Noise

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psmith66

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Having quickly outgrown my Tascam analog 4 Track, I recently began looking into software packages. As a starter I registered n-Tracks, but have also tried the Cakewalk Guitar Tracks demo. The functionality and additional available tracks (n-Tracks) is great - so far (I've been using it for approx one week.

I use a Celeron 533 mgz with 128 mg ram. It has an on-board CMI8738 sound chip (I know it's relatively crap, but I'll upgrade once I get further up the learning curve).

Basically, I run guitars, bass and even vocals through my POD. The POD, as well as my DR-660 drum machine, are input into the Tascam's mixer (stereo or mono depending on the source) and then onward to the computer.

My problem?

Even after maximizing the recording levels, without clipping, there is background noise (more noticable with quieter drum patterns from the DR-660; not very noticable at all for electric guitars). Basically it's a background "hiss/screech/squeal" noise. Is this normal? Is the "baseline" recording level too sensitive? Is it simply the effects of a crappy sound card/chipset?

Also, I can't seem to achieve a sufficiently strong level going straight into the soundcard/chip line in. If I weren't able to boost the signal via POD/mixer, my s/n ratio would obviously suck. Is this normal?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Hm, no your levels should be quite strong without having to boost them at the mixer. At least my POD -> SBLive! doesn't need it. I've got a Behringer mixer in between the POD and the SBLive! but with only slight EQ corrections.

Perhaps you should try to set-up the software of your soundcard - there should be a software mixer - perhaps you can adjust the recording volume there.

Greetings,
nephren-ka
 
Thanks for responding.

For most input sources, I can get a decent signal by simply going through the POD and bypassing the mixer (no problem with SM48, Les Paul or Washburn acoustic which has equis preamp). However, the drum machine requires the mixer or I can't get a high enough signal in any event (I do not run the drum machine through the POD). Umm, perhaps it's the DR-660 itself......

Anyway, my biggest problem is the background noise.

Thanks for the info - it never hurts to revisit the soundcard setup.
 
You should post an MP3 of the noise. I'd be able to help a lot more. It oculd be a grounding issue, it oculd also be the CPU fan, it could also be the CD drive. Try going into the Sound Mixer thign (on the systray, or in control panel, depending if oyu have it enabled, and mute the CD Playback. That can cause noise. Unplugging the fan while recording (but not always, or bye bye Mr. Celeron) might do it, also try plugging the drum machine and computer into the same outlet. An mp3 would tell me what it probably is, it could also just be a cheap soundcard.

Jake
 
Thanks Jake - I'm going to try your suggestions (although I will probably not cut the fan - I'll end up forgetting about it and then it'll be too late.

If I still experience the problem, I'll probably post a MP3 of a simple drum machine track.

Thanks again.
 
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