Syntrillium Backup Forums :: View topic - noisegate

Joe Scumbag · Posted - Fri Aug 08, 2003 12:16 pm

Hi, Is it possible to use a noise gate to get rid off computer hum. I live in a little studio and it isn't possible to record in a different room then the one my computer is in. I wrap a blanket around my PC and that helps a little but my AKG C3000 mic still captures computernoise. Is it possible to set a noisegate in CEP to fix this problem and how do I do that?

didj · Posted - Fri Aug 08, 2003 1:29 pm

Using a noise gate will only get rid of the hum during the "silent" part of the recording. I think the noise reduction plug-in would work better. Also there are some things you can do to quiet down your computer. Most of the noise comes from the fans and you can "underclock" them by running them at 7 volts. I did this on my computer and it worked great. See http://www.7volts.com/
I also lined the inside panels with carpet but I don't think that actually did anything. There's also a new case out by Antec called the Sonata that's supposed to be very quiet. If you google 'quiet computer case' you'll find all kinds of ideas for making your computer quiet. Obviously, be sure your cardioid mic isn't aiming at the computer.

Graeme · Member Location: Spain

If you have to do it at all, then Noise Reduction is the way to go. However, you should be aware this will affect the quality of your recording (contrary to popular belief, just because it's digital doesn't mean you can't degrade it).

You would be much better off tackling the problem at source. There are many approaches to this, you'll find some of these talked about in previous threads, so check the archives.

Fans are the biggest problem - under-running them, as suggested by didj makes a big difference.

As long as you aren't running some overclocked monster, most computers have far more cooling than absolutely necessary. None of my machines have the CPU fan running - that makes a huge difference, as these can be very noisy - and they are enclosed in cupboards under the work surface. Even so, they run at quite moderate temperatures.

Cal · Location: USA

That AKG mic is pretty sensitive, as you have stated. Check out this website that deals precisely with your problem: http://www.quietpcusa.com/

Back 2 years ago i got a new power supply from these people and it has done wonders, although I don't record in the room with the pc, but I do mixes there. Even in the middle of summer, the low rpm fan provides more than enough cooling for my Asus board.

Kits are offered at this site, which i haven't checked on, but you can.

Good luck. Quieting things down at the pc beats by a long ways having to always do noise reduction in CEP.

:)