Sound proof my PC?

[jordonrenn]

Hey guys, I've been mixing for years now, all inside the box, but recently decided I want to record and use outboard gear. BUt my first step I am taking is setting up my room. Does anyone have any suggestions for soundproofing my PC tower? (Besides putting it somewhere else)

Thanks guys!

 

[gecko zzed]

Replace the fans with silent fans or fanless cooling systems

 

[jonny deep]

If you can, use SSDs instead of HDDs, get a quiet CPU fan (I use a Scythe Mugen 3), if your power supply is noisy, consider a fanless one (SeaSonic make good fanless PSUs, my SeaSonic with a fan is silent). As Gecko says, replace your case fans with larger, slower spinning ones; alternatively, get a variable speed fan, as is supplied in my PC case (Fractal R3). Also consider using a fanless graphics card or on-chip graphics (remember that video memory is borrowed from the main RAM in the latter strategy).

This website is a good resource for researching silent PCs and components: -

silentpcreview.com | Everything about Silent / Quiet Computers

 

[Steenamaroo]

Does anyone have any suggestions for soundproofing my PC tower?

I guess you're using the term 'soundproof' broadly but, just incase, I don't recommend any kind of padding/baffles/foam etc.
Air NEEDS to get in an out of a computer and if it can't get, the computer will over heat.

In order of best:

• Move it out of the room (I know!). Really though. Even across the room can help. Bluetooth keyboard/mouse + a dvi/vga/hdmi extension.
• Get a water cooling system to replace cpu/gpu/case fan.
• If necessary invest in a 'silent' psu, although the psu isn't usually the noisy bit.
• If all of that fails, get a passive GPU (unless it's integrated) and look for bigger, slower, 'silent' fans.
• SSDs are silent and an incredible asset in terms of performance but, again, HDDs are not usually a primary source of noise.

Mic position can help to but consider that damage limitation rather than a solution.
Depending on the mics you're using, keep the computer in the null if possible.

Distance makes a massive difference so if the mic's currently 2 feet away from your tower, move to 6 feet away.

Hope some of that helps.

 

[Mo Facta]

Get a Cooler Master Silencio series case. The 550 or 650 is boss.

Cheers

 

[DM60]

In order of best:

• Move it out of the room (I know!). Really though. Even across the room can help. Bluetooth keyboard/mouse + a dvi/vga/hdmi extension.

Mic position can help to but consider that damage limitation rather than a solution.
Depending on the mics you're using, keep the computer in the null if possible.

Distance makes a massive difference so if the mic's currently 2 feet away from your tower, move to 6 feet away.

These are the easiest an least expensive. I have my computer about 15 feet away from my desk and that is with a DVI cable. If you have HDMI outputs, should be even easier. While the fanless coolers and what not do work, to silence the computer, you are talking around $300. Extended cables (interface and monitor) and wireless keyboard and mouse, around $100.

 

[Chili]

You can build a box to put it in. It would have to be vented with adequate airflow to keep it cool. Might be a cheaper alternative if you're a DIYer. Hinged doors on front for access to buttons, DVD drive, etc.

You can find fans that are quiet and run on 120vac to vent the box. I thought about doing it myself, but ended up replacing the old hard drives with newer ones (one SSD and two spin) and it's pretty quiet.

Also, if you're doing rock type music, it may not necessarily need to be super quiet. I have a window mounted a/c unit in my office and sometimes I forget to turn it off. You can't hear it in my vocal takes.

 

[DM60]

You can build a box to put it in. It would have to be vented with adequate airflow to keep it cool. Might be a cheaper alternative if you're a DIYer. Hinged doors on front for access to buttons, DVD drive, etc.

You can find fans that are quiet and run on 120vac to vent the box. I thought about doing it myself, but ended up replacing the old hard drives with newer ones (one SSD and two spin) and it's pretty quiet.

Also, if you're doing rock type music, it may not necessarily need to be super quiet. I have a window mounted a/c unit in my office and sometimes I forget to turn it off. You can't hear it in my vocal takes.

To echo this, I have a noisy computer close to the mic and unless it is a very quiet intimate recording (which a rarely do), I have no issues at all. I think I measured and the noise in my room measured around 50dB (using an app of course), so it seemed rather easy to filter out if required.