Cant seem to get any clear sounds.. please help

[Lovemesounds5-]

Currently using zoom h1N - and I am just unable to get clear sounds. I usually scope out the rooms and place recorder usually on top of the floating light fixture next to the rooms. Because I am not directly infront of the door, I guess it is difficult to pick up the sounds for the recorder. I just dont feel comfortable standing around the room and this is the only way I can do it by hiding it nearby. I travel a lot and usually find rooms with action, but it never translates to the audio file. The sounds are always hidden inside the noise floor.

The action sounds are actually in the zoom h1n wav files, but they are hidden in the noise floor. I can hear them when I amplify and do extreme noise reduction. They are faint sounds so usually hidden inside the noise floor. I've edited so many files where I can hear the women moaning, but because of extreme amplifying and noise reduction, it is so hard to listen to.

I've included a file below as an example, there are a lot of sections where there are sounds, but I am unable to extract properly with noise reduction without over doing it.

Any solution for a better recorder guys? I always feel bummed out when I know action happened, and my recorder picked it up inside the noise floor making it impossible to extract.

[yeppie]

Just a quick first guess: You got a very good recorder but the settings may be not so good.

[Lovemesounds5-]

Just a quick first guess: You got a very good recorder but the settings may be not so good.

Currently recording in 24bit wav file - with the audio input wheel set to around 6

[Take]

Currently recording in 24bit wav file - with the audio input wheel set to around 6

A part from quality and audio input, what other configuration does the Zoom H1N allows?

As yeppie said, you have a really good recorder. I always hear the mics installed in the H1 have really good sensitive, which is ideal to record in the hallways from the hotels.

[Lovemesounds5-]

Currently recording in 24bit wav file - with the audio input wheel set to around 6

A part from quality and audio input, what other configuration does the Zoom H1N allows?

As yeppie said, you have a really good recorder. I always hear the mics installed in the H1 have really good sensitive, which is ideal to record in the hallways from the hotels.

Just low cut, limiter and auto level, which all I have turned off, as I can do these in post, the issue is that it isn't able to pick up sounds far from where it is placed. With it not being directly in front of the room, and the people inside the room adds even more of a distance, I need to get something more sensitive, but low noise floor. The hallways in general produce a lot of noise as the ice machine and AC/heat running creates a noise floor with the zoom h1n already having a significant noise floor. I have tried multiple ways, but the sound is always hidden inside the noise floor, unless I place it directly in front of the door which I tend to not do because of risk of it getting caught.

[audiogeek]

I used to have a Zoom H1N myself, but replaced it with the Zoom H4Essential. This device has 32bit float recording capability. The problem with the Zoom recorders is that the XY-pattern microphones are very good, but they make a bit self noise. When you want to record very soft noises the self noise of the microphone disturbs and the sounds you want to hear drown. In post production you can fix some, but it isn't the real sound you want to hear, or even the sound you have heard yourself.
the pinpointing of the mcirophones to the sound source is essential. I first placed my recorder direct to the wall with the microphones directed upwards. The rattling of hte rain on the roof was perfectly captured, the sounds of the couple weren't.
I decided to buy me external high sensitive microphones. they arrive tomorrow.
I keep you all informed so everyone can benefit!
If you like, I can try to fix your audio. But that will be this friday.

[Lovemesounds5-]

I used to have a Zoom H1N myself, but replaced it with the Zoom H4Essential. This device has 32bit float recording capability. The problem with the Zoom recorders is that the XY-pattern microphones are very good, but they make a bit self noise. When you want to record very soft noises the self noise of the microphone disturbs and the sounds you want to hear drown. In post production you can fix some, but it isn't the real sound you want to hear, or even the sound you have heard yourself.
the pinpointing of the mcirophones to the sound source is essential. I first placed my recorder direct to the wall with the microphones directed upwards. The rattling of hte rain on the roof was perfectly captured, the sounds of the couple weren't.
I decided to buy me external high sensitive microphones. they arrive tomorrow.
I keep you all informed so everyone can benefit!
If you like, I can try to fix your audio. But that will be this friday.

Exactly the issue, h1n needs to be directly focused at the target room, other wise it picks up everything else with it, This weekend, I had 3 different opportunities, the sounds were great, but because the h1n was not placed directly infront of the room, it picked up the sounds very faintly submerged in the noise floor. Please do keep me updated on the mics you purchased.

And yes feel free to edit, or if you have any pointers on how to get the sound out, would be greatly appreciated.

[eros44]

I used to have a Zoom H1N myself, but replaced it with the Zoom H4Essential. This device has 32bit float recording capability. The problem with the Zoom recorders is that the XY-pattern microphones are very good, but they make a bit self noise. When you want to record very soft noises the self noise of the microphone disturbs and the sounds you want to hear drown. In post production you can fix some, but it isn't the real sound you want to hear, or even the sound you have heard yourself.
the pinpointing of the mcirophones to the sound source is essential. I first placed my recorder direct to the wall with the microphones directed upwards. The rattling of hte rain on the roof was perfectly captured, the sounds of the couple weren't.
I decided to buy me external high sensitive microphones. they arrive tomorrow.
I keep you all informed so everyone can benefit!
If you like, I can try to fix your audio. But that will be this friday.

Hi ! Could you please share to us the reference of your sensitive mic ? I have a Zoom H8 with good skills and Im looking also for a sensitive dispositive Thanks for your help

[audiogeek]

Today I got the Clippy high sensitive mic. I got the stereo ones with 3.5mm jack, but there are also with xlr plug and even a smartphone plug.
The clippy's has the Em272 capsule mic's, they are very high sensitive.
But please wait with your order. I first want to try it myself and will give you my impression. And I hope with a good sound example too.

[eros44]

Thanks a lot, can't wait for it !! let us know

[audiogeek]

I can't share a recording yet, but I tried the Clippy mic. It's amazing how sharp and clear the sound is. In my room I couldn't hear the sound of the traffic outside using the XY mic of the Zoom H4eessential. With the Clippy plugged in I lost the background noise of the XY mics and heard all the soft backgroundnoises sharp and clear without having to crank them up. That's quite promising for the purpose we all love to hear on this site, don't you think.

[Lovemesounds5-]

I can't share a recording yet, but I tried the Clippy mic. It's amazing how sharp and clear the sound is. In my room I couldn't hear the sound of the traffic outside using the XY mic of the Zoom H4eessential. With the Clippy plugged in I lost the background noise of the XY mics and heard all the soft backgroundnoises sharp and clear without having to crank them up. That's quite promising for the purpose we all love to hear on this site, don't you think.

Good to hear! Would like to hear a/b test of without the mic and with! Looking forward to your files

[audiogeek]

I will post my recording with the Clippy mics in the hardware section. That's more on topic.

[sonar]

Instead of noise reduction, try using an equalizer.

[bossceo]

I use a h1n my audio input wheel is set at 7.9-8.3 I found that this configuration works the best! Also I record my audio in MP3 format which still comes out great! I highly suggest you turning up the input wheel and giving it another go.
I have recorded with these configurations some really really good recordings and I hope it works for you as well.
Just make sure the mikes are not covered as much as possible