your tips for getting rid of hum and hiss

[videodrone]

Ill go first,

UPGRADE ALL YOUR CABLES

GET ANYTHING IN THE CHAIN THAT IS NOT NEEDED OUT!

AVOID WAHS AND VOLUME PEDALS

[KingstonRock]

Avoid adding gain at multiple stages in the signal chain

[SS454]

I agree with Kingstonrock. Learning to set levels properly is the best way to get rid of noise. Unless you have really crappy recording gear, noise shouldn't really be a problem as long as you set levels correctly. Noise from amplifiers on the other hand......

[c7sus]

I remember when John Prine released a record years ago with lots of hum and the record company guys were upset.

Prine told them they spent a lot of money modding those amps to hum like that.

Keep audio cables away from power cables. Cross at 90 degrees when possible. Do not run audio and power cables parallel within 6 inches of each other.

Use NoAlox or other conductants. LIGHTLY coat plugs and insert into jacks. There are kits specifically available for this, but they aren't really necessary. Helps prevent oxidation of jacks and plugs.

Don't tie your girlfriend up with those 4m patch cords.

It is okay to whip them with a Monster 500 mic cord, though.

[Track Rat]

Whatever you do, don't let her tie YOU up with a 4m patch cable. It can hurt. I know.

[participant]

Uhm.... snakes & kazoos... that's all I got... uh.. kill 'em... hmmm...

[mikeh]

I used to have a problem with humming all the time - but it stopped when I learned the words.

Sorry - I don't normally allow myself to waste a post on a foolish reply - but I just had to in this case.