Noise is relative, turn up the thing you're recording! (Yes, this is mostly a joke, but there is some truth to it)
Also, don't sweat it too much. If you happen across the multitracks of Stevie Wonder's 'Superstition' you'll hear there's all sorts of foot shuffling and bum scratching from the horn section, it doesn't stop it being a great recording.
Particularly if you're doing multi instrumental type stuff then a bit of background isn't always the end of the world. (Obviously if you're doing solo vocal stuff then it's more of an issue).
There's some good tips here in terms of ways to block up your windows, of course some basic principals will help. Point the mic away from the window, try and record at times when there's less traffic (if it's traffic noise) or get a bird scarer (if it's 'environmental' noise). If you've got a healthy enough signal going in to your recording (such that you only hear the noise when you're not singing / playing then some judicious gating might help.
Child
|