Best way to connect to your pc and reduce noise?

[DJSamph]

Hello

Im just starting out as a bedroom DJ and want to get my vinyl mixes recorded to my laptop and on to CD

My laptop has the following:

AC-97, CS 4202 Codec, 16 bit SoundBlaster compatible (MPC level-2)
Audio jack and Control
Stereo speaker built-in
Mono Microphone-in /Stereo Headphone-out, SPDIF digital audio out supporting 5.1 surround sound

2 x USB 2.0 Ports, Serial port, Parallel port,
DC input
CRT connector and S-Video out connector
1 microphone jack, 1 headphone out/SPDIF out

I have been recording using Audacity free software

I have tried recording from my basic 2-channel mixer (recording outputs), and the line in/out ports on my hi-fi (which includes an amp)

I have been connecting to my laptop via a 3.5mm 2xphono jack cable

My problems are noise related - I am picking up lots of electrical noise/distortion/crackles/humming/hissing, and I dont want to download software to illiminate this, is I can fix it myself

Please help, in summary my questions are:

1. How to connect, mic input/usb?
2. What mic to use?
3. How to reduce noise

Many thanks

DJSamph

 

[reshp1]

The laptop mic in generally sucks for audio recording, it's mostly designed for non critical applications. You'll probably want to invest in a really cheap stereo USB audio interface. M-Audio makes a few cheap ones.

 

[johnnymegabyte]

For starters, get a ground loop isolator
<< I use one between PC's Line Out and Mixer Line In ( to stereo )>>
<< you might also want one for PC's Line IN, too >>

see link http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog_name=CTLG&product_id=270-054

next, keep audio cables and electrical cables apart. try to keep as far apart as possible. makes a difference