stereo recording by using 2 mono recorders and sync issues

Category: Geeks r Us

Post 1 by nikos (English words from a Greek thinking brain) on Friday, 09-May-2014 4:35:17

Hi.
Since I don't have a stereo microphone, but I happened to have 2 plextalk ptr2 recorders, I tried to achieve stereo sound by using both of them at the same time.
I wanted to record the morning sounds from my backyard.
So I set them pointing in opposite directions and I pressed record at the same time .
Then I used my sound editor which is adobe audition, and I put one recording on the left channel and the other on the right.
But I seam to have problems getting the files to synchronise well together.
No matter what I do, they sound wrong.
Even if I manage to get them right, they sound good at first but after a half an hour in to the recording the left channel seams to be very slightly ahead from the right.
So I wanted to ask if there is a program which can synchronise the files together or if there is something else I can do to solve this problem.
If you feel like experimenting, you can get the recording from:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1989628/Morning%20Cyprus%20Easter%20Monday%202014%20mix.mp3
It is 70 minutes.
You can play with the left and right channels, try to adjust them and see if you can synchronise them together.
Nikos

Post 2 by blbobby (Ooo you're gona like this!) on Saturday, 10-May-2014 11:35:11

Sorry, I don't have any expertise to bring to this discussion, except to say that it sounds like the speed on one of the recorders is slightly off.

I just wanted to say hello to my Cypriot buddy and ask how that boy of yours is doing?

Bob

Post 3 by forereel (Just posting.) on Saturday, 10-May-2014 16:07:49

Normally one recorder is used, and if you wish stereo, you use 2 channels and 2 mics.
You'd need a multi channel program like used in a studio. It be expensive.
You could try Gold Wav, I think that is the spelling, and use the effects to see if you could do this maybe.
I've not used it for a long time, so can't say exactly how.

Post 4 by forereel (Just posting.) on Saturday, 10-May-2014 16:16:29

You'd use that program on one device. two recorders, even digital ones are hard to sync.

Post 5 by JH_Radio (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Sunday, 11-May-2014 16:07:09

The speed isn't an issue for him, since they are running at the exact same speed.
Best bet is to either use a mixer with two seprit mono micks, or use a Stereo mick.

Post 6 by nikos (English words from a Greek thinking brain) on Monday, 12-May-2014 6:50:11

Hi all.
Thanks for trying to help.
I had the two recorders setup exactly the same. The same bitrate etc so I don't understand why one of them is getting slightly behind towards the end.
I know stereo microphones would be the best solution but I don't have any yet.
I am very well Bob.
My son is also well. He is 15 months old now and he is about to start walking I think.