting the string too hard, but it's hard to say for certain, as I've been playing this way for 6 years or so. I'm the only one using direct output, everyone else is using room mics for their tracks. I'm using a Hartke vx3500, and a fender precision bass.

My settings for the amp are: Tube around 6.5, Solid around 3.5, compression around 3. EQ starts off maxed for the highs and slowly sloping down to the minimum on the lows. Low pass around 1, high pass maxed. volume around 5. I use Ernie Ball super slinky strings, and I tune down 3 steps on every string. All of these settings have been found through trial and error, trying to dial it in for maximum cut (my band has 2 guitarists, and I can get lost in the mix).

Sorry for the huge amount of probably useless info, but I wanted to be as thorough as possible to get this problem fixed.

**IvanMike** · #2 05-12-2010, 11:42 PM

are you plucking the strings up towards the ceiling or sideways towards the body of the bass and pickup? the latter can cause a pop sound as can plucking "pop" style sideways away from the bass.

if it's not technique, then i would look into the recording forums for a possible culprit (of which there can be many)

**IvanMike** · #3 05-12-2010, 11:44 PM

oh yeah, lose the EQ. rather than use the hartke use a good direct box or plug into one of the mike preamps at the studio. trust me.

strozey · #4 05-12-2010, 11:46 PM

how low is the action on your bass? I had the same problem when I was in the studio, and rather than adjust the action on my bass, I got lucky that the guy let me use a pretty sweet 77 Gibson RD artist which had real high action but no pops

whocares2021 · #5 05-13-2010, 03:23 AM

Thanks for the replies.

Technique wise I think I'm ok. I have a fairly light touch and I tend to pull upwards towards the ceilings. However, during faster/more complicated bits I can't be certain that is still the case, and that is admittedly where the problem tends to crop up the most. The action on my bass is medium to high. However, I recently had my bass looked at, and I noticed when I got it back the pickups were a bit higher than before. I'm thinking that the high pickups, combined with the fact that I use really light strings at such a low tuning, might be the culprit. I'll try some adjustments the next time I'm down there.

donut · #6 05-13-2010, 10:50 AM

The strings might be hitting the poles of the pickup. I've had that before. Combination of lowering the pickup a touch and not digging in so much fixed it for me.

**IvanMike** · #7 05-13-2010, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whocares2021

Thanks for the replies.

Technique wise I think I'm ok. I have a fairly light touch and I tend to pull upwards towards the ceilings. However, during faster/more complicated bits I can't be certain that is still the case, and that is admittedly where the problem tends to crop up the most. The action on my bass is medium to high. However, I recently had my bass looked at, and I noticed when I got it back the pickups were a bit higher than before. I'm thinking that the high pickups, combined with the fact that I use really light strings at such a low tuning, might be the culprit. I'll try some adjustments the next time I'm down there.

that could be it. you may not have to lower the pickup if you go with tighter strings and soften your attack somewhat (unless that is part of your sound)

bassbrad · #8 05-13-2010, 11:39 AM

What you describe is the sound of string to magnet contact. Try a bit of tape on top of your pickups, masking tape works fine, I keep a roll in my recording kit just in case.

mpm32 · #9 05-13-2010, 01:24 PM

Or, do you anchor your thumb on a pickup? I do sometimes and when I play my thumb moves the pickup sometimes and you can hear it moving.

DeluxeRed · #10 05-13-2010, 01:34 PM

If you are recording to a DAW, a lack of CPU power can cause popping during recording and playback. Kill off any plugins or other programs and free-up as much processing headroom as possible, or limit the number of simultaneous tracks

Calebmundy · #11 05-13-2010, 01:39 PM

Look into your diet and consult your doctor man. That sounds very unpleasant.

Tricia · #12 05-13-2010, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whocares2021

So, my band has recently begun recording our songs for use in a demo. However, I've noticed that my tracks have a lot of popping sounds. I'm trying to figure out exactly why this is so I can fix it. I'm not sure if it's an equipment or technique problem.

Some facts: I use my fingers to play. I don't feel like I'm hitting the string too hard, but it's hard to say for certain, as I've been playing this way for 6 years or so. I'm the only one using direct output, everyone else is using room mics for their tracks. I'm using a Hartke vx3500, and a fender precision bass.

My settings for the amp are: Tube around 6.5, Solid around 3.5, compression around 3. EQ starts off maxed for the highs and slowly sloping down to the minimum on the lows. Low pass around 1, high pass maxed. volume around 5. I use Ernie Ball super slinky strings, and I tune down 3 steps on every string. All of these settings have been found through trial and error, trying to dial it in for maximum cut (my band has 2 guitarists, and I can get lost in the mix).

Sorry for the huge amount of probably useless info, but I wanted to be as thorough as possible to get this problem fixed.

I've been getting pops and clicks while recording lately too. I think it might be some kind of electrical interference.

I moved my interface away from my preamp a little, and switched to a better cable. That seems to have helped.

hbarcat · #13 05-13-2010, 04:30 PM

What type of recording device are you using?

In some cases, clicks or pops will be recorded if recording to a digital device that is being used in combination with another digital device and the two devices are out of sync. In cases like this, you can solve the problem by slaving one digital device to the other device's digital clock.

Other causes of pops or clicks can often have a characteristic sound and it may be possible to identify the culprit by posting a clip to the forum and have others listen to the noise.