Computer Issues

[Ambary]

Alright, another question from a newbie. I use a Compaq Presario V5000 (I know, but don't laugh anyway, I'm broke) for production. It's not the best workhorse, but it's been a useful tool for the past few years with the exception of one item: I always get EM interference when I'm trying to record something. It's better when I disconnect the power, but there's still enough fuzz getting into my mix to drive me crazy. Any ideas to solving this problem?

 

[Dani Pace]

Try moving away from the computer, especially the monitor. Electric guitars and some mics pick up a lot of EM from monitors. Use shielded cables if you can. Moving a few feet away from the computer or to the side can make a big difference.

 

[Waffleness]

Not sure what your production limitations are, but if the interference is linear/a repetitive signal, try recording an empty track with just the noise, invert it, and playing it alongside the instrumental recording. Maybe the signal will cancel some of the noise out?

Apart from that, a de-esser, bring the high end of the EQ down and simply moving away from the monitor will do wonders I am sure. If it’s a mains hum that’s low freq try pulling out 50Hz (60 if your from USA), but im not sure as to the freq components of your EM interference.

 

[Ambary]

Try moving away from the computer, especially the monitor. Electric guitars and some mics pick up a lot of EM from monitors. Use shielded cables if you can. Moving a few feet away from the computer or to the side can make a big difference.

Tell me about it. Unfortunately, I'm using a laptop, so I can't resolve EM frequencies my moving the monitor away.

I have some sheilded cables, so for the most part, incoming signals are clean, but I get the snow from my laptop itself. I think it's time I invest in some better gear. Any reccomendations for a laptop recorder?