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Computer setup to record

C

ChiefEngineer

I am using an RE 20 with a Symetrix 528 to feed my computer. I cannot get rid of some noise. I wonder is it related to the 50 inch screen I have to use to see the words? legally blind.

I resoldered all new cables. RE 20 is a 10 foot cord (shielded) to the Symetrix mic in. The Symetrix is Line balanced out dualed on the A3F to dual RCA cords. the computer in on stereo RCA cords. These cords are male, go to a female bullet then on to the computer.

Trying to notch things up I am trying to totally eliminate the noise. I did try an audio transformer on the audio out and there was no change. Any ideas from the world on how to get a sweet sound on such a setup?
 
I've been doing this for years now, and have moved through several different computers as technology leaps forward. It can be a challenge. Every change is an adventure.

If you could put an example recording on line somewhere where some of us could listen to the sound that is bugging you, we might recognize from the noise what the cause. (And then, maybe not. ;D )
 
First: Switch of screen and listen if the sound is still there.
Still there? Pull microphone cord from SE20 and listen.
Still there? Pull microphone cord from 528 and listen.
Still there? Pull power from 528 and listen
etc...

It's about eliminating parts of the chain.
 
I would do what Richard says. You also might need an isolation transformer somewhere in the chain...


Regards,
Goran Tomas
 
Goran,

I would do what Richard says. You also might need an isolation transformer somewhere in the chain...
Click to expand...

Can you be a bit more specific? Is there a specific device you would recommend for a small studio with one, possibly two mics/voice processor/mixer?

Thanks for your help.

-paul.
 
First of all - is it a "hiss" or a "hum"?

If it's a "hum" - follow Goran's advice. Put a DI box on the output of the 528.
 
You need to investigate if the "noise" (is it hum, buzz, white noise...?) is caused by RF/magnetic interference with other equipment or the problem is with connections and grounding.

If it is the latter (and it is common when interfacing audio equipment with computers) than an isolation transformer will help as it decouples the ground connection between your audio equipment and your computer, while passing the audio signal.

Can't remember off the top of my head if the 528E has a ground lift switch. If it does try that first. Otherwise, look for a 1:1 audio isolation transformer like this one: http://www.neutrik.com/fl/en/audio/210_602284489/NA2F-J-TX_detail.aspx

The isolation transformer will only help if your problem is ground loop.


Regards,
Goran Tomas
 
If I'm reading this correctly, it seems as if you are going from Balanced Line Out of the 528 through a series of adapters into an Unbalanced Sound Card (RCA's). Is this the case? If so it might be easiest (but not cheapest) to utilize a Henry Match-Box or similar to properly unbalance and level the audio.
 
As suggested, try unplugging until you discover where the noise is getting in. I've not noticed hum problems recently with RE-20's, although I have come across this in the past with older tube-type monitors that are great for putting hum into mikes. Unlikely to be a problem with a flat screen.

If the noise goes away when you disconnect the Symetrix from the computer it's probably related to the unbalanced inputs on the sound card. At that point it would be simpler to purchase a sound card that uses balanced inputs, rather than try to use a Matchbox. One of the cheaper ones is the Echo Mia (or MiaMidi, essentially same sound card), which is in the $150 range. From there you can go up in price to a Card D, Lynx, Digigram or Audio Science; all offering balanced input sound cards.
 
Adding to the earlier suggestion to unplug things one at a time to see when the noise disappears, MOVE THINGS AROUND.

Get a longer cable between the compressor and the sound card and move the mic and the compressor across the room as far as you cable will reach.

While recording, turn off the monitor as a test.

Borrow another mic cable and substitute it for your current mic cable.
 
I had tried unplugging each device as suggested. No go. Still had the noise. Not a hum, not a buzz, just noise.

So after all this the only variable was the audio amplifier. Everything I recorded had this sound. When I listened on the air I didn't hear it.

This was a fake out in some ways because as I recorded into Adobe I noticed it more prevailing after compressing in Adobe. Yet, even with more Omnia compression it wasn't there on my cheap Sony radio or Superradio or Inovonics air monitor.

The problem was the Television amplifier. Recent model Television. I use a large OTA LCD TV to be able to see with. When I run the Television audio to a higher level there is noise even with no input connected.

This is something i don't typically encounter or note because when I watch or really listen to a television the audio in is at a higher level and the noise floor of the television doesn't become an issue.

I didn't notice the problem before a few months ago. In checking I found the input (Line IN) was all the way up on the software mixer. It helped when I ran this all the way down (Just above off) and brought my Symetrix output up. Someone had made changes.

The other drawback with the television is that there is no headphone jack. I have to mute the input if I run the amp "all the way up" but I reach the noise floor limits prior to feedback.

I bought an outboard usb audio device for breakaway but then canned it when it kept locking up. I may use this instead of the on board card. Since I had never had issues before I am not sure this is an issue.

My options then are to replace the television amp with a real amplifier or live with it and know what I hear at higher levels is not "real."

When we built the station, in 2000, now 18 stations, we had as our audio recording source a Digilink 2, then 3 then 4. I had reel to reels we didn't install. If it isn't CD or web ftp we don't play it. We moved to inexpensive sound cards in 1996 and the on air sound has been good. We use both OTA and Barix as transport mechanisms. In the on air studio I don't note this problem at all.

Thanks all.
 
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