How to reduce noise on soundcard

  • Thread starter Thread starter lapieuvre
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lapieuvre

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I know I have an innapropriate sound card for recording (a Yamaha Ds/xg) but it can handle 16 bits / 44.1 Khz so I can do a little recording. The only proble I have is a-54db noise while nothing is plugged in the card. Is it the normal background noise of the card or is it a bad configuration of my computer?

Thanks,

Thierry Angers

P.S. I'll get an audiophile soon, just need the money!
 
That's the noise floor of your sound card. This is where more money equals better audio performance. With a few exceptions, this also applies to analog gear as well. Unless there is a hum or buzz in the signal coming from some nearby piece of equipment, there isn't much you can do.
 
you might try hitting record then shutting off your monitor before you start takes, this will stop the monitor buzz, this might just bump your noise floor down a few feet...i have a soundblaster live value card thats kinda noisy and every little bit(pun intended) of prevention helps...(it also hides that wave your creating from staring you down l )
 
Start by checking if it is just noise or hum. Most recording applications can display the spectrum. If it is flat, it's noise and there is not much you can do about it. If it are peaks at 50-100-150 Hz (or 60-120-180), then you have hum and there may be a cure to get better results. Best check now, because if it is a ground loop injecting hum, then your audiophile may be just as badly affected.
 
the onboard soundcard of my wifes computer gets a -74db soundfloor.....seems like you should be getting better.....
 
In the windows mixer, under both recording and playback options, mute everything you're not using. The CDROM input is often especially noisy.

Oh, and get a better soundcard :)

Slackmaster 2000
 
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