Dell Computers
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Posted on Jun 25, 2008 02:28 pm
jmkinne
Member Since: Jun 25, 2008
I recorded a CD a couple months back on my Dell Desktop using a EMu 1212m and Cubase LE. The cd turned out ok, however when you turn it up you can hear a light buzzing. Occasionally when I recorded a track, the buzzing was really loud, making the mix sound compressed.
I've heard rumors that dell is known for manufacturing motherboards with poor power supplies that cause buzzing within their systems. Can anyone verify this for me and let me know what the best option is to get rid of the noise?
Another factor could be derived from the low signal imput i was receiving on my computer. I ran the microphones/etc through a sound mixer with Phantom Power into my computer's inputs but the signal was very low causing me to bring the trims/master sliders up to high yellow to make it completely audible. Should I use a small pre-amp after my board to amplify the signal entering my computer?
A final question is what recording software works best with Windows/Emu systems? I currently use Cubase LE but feel very limited by its functionability. I know Adobe makes awesome video software, do they sell good recording software?
Thanks in advance.
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Jun 25, 2008 03:16 pm I can't answer all of your questions. but I can address the issue with the buzz.
Dell uses the wallwort power supply to ground their computer though.
Two schools of thought to get rid of the buzz.
First. (And not really the best.) Is to ground lift the power supply for your computer. While it may eliminate the buzz on the recording, it may cause problems else where.
Second. Is to run a transformer in line from the mixer to the to your computer.
You want a 1:1 transformer with ground lift. That way you can keep a low ground floor with no buzz.
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Jun 25, 2008 03:36 pm I'm not sure what wallwort Rob is talking about. We have about 40 Dell's here at work and all of them just have a regular power cord.
I've never heard the rumor about the noisy power supply. Could be true, I don't know.
Sounds to me that by cranking a low input signal you are introducing noise. A pre-amp should go before your mixer...although many mixers have built-in pre-amps.
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Jun 25, 2008 05:13 pm Quote:
Another factor could be derived from the low signal imput i was receiving on my computer
I'd say that's certainly (probably) it. Gain staging is way off. I can record good levels on my mixer, and not hear any hiss. But if I record very quiet sources, and crank the gain way up, I can get hiss. This is hiss, not buzz. You can clarify which it is, and it will help us out.
If you use a (cheap) preamp, you may get more noise than your mixer. Or not. But you shouldn't need both. Just mic to preamp, then output of preamp to input of soundcard / interface.
Also, the buzzing could be from many sources during the recording phase: lights (flourescent), dimmer switches, noisy power lines in the wall, PC noise getting into the mic, etc. Be sure you're looking at the REAL problem, before you start swapping things out. That said, a wimpy power supply can make things run funny, but I wouldn't right away say you'll get noise introduced into your recordings. I'd suspect the other possibilities first.
Also, plugging into the mixer, you should be getting phat signal going to your PC. As much as you can, without clipping. This may mean running in the yellow, which is good. Just no clipping =).
Also, what mic? do you need phantom? is phantom actually on the mic channel you're using? (some are separate) Is the mic defective? can you test the mic on another preamp / mixer or against another mic? have you swapped in a known good cable? can you try different xlr jacks on the mixer? maybe one is kaput, try another?
Many on here use adobe audition (i think it is). I think CptTripps uses AA and likes it much. I'm in the reaper camp, and loving it.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Jun 26, 2008 01:08 pm I have used a few different dell laptops in the past running my echo card, never noticed a buzz or hiss.
