Laptop Fuzz in my tracks??

[RJ Bogus]

Hey Everyone. Sorry if this thread is in the wrong category or whatever, I just need some advice. I have an HP Dual core Pentium Laptop with Windows Vista. I have determined that my Laptop is causing a fuzzy background noise in any track that I record whether it is through the mixer, or straight in the mic input. Even with nothing plugged in at all, I hit record and play it back, the sound is still present. I believe it is the fan inside of the laptop. ? Could I get around this noise by using a USB connected audio interface such as the Presonus USB Audiobox? or something of that nature. Or what are my other options? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, Thanks!

Ryan

 

[Seidy]

try to record on battery power and see if the noise is still there. if it isn't, then you got a grounding problem.

 

[TimOBrien]

....whether it is through the mixer, or straight in the mic input....

Are you using the stock laptop soundcard???

Yeah, that's about 40cents worth of chips made for beeps, boops and light gaming, not music. Gotta get a real audio interface.

Here's a good guide and tested suggestions that WORK: http://www.tweakheadz.com/soundcards_for_the_home_studio.htm

(you'll want to bookmark and read through all of Tweak's Guide while you're there...)

Another good article: Choosing an audio interface - http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep08/articles/audiointerfaces.htm

 

[ido1957]

try to record on battery power and see if the noise is still there. if it isn't, then you got a grounding problem.

My laptop has this same noise when I plug in the three prong power adapter. When I run on batteries or the two prong adapter, there's no noise at all.

 

[RJ Bogus]

Great page man, Thanks. Very helpful indeed!

 

[gecko zzed]

My laptop has this same noise when I plug in the three prong power adapter. When I run on batteries or the two prong adapter, there's no noise at all.

I have the same problem. Someone in one of these forums suggested a solution, but I have to see if I can find it again. I haven't had time to experiment.