Electronic Hum

[kimberly]

I am recording strictly voice in mono on my Dell Laptop and getting a background hum that I cannot trace. I know it's not coming through the line input, because when I unplug the input from the pc, it's still there. It does not register on the level meters, but is always there during playback. It's quite noisy.

Any suggestions as to how to trace it and remove it?

 

[MadAudio]

Are you using the stock soundcard?

 

[kimberly]

sound card info

I recently ordered this laptop and it seems I was cognizant that I would be recording, so hopefully upgraded the sound card. Here is the system info:

Name Bluetooth Hands-free Audio
Manufacturer Broadcom
Status OK
PNP Device ID BTHENUM\{24DF01A9-3E4F-4C9F-9F66-5AA8AB14F8F4}_LOCALMFG&0000\8&2C338251&0&000000000000_00000000
Driver c:\windows\system32\drivers\btwaudio.sys (6.0.1.3100, 76.30 KB (78,128 bytes), 10/26/2007 5:22 PM)

Name Bluetooth Stereo Audio
Manufacturer Broadcom
Status OK
PNP Device ID BTHENUM\{FBAB37D9-43E4-4760-80FB-64463BB5E5A8}_LOCALMFG&0000\8&2C338251&0&000000000000_00000000
Driver c:\windows\system32\drivers\btwaudio.sys (6.0.1.3100, 76.30 KB (78,128 bytes), 10/26/2007 5:22 PM)

Name SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC
Manufacturer SigmaTel
Status OK
PNP Device ID HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_8384&DEV_7616&SUBSYS_10280227&REV_1002\4&14C6B449&0&0001
Driver c:\windows\system32\drivers\stwrt.sys (6.10.5511.0, 319.00 KB (326,656 bytes), 10/27/2007 1:00 AM)

 

[kimberly]

Electronic Hum - DISCOVERED!

Well, I've finally found the source, now what to do about it?

BTW, I did get a Creative Labs upgrade with my laptop, just not sure its configured right... but on to my discovery.

My laptop has a built-in mic! I really didn't remember that about it. Now I realize the ambient sound in the background is being picked up by the built in mic, even if I have a mic plugged into the mic port, not to mention the LINE IN stuff.

If anyone knows how to disable a built-in mic, I'd appreciate a tip.

Thanks!

 

[urobolusmusic]

If anyone knows how to disable a built-in mic, I'd appreciate a tip.

Hi there, you should be able to double-click the speaker icon in the lower right corner of your screen, and click the "mute" button for the microphone. If you go to the properties, in the drop down menu, you should be able to switch between playback and recording, just mute the microphone in both to be safe.

If you don't have that icon, you can bring it up by going to the Control Panel, under Settings, under the Start button. In there, there should be something that says Audio Device's or Audio Settings, something to that affect... Sorry, I'm on my work computer where all that stuff is blocked, so trying to recall from memory.

Good luck!

 

[dgatwood]

My laptop has a built-in mic! I really didn't remember that about it. Now I realize the ambient sound in the background is being picked up by the built in mic, even if I have a mic plugged into the mic port, not to mention the LINE IN stuff.

If anyone knows how to disable a built-in mic, I'd appreciate a tip.

You wouldn't typically disable the mic. You'd select the correct input source. The details vary from one audio app to another.

 

[kimberly]

You wouldn't typically disable the mic. You'd select the correct input source. The details vary from one audio app to another.

Actually, I do need to disable it, as its a built in mic and even if I have a different line in selected in my audio program it is still active. So, after 4 hours on the phone with Dell and a reinstallation of MS Vista (long story) I have now learn how to disable the built-in mic. I hope to test it out tonight and confirm that the problem is solved. <sigh>

 

[ryansanders]

Good luck. I get a nasty hum on my computer as well. I have to turn the levels up really high before my mic is recording at normal volume, but by then, i get a ton of hiss. I plan on buying all new gear to hopefully cure that.