Limiting hum

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Sotonfan

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I've just started using a condenser mic with my computer recording rig, moving up from my trusty SM57. The sound of the vocals is great, but all of a sudden I'm also picking up a fair amount of background hum from the computer.

Can a limiter or noise gate be used to filter out background noise? If so, what units would be good "entry level" models to look at?
 
Hey Sotonfan,

(In case you're trying to figure out how to remove multiple posts..
Open the Thread, click Edit at the bottom, then select delete at the top left... No big deal, It happens.)

:)
 
BillyFurnett said:
In case you're trying to figure out how to remove multiple posts...Open the Thread, click Edit at the bottom, then select delete at the top left.
Click to expand...

Yeah...what he said...

Anyway, the purpose of your condenser mic is to get a better sound than your SM57. Don't ruin that with filters. It would be better and cheaper to get further away from the computer. Isolate yourself from the source of the noise and get a cleaner recording in the first place rather than fixing it after it's recorded. Also, don't forget to shut off the frig, washer, dryer, HVAC, etc.
 
[red face] Sorry about the multiple posts - AOL playing games with me...

Anyway, thanks for the replies. I really am pushed for space, and there isn't too much room to get away from the computer (even with a quiet fan, there's still some noise) - so I'll check out the Behringer Composer.

I'm still not sure how much to expect in terms of reducing background noise. I guess my main question here is whether a limiter can really do that job at all, or whether I should be looking in a different direction.

Making sure to hit "post" only once...
 
It's not just noise from the fan. A computer has an EMF that extends out several feet. Just take a transistor radio and hold it near the computer to listen to the noise it can induce into your system.
 
Derek Verner said:
It's not just noise from the fan. A computer has an EMF that extends out several feet. Just take a transistor radio and hold it near the computer to listen to the noise it can induce into your system.
Click to expand...
So does the monitor. See if you can switch it off when you track (aim your mouse for the "record" button, shut off the screen, click, and go) or at least move away from the front of the monitor.
 
Also,

Do you have flourescent lighting or dimmers? If so, shut 'em off whenever you record.

I'd try moving the mic around the tiny room. Usually the EMF emitted by devices is stronger in some directions, weaker in others. Ultimately, you may wish to rotate your CPU to find the right ergonomics.

I disagree with distorted rumble's advice about the comp/gate. All you'll do is hide the hum when there's no singing. When you open your mouth and trigger the gate, the hum will be there again.

Good Luck
 
A compressor or limiter will only make the noise louder. A noise gate will shut off the noise when you aren't singing/playing but it will still be there when you do.

Put the computer in a closet or surround it with some couch cushions or something. Minimizing the room noise is the ONLY real solution. Anything else will ultimately be a waste of time and money.
 
Couch cushions will not stop EMF. Only a Farraday Cage will do that.
 
Derek Verner said:
Couch cushions will not stop EMF. Only a Farraday Cage will do that.
Click to expand...

No shit. Airborne EMF usually isn't much of an issue. A good power conditioner will clean up any noise in the power line if that is a problem. Video monitors can wreak havoc with guitar pickups but usually fan noise is the main problem when using mics close to a computer.
 
Perhaps you can hang heavy carpets (or movers blankets) around where you intend to sing, or around where the PC is...

I built a cage out of PVC pipe and draped heavy movers blankets all over it. Works very well, and really deadens the acoustics.
 
Following up

Thanks for all the advice. You folks are amazing. I'm slowly eliminating the noise. As I've worked, the main culprit seems to be the connection between my mixer and the sound card.

I'm using a Behringer UB1002 mixer, with the main outs going to an Audiophile 2496, and the soundcard outputs coming back into the Tape In on the mixer (the setup many people on this forum suggest). Software mixer on the AP2496 is set to Monitor Mixer. When the Tape In is connected to the soundcard outs, I'm getting a lot of background hiss on my recordings. But when I physically disconnect the Tape In, the hiss is greatly reduced. Sounds pretty good, actually.

Is this a typical problem? If so, I'm thinking my best shot might be to use the Behringer only for mixing the soundcard outputs (headphones/monitors), and use a separate preamp for the mic inputs, Or am I missing something obvious here?
 
When the outs are connected to the mixer you get hiss or a buzz/hum? A ground loop buzz could get on your recorded tracks but the hiss shouldn't.

Is there an actual difference in the quality of the track you are recording or is it simply more hiss in the monitors?
 
It's an actual hiss on the recorded track. I recorded the same piece three times - once running out of the mixer into a Boss BR532 (no computer involved), once into the computer with the tape in connected, once into the computer with the tape in disconnected.

The sound was nice and clean on the Boss, also with the tape in's disconnected, but noticeably "hissier" with the tape in's connected. I burned a CD and listened on my stereo to make sure it wasn't a problem with my moitors.

Maybe I should check my cables... I'll keep working on this.
 
I just noticed you are using the main outs on the mixer. That will also send the tape in back to the computer (Unless you are muting the tape send somehow) and create a feedback loop.

You would be better off using a Direct Out, Insert or another Buss to send the signal you are recording to the soundcard.
 
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