computer noise and soundcards...

[PRiZ]

Do soundcards actually pick up noise from a computer?
Do cards that have an external box suffer from computer noise because the still have a card inside?
I have a loud computer...I'm worried, someone give me some answers, or else the Aardvark is answer, I guess...

 

[Gidge]

Yes cards pick up computer noise.....cards with converters on the breakout box most times are quieter....cards with converters on the pci card itself can be just as quiet though, depending on how good the manufacturer shields it...the Aardvard Direct Pro is a very quiet card, but Im pretty sure its converters are on the pci card and not the breakout box..go figure.....

 

[PRiZ]

actually...

I'm pretty sure the Aardvarks PCI card is sheilded just like the breakout box...really positive actually. I think the only reason I put the Aardvark high on my list of cisiderations is beacuse of this sheilding.

 

[Gidge]

I was just trying to point out that all cards with the converters on the pci card arent all noisy...

 

[PRiZ]

I don't really know what to say...

Do you think I would have any problems with this, I mean I'd only record a verse at a time, and that's about mayby a minute max probably mayby two...Is it something worth worrying about, If I record when no one's home would it most likely never be a problem, or do you suggest I take some sort of action to prevent it? Also are computer noises, fan etc, pick up really easily when recording...Is it somewhat avoidable? without building a soundproof room etc.

 

[Kaydis]

There are two types of noise that can get induced into a circuit: electromagnetic and radio frequency. Radio frequency noise is put off by any high speed circuit like the clock to a microprocessor. This kind of noise is abundant inside of computers because there are so many sources. They often count on the case to filter much of it out, otherwise you might have trouble with radio reception of certain channels near your computer whenever it was on. Fortunately, its not hard to shield against radio frequency noise all it takes is a grounded metal cage.

Electromagnetic noise is put off by transformers and inductors. These are found in almost every power supply. It takes special shielding to protect against electromagnetic noise and even then it doesn't do a particularly good job. Fortunately most of this noise doesn't radiate far so if your card us far enough from the power supply it may be relatively free from 60 cycle hum and switching noise from the power supply.

I prefer external units that stay away from all that noise. Even so, I get much more grounding noise than I do from any other source, and you probably will too whether you get an external unit or and internal one.

 

[PRiZ]

okay...

Also you didn't explain what "grounding noise" was...
so is this grounding noise bothersome or barely noticable?
Just wanna know what generally to expect...
I don't think it's gonna be possible to get the greatest results. I don't think the room I'm in is anything close to soundproof... Eventually I'll try and learn how to make some sort of an effort. The only info I can think of to help is get some thick wool blankets, hang them from the ceiling to form a square around me and hopefully that will do something I've been told...can't really remember what it does, keeps out/in noise better I think. Thanks!