What's causing this "Vibrato" effect?

drofluf

Decided to connect my Zoom H2 directly to my computer (2011 Mac Mini 16GB RAM) and am getting an odd "Vibrato" effect. Any idea what could be causing it?

I know about the clipping That's easily rectified.

Whistler

If you listen to the reording on them Zoom, does it have that stuttering?

Copy the audio file from the Zoom to the desktop. If you listen to the audio file does that have the stuttering?

drofluf

There isn’t a file on the Zoom, I’m using the Zoom purely as an external microphone for the computer. 

maltingsaudio

Could be sample rate or a clock related thing, I assume your going in digitally ? Also check the driver your using

Whistler

I agree with @maltingsaudio ;.
What program are you using on your computer to record?
Is the sound alright before you record? ie. listening to the input signal?

drofluf

I'm using Audacity to record; wasn't monitoring the input though I'll give that a try

drofluf

Just tried with Garageband (which I'd forgotten I had!) and results seem much better, albeit with a much lower level which I can't increase. The control is greyed out.

TheBigDipper

drofluf said:

Just tried with Garageband (which I'd forgotten I had!) and results seem much better, albeit with a much lower level which I can't increase. The control is greyed out.

Most audio interfaces have the ability to amplify or reduce your signal level before it hits the A/D converter and enters the digital domain. If your signal is truly quieter (rather than just showing a smaller waveform graphic on the track or similar) then is there a way of increasing the recording level on the H2 when it's being used as an audio interface? 

drofluf

TheBigDipper said:

Most audio interfaces have the ability to amplify or reduce your signal level before it hits the A/D converter and enters the digital domain. If your signal is truly quieter (rather than just showing a smaller waveform graphic on the track or similar) then is there a way of increasing the recording level on the H2 when it's being used as an audio interface? 

Thanks - you hit the nail right on the head there. It is just a smaller graphic!

drofluf

Just updated to the latest version of Audacity which sorted the original problem.

Whistler

It is nice to hear that the problem has been solved. Well done!

drofluf

Whistler said:

It is nice to hear that the problem has been solved. Well done!

Thanks! Some good pointers from here. Plus I find “thinking a problem aloud” albeit virtually often helps

maltingsaudio

Glad your sorted and I’ve learnt a bit about the H2