hum/buzz from 286 or something else?

[kelbrenn]

okay, i've tried to post 3 times now, so i'm apparently an idiot with posting as well as figuring out this noise!

here's the scoop:

rode nt 1000 mic
dbx 286a
pc - pentium 4, 76 gb
sound forge
sound card is from the computer - sound MAX digital audio??

initially had horrible sound and found out - could be a groudning problem. plugged into new outlet and problem solved.

now, still hearing ongoing buzz/hum/noise -- have attached small sample if anyone interested in hearing it (excuse the accent - had to use it on this project).

when everything is unplugged, meter in soundforge shows -42, as soon as dbx is plugged in jumps to -23 -- mic is not even plugged in! could this still be a grounding issue? if so, any suggestions? if not grounding issue, any ideas?

almost embarrasssed to say xlr cable is from radio shack - could that be the issue?

i know i'm leaving something out that i probably put in the previous tries to post this but . . .

thanks to anyone for any info they may provide!

 

[stonepiano]

rode nt 1000 mic
dbx 286a
pc - pentium 4, 76 gb
sound forge
sound card is from the computer - sound MAX digital audio??

If I was going to start troubleshooting and all I had was a list of your gear, I would say the same thing I'm going to say anyway.

Probably your soundcard. Bring the mic/cable/pre to a local music store and test them on one of their multitrack recorders. If they hassle you, say you wanted to test the recorder with "your" gear so you would know what to expect.

If it sounds fine, by an M-Audio 24/96 Audiophile.

 

[joro]

when everything is unplugged, meter in soundforge shows -42, as soon as dbx is plugged in jumps to -23 -- mic is not even plugged in! could this still be a grounding issue? if so, any suggestions? if not grounding issue, any ideas?

almost embarrasssed to say xlr cable is from radio shack - could that be the issue?

from what I have read...all soundcards have a floor noise of some magnitude....I might be wrong but, if the dbx is a pre for the Rode............ try turning the gain down...see if that helps...

also...I highly reccomend better cables.....I use all Moster Cables.....don't buy Hosa...they are crappy...if you only need one...it won't be so bad...Monsters are expensive....

Take it easy,
Joe

P.S.
Your soundcard is actually a chip set on the motherboard....not really a soundcard per say.....
Joe

 

[manning1]

possible reason

if you plug your pc and other components of your studio into different house outlets you can get loops building up,
and i dont mean drum loops.
best idea is a seperate studio circuit.
try one or two surge protected power strips running off one
house outlet.
it could also be a shield on a cable somewhere broken.
welcome to studio troubleshooting 101.

 

[kelbrenn]

thank

thanks for your responses! still looking for an answer but i will try the suggestions you all gave! Studio troubleshooting now in session!

thanks!