Abating Computer Noise
Posted on | April 26, 2009 | 1 Comment
I got this e-mail recently from someone who came to ZenMastering’s web site…
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How should I configure my Windows PC for efficient recording without the least noise? I’ve tried everything but I still get a “shhhh” sound. I reduced the volume of the microphone, but when I gain the recording, the same noise appears again.
Computers have gotten a lot quieter over the years. But my experience is that the cheaper computers (or, less expensive) are noisier. As I always say, you get what you pay for. And when you buy a less expensive computer, there are usually cheaper materials used…like the least expensive fans and the thinnest metals with little or no insulation. That adds up to a noisier machine.
There are many ways to approach noise reduction. The first is to buy some extension DVI, VGA, and USB cables. Perhaps this will let you just move the computer to a closet…or another room. Problem solved.
If that’s not an option, here’s a site I found that covers some DIY computer insulation for noise reduction. If you Google “computer noise reduction” you can find a lot of similar sites.
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From Ohm to Om reflects the opinions of mastering engineer Paul Abbott, owner of San Diego's ZenMastering.
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May 5th, 2009 @ 2:41 pm
Here are my suggestions:
1. Use the line input and an outboard preamp instead of the built-in mic input on most computer soundcards.
2. Mute everything you are not recording or listening to. Double-click the speaker icon in the tray. Mute playback for CD, MIDI, etc, and do the same under options/properties/recording/ for the record inputs.
That should help.
- Rickshaw