Background Computer Noise: HELP!!!!

[Professor PT]

I am using Cakewalk on an HP pavilion( 1.5 years old ). When I use the mic to record, I get horrible background noise--buzzing, etc. I am using a Shure SM57 through an ART pre-amp. I've tried using every input and channel of the computer and still get the noise. I've tried without the pre-amp as well; no dice. It was working okay months ago, but now there is this noise that seems to be coming directly from the computer. I have unplugged every peripheral and checked all other electronic sources in the room for interference with no luck. Is this computer just crap? I have tried different soundcards before as well with no less hissing and noise. I am going insane with this! Please, some computer geek out there help me!

 

[NYMorningstar]

Sounds like you have it narrowed down to being the soundcard. Try removing and reinstalling it.

 

[Monkey Allen]

Outside chance that you need to check the advanced sound options in control panel and mute the cd line in option. If left on this has been known to cause all kinds of weird sounds...scratching, squeaking etc.

 

[timboZ]

Try this on your computer power cable.

http://www.mingston.com/images/p44_c_300.jpg

It may be a ground issue.

 

[Professor PT]

I can't re-install the soundcard because it's integrated into the motherboard. Also, I have tried muting every line in/out that's not in use to no avail. And, it's not a grounding issue; my house has upgraded electric with the ground in the outlet. I was thinking of trying another external soundcard to see if that does anything, but when I did that before, there was still quite a bit of hiss/noise. There's not much else to do but get a new computer, which is not an option right now. What's ironic is that I never had these issues with my old computer!!

 

[tangerine]

Get a seperate sound card, you may still get the noise but you will be able to mute the noise out as suggested earlier in this thread. I have the same problem with my terratec but when I mute the CD channel the noise gets muted.

 

[Professor PT]

You know what? I was just reading some info on the site and found out that the source of my many headaches is probably that I need an impedance adapter for my mic cable!! I'll be off to get one soon and will report back; hopefully this is the answer to the hum and buzz.

 

[Professor PT]

Well, the adapter has helped quite a bit, yet there's still some background noise. I'm wondering if it's possible to eliminate all of this when using a mic or not. I guess it could drive me insane if I try to get rid of all of it.

 

[mbenny123]

Every integrated on-board sound I have used always has a huge amount of noise. You really need to buy a better interface if you want to significantly reduce the noise floor.

 

[TimOBrien]

On-board soundcards are made with a 20-cent chip. They are not made for high-fidelity recording...

 

[Professor PT]

Any suggestions for an external one that will not break the bank?

 

[Monkey Allen]

How strong is your bank?

 

[Professor PT]

Very weak right now!! $100 maybe. Perhaps I should save up for something much nicer. I have no clue as to just how different many of these are. I've seen the externals with the separate XLR connections, which I would think would be nicer than the standard mini-plug inputs.

 

[Kevin Deschwazi]

*anti-spam Bump*

 

[mbenny123]

You sound card doesn't nessessarily need to be external to be quiet, just better quality. For $100, the EMU 0404 or the M-Audio 2496 are decent options for you. The EMU has 1/4" jacks while the M-Audio has RCA jacks. Either one should blow you away if you've been using the onboard sound for a while. The external units with XLR inputs are going to be much more pricey.