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Advice On Eliminating Audio Noise, Please?

 
 Discussion by banjosforpeace with 34 Replies.
 Last Update: October 7, 2011, 10:17 am ( View Rated (1) ) (View Latest)
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I have a PC-based recording studio with a very specific problem. I am getting a sort of scratching noise through the speakers when I move the mouse, load software or scroll web pages. It seems like it is coming from the motherboard, but I can't tell for sure. I changed hard drives and sound cards and it still exists. I'm using the on-board video controller, so I haven't yet eliminated it as a suspect. Other people have described having the same problem and it was most noticable for them when they had a laptop plugged into a PA system. They could hear the scratching sound when they moved the mouse. Anyone familiar with this?

My gear:
AMD 1.3Ghz Athlon
XP Pro SP2
On-board S3 Savage video
256MB RAM (I have to get more, I know)
40GB HD
Logitech trackball mouse
Micro Advantage 52x32x52 CDRW
Sound Blaster Audigy
External mixing board running Event TR5 powered reference monitors

Essentially, this is a HP Pavilion 7935, but I've replaced the original CDRW, HD and power supply. The only original parts left are the motherboard, CPU and floppy dirve (and I never use floppies, anyway). I should probably go ahead and replace the motherboard and get a good video card, but I wanted to see if anyone knew of anything I could do otherwise.

   Thu Feb 3, 2005    Reply         

First...Check to make sure there aren't any products within the computers range that could be causing some sort of interference... Second check the fan for possible things stuck inside it....

If that doesn't work try replacing the mother board but first get a second opinion

Also...Have you noticed any slowdownage of your computer...Could be a virus making your computer have to use more processes then it should... But it sounds like a CD-ROM problem...Try taking all disks out of the computer and then restarting it?







   Thu Feb 3, 2005    Reply         

Thanks for the reply, spacewaste.

I've moved things around and tried isolating the comupter. The interference does not seem to be from an external source. I blew the dust out of the fan and that didn't change anything, but it needed to be done anyway.

I've done all the virus, spyware and adware scanning there possible. My system is really clean. I even did scandisk, defrag and ran Eraser to maximize empty space. I only put CDs in the drive when I'm using them and never leave any in there, so that's not the problem.

It may be the motherboard, or at least the on board S3 video controller. I still want opinions, though.

If anyone has ever heard a scracthing sound come through their speakers as they moved their mouse and found a way to get rid of it, please let me know! ;)

   Sat Feb 5, 2005    Reply         


Hmm....I've thought this through...and it may be the speakers themselves?...It seem that that or the mother board is the problem...Try plugging in a different set of speakers to test it out?

   Sat Feb 5, 2005    Reply         

QUOTE (spacewaste)

Hmm....I've thought this through...and it may be the speakers themselves?...It seem that that or the mother board is the problem...Try plugging in a different set of speakers to test it out?
[post="15970"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]


I've tried different speakers. The speakers I'm using are super-clean Event Tuned Reference studio monitors. They aren't nearly the best monitors out there, but they so good that they make it possible for me to hear the problem.

I don't think the noise is bleeding onto any tracks I'm recording because I've listened to my mixes in another studio. It's like the noise is not in the input section of the signal and is only being picked up by the output section.

   Sat Feb 5, 2005    Reply         

this is definatly interferance.... make sure the audio wire funning from the pc to the speakers goes nowhere neer the mouse wire, or monitor wire (or monitor), and possably network cable (however network cable interferance should be out of hearing range)

The interfereance is only effecting yoyr speakers, so for exampkle burning an audiop cd, the sound will be perfect.

if you cannot get enough distance between your audio wire, and sources of interfereance, look into using shielded wire (like coax). not sure f you can buy it, but if you own a soldering iron, its nothing complicated.

   Sat Feb 5, 2005    Reply         


;) You may not be able to remedy your problem in a conventional manner.

There is too much interference generated in a computer to really get clean audio from a regular sound card. I periodically reinstall my sound card drivers to get a better sound as the quality deteriorates over a period of time. If you could shield your sound card in a metal housing and get a clean ground also grounding the housing it will do the trick.

But here is something you can try that takes the audio from your usb port as digital audio and convert it to analog. They have box for about $150.00 bucks that seem to be popular.
http://www.stereo-link.com

Good luck!

   Sun Feb 6, 2005    Reply         

however it is worth noting that USB sound or a metal em shiled around your sound card will not effect the quality of audio that your computer exports as a file... only what comes through your speakers.

for me, the interfereance was completely in the cable to the speakers, not the sound card, however it could be a great home project shilding your sound card.

look up Farraday Cage (and ive probably spelled that wrong)

   Mon Feb 7, 2005    Reply         

QUOTE (Rudy)

;)  You may not be able to remedy your problem in a conventional manner.

There is too much interference generated in a computer to really get clean audio from a regular sound card.  I periodically reinstall my sound card drivers to get a better sound as the quality deteriorates over a period of time.  If you could shield your sound card in a metal housing and get a clean ground also grounding the housing it will do the trick.

But here is something you can try that takes the audio from your usb port as digital audio and convert it to analog.  They have box for about $150.00 bucks that seem to be popular.
http://www.stereo-link.com

Good luck!
[post="16277"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]


Thanks, Rudy. The stereo-link is a good recommendation, but I think if I went with a converter, I'd want it not just for output, but input as well. I'd like to go that far but can't just yet. I've been drooling over the high-end gear that will do the job.

Hey, qwijibow! Your idea is full of possibilities. An ideal Faraday Cage would be difficult because of the audio connectors on the card that go to an external box and CD player. A more simple sheilding effort may do the trick, though. I'm not sure how exactly to this this so I'll have to do some research. Any suggestions on materials?

You were also right about some of the noise coming from a poorly shielded cable! I identified a culprit as an RCA to RCA running from the Tape Out of my mixer to a Line In on the Audigy. I switched it out with an RCA to 1/8" going directly to the soundcard and eliminated half of the noise! I have higher quality RCA to 1/8" cables on the way to me right now and will switch both the Tape In and Tape Out to new, better cables. If any noise still exists, I'm going to start working on shielding the sound card.

Thanks again!

   Mon Feb 7, 2005    Reply         

Generally the scratching noise came from magnetic fields, the magnetic fields inside of computer are the ventilators and transformers (power source, cpu fan, vga fan or tower fan). Try with another power source, generally the noise come from there, don't buy a cheap one, buy something like thermaltake (www.thermaltake.com) or kindly, they are pretty expensive but you get quality, i've one and is great, you can select the fans speeds (for noise) and they also have PFC (Power Factor Correction) you can save some money saving power.
Like I said check the fans (cpu, vga, tower) maybe the noise came from there.

Greets
Deivid

   Mon Feb 7, 2005    Reply         

Do you have a current generation cell phone (wireless web, blue tooth, etc)? I notice a ton of speaker and monitor interference when ,y cell is transferring data. turn off your phone if you have one. Also, try using an optical or ball mouse. The trackball could be the problem. Also, I would suggest checking the cables. Hope I helped
Aaron

   Sun Feb 13, 2005    Reply         

QUOTE (lacking_imagination)

Do you have a current generation cell phone (wireless web, blue tooth, etc)? I notice a ton of speaker and monitor interference when ,y cell is transferring data. turn off your phone if you have one. Also, try using an optical or ball mouse. The trackball could be the problem. Also, I would suggest checking the cables. Hope I helped
Aaron
[post="17783"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]


Thanks for the suggestions, Aaron.

I don't have a cell phone or any wireless electronics nearby, but I'll remember that for the future. I'm using a Logitech trackball mouse and I really hope this isn't causing the noise bucause the thing has done wonders for my wrist! I'll try another mouse soon and report back.

Any other ideas out there? This has been an extremely helpful thread so far! :P

   Mon Feb 14, 2005    Reply         

1. don't use anything wireless. wireless mouses & keyboards. if you have a wifi card in your computer, get it out. even if there isn't a wireless network up, it could cause interferance.

2. check your sound settings (configpanel -> sound), get the screen where you can set the volume of every part of your computer seperate (cdrom, microphone, line-in,...). go to the properties and make sure you check everything and click ok. now you'll see even more parts. mute all of them except the one you need. that might help too.

3. how is your sound now by the way?

   Thu Feb 17, 2005    Reply         

QUOTE (marijnnn)

1. don't use anything wireless. wireless mouses & keyboards. if you have a wifi card in your computer, get it out. even if there isn't a wireless network up, it could cause interferance.

2. check your sound settings (configpanel -> sound), get the screen where you can set the volume of every part of your computer seperate (cdrom, microphone, line-in,...). go to the properties and make sure you check everything and click ok. now you'll see even more parts. mute all of them except the one you need. that might help too.

3. how is your sound now by the way?
[post="18517"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]


I have nothing wireless anywhere inside or outside of the computer. Nada.

The mixer settings was my first stop. I've gone through all the sound settings and eliminated everything that is unnecessary.

My sound now is better than before I started this thread. I still have a small amount of what could be described as a scratching sound when I move the mouse and when some programs load. It is as described in the first post of the initial problem but very slight and I have to have all the volume cranked WAAAAY up to hear it. I was able to record two radio commercials with clean enough signals for input and output. None of the noise ended up on the spots. However, I know it is still there. As I said before, the motherboard - or at least the on board video controller - seems to be the culprit. I'll swap it out when I can.

I'm having a different hardware problem that I will be posting about. When the thread is up, I will put a link to the thread here. When you read the other thread you will understand why I'm connecting the two issues.

Thanks for the help and suggestions! :P

   Mon Feb 21, 2005    Reply         

QUOTE (banjosforpeace)


I'm having a different hardware problem that I will be posting about. When the thread is up, I will put a link to the thread here. When you read the other thread you will understand why I'm connecting the two issues. :P
[post="19219"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Here's the other thread I mentioned. http://www.astahost.com/Squealing-Noise-Anyone-t2997.html

   Tue Feb 22, 2005    Reply         

I had the same symptoms, scratchy noise when scrolling etc, with an old PC and Windows XP with a SB Live Sound card

I had noticed that the PC was running rather slugish and decided to reinstall Windows, for some reason this fixed the sound scratch. I suspect the sound card drivers or the order in which the drivers were installed, caused the problem. Unfortunately I couldn't recreate the fault to make sure.



Seeing your other thread, if the power supply is under 1 year old you should be able to claim warranty on it still. Oh and on second thoughts, rather don't use that same model "cheap" PSU in your computer, I've never heard of fans breaking their fins!

It also sounds like there was a ground problem from the PSU, however the 2 faults would seem to be unrelated

Hope this helps

   Wed Feb 23, 2005    Reply         

I have the same problem, u cant here it with a normal stereo hooked up but as soon as u hook up a pair of studio monitors its horrible! I have found the cause on my problem..... USB because there is no earth on USB all this crap noise is floating throught it. I however have a USB sound card which I dont think u do so I dont know if this will be any help. But try disconnecting everthing USB and see if the noise goes away? I have just figured this out, my problem now is what to do about it. With no firewire port or exspation slot it looks like im fkt..

Unless there is a device to denoise/ground USB, anyone????

Why is it that I only find this out £1500 later after buying:
HP TX1000
Edirol UA-101
Rubicon R5as

for FAKS Sake!!!

Signed:
A rather pissed off producer

   Sun Aug 19, 2007    Reply         

Advice On Eliminating Audio Noise, Please?Advice On Eliminating Audio Noise, Please?This all started with the statement that the noise dissapears when the power cord is removed from the laptop. How could it be the laptop or anything with the laptop?It sounds more like a power adapter issue, grounding problems even if the computer is the only thing connected to a surge protector. Has anyone tried using another power supply adapter?--STEVE-reply by steve

   Sun Aug 9, 2009    Reply         

i cracked the problem on my laptopAdvice On Eliminating Audio Noise, Please?

[font=" 'Times New Roman'"]

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I've had this problem for a couple of years now and a guy I know also has had this problem but for even longer and iam delighted to tell you that I've figured it out!!

 

my laptop was plugged in to a multiplug adaptor (just a standard extension) along with other things like mymonitor and my amp etc., but also my tv. it has been faulty recently and I've had it unplugged for the past 24 hoursto see if would make a difference. during these 24 hours I hadn't noticed that the sound had stopped, untill that is,I plugged the tv back in! it's simply due to one of the other devices. try the laptop direct into the socket or at leaston it's own in the extesion.

 

hope this works for you too!

 

pete harbottle

-reply by pete harbottle

   Thu Sep 10, 2009    Reply         

Although an old thread, people might still be reading this to find solutions to their problems. I've had the exact same problem mentioned above/below. The speakers tell me when I moved my mouse. My line-out is adjacent to the USB port where I connect my mouse. I disconnected the mouse USB and reconnected (to the same port), and voila. Problem solved.

HTH,

mouse.

-reply by mouse

   Tue Sep 8, 2009    Reply         

Fixed noise problemAdvice On Eliminating Audio Noise, Please?

Ok so I understand this may be very old topic and a very late answer.  I hope this is an answer for some people.

My problem... mouse movement, moving graphic of any sort on screen, as well as hard drive activity; would all make my speakers hiss, whine, buzz, tick, and make al sorts of strange noises.  It was as if my speakers were sounding out everything that went on insided my computer.  It was quiet but irritating.  Strange to say the least.

I had the exact same problem before my current ASUS P6T. Both situations were with onboard sound.  On my older ASUS P5B motherboard, the situation was fixed by installing a PCI SoundBlaster X-fi and turning off the onboard sound in the BIOS.

My set up (or things I consider key elements) = running Vista and a Realtek onboard sound.  Although I suspect this may be an issue with other set ups too.  -- Considering the shear number of posts out there on this topic.

My solution was this:  Control Panel > Hardware & Sound > Sound > Manage Audio Devices.

In the Sound Dialog Box under "Playback" tab double click Speakers.

In the Speakers Properties Dialog Box under "Levels" tab > click mute button beside "PC Speaker".

Like magic my problem was fixed.  I cannot answer as to why or what exactly this changes.  But it was just like turning on the lights in a room.  Click and it was fixed.  Go figure.

You may also try the mute button beside "Microphone".  Enough research around the net and you will find this has also worked for some people.

IMO, the Realtek onboard sound is the issue.  Hope this helps...

The Pizza Repair Man

   Thu Oct 29, 2009    Reply         

Audio noise on laptopAdvice On Eliminating Audio Noise, Please?

I has the same problem. If I try to hear computer audio output through a little amp (Marshall MG15) I can hear every mouse displacement, hard disc turn, and so on. It's related with the power supply cause if I disconnect the computer from the electrical grid (works with internal battery) noise decreases a lot. I'll try to connect the computer in a different socket.

Regards.

-reply by Luis C. Pérez Tato

   Thu Nov 5, 2009    Reply         

laptop noiseAdvice On Eliminating Audio Noise, Please?

Yea I've got the exact same problem, it's so weird!

I've got aToshiba laptop, and when I hook up my laptop to monitors, there's thisHorrible noise coming out of it.. And the strange thing is that it evenHappens when I use a usb-audio interface.. Turning down the volume onThe interface doesn't change a thing.

The only remedy I've found so far is unplugging the laptop's power adapter. But that's not really a convenient solution.

ITried messing around with the audio settings but nothing´s helped soFar.. I´ll definitely be following this thread to see if anyone comesUp with a better solution, ill let you guys know if I find out anything:P

-reply by BW-001

   Mon Dec 28, 2009    Reply         

Fixed it for meAdvice On Eliminating Audio Noise, Please?

Thanks for this as it fixed the weird, scratchy, background noise from my speakers.  I also have an Asus motherboard (P6T SE) and this problem only began after I installed Windows 7.  Everything sounds as it should now.  Thanks again.  

-reply by Toothhermit

   Sun Jan 3, 2010    Reply         

I have the same problem. I get a 'hiss' from my TV speakers when I connect my laptop to the TV (so that I can use my TV speakers for louder audio). Yes, the irritating 'hiss' disappears when I disconnect my laptop from the power source and run it on battery. But, irritatingly, the 'hiss' returns when I plug my laptop back into a power source (even if its a different power socket far away from the TV's socket). Its quite possible that the entire flat's grounding is funny.

-reply by Feroze

   Thu Dec 24, 2009    Reply         

thanx a lot!Advice On Eliminating Audio Noise, Please?

Thanx a lot! it was fixed and it was starting to drive me nuts! I thought it was gonna mute everything and tried and then yeah, JUST LIKE MAGIC

 hahah thanks for taking your time to help us alll in this :) I'm probably never coming back here again but thanks!!

-reply by theBeorn

   Mon Dec 14, 2009    Reply         

Received my PC today after Windows 7 Professional was installed and everythime a windows pops up accompanied by a tone this converts partly to scratchy noise and do experience the same after each star-up and during Windows Media Music Playing..

Believe it definitely has to do with the Tones as the Vista 32 bit I  have on a different drive in the same computer works great.  All this started after the Graphic/Audio Card was removed and installed one step down in order not to get too much heat but it's only Windows 7 Pro on a different drive in the same computer.

Could you please help me out as I tried anything which comes to my mind.

Thank you

Alfredo 

   Fri Jan 15, 2010    Reply         

Thanks a lot for posting this remedy.  It worked perfectly for me.

 Control Panel->Sound->Playback->Speakers->Turn down PC Beep

I also have an Asus P6T (SE version) and this muted setting alleviated the odd mouse movement/video card/hdd generated noise.  Odd that it's turned up by default though.

Also another related fact is that I had no such problem when I had XP installed and this problem started when I installed Windows 7.  I guess PC Beep was thought as seriously important in this upgrade...Hah.

   Mon Dec 28, 2009    Reply         

Amazing!!Advice On Eliminating Audio Noise, Please?

This suggestion completely fixed this very same issue for me and it was exactly as you said--exactly like flipping a switch.  I was amazed and delighted as I have been searching for the last few days to find a fix.  Just got this pc and was very worried it was something more serious and wasn't looking forward to what it was going to mean to try to fix it.   Thanks tons !!

-reply by rebound

   Sat Dec 26, 2009    Reply         

When I go into Playback, the only option I can choose is Speakers/HP properties and when I go there into levels, there is no PC speaker only Speaker/HP, Beep and Microphone.

Beep and Mic are on mute already. But whenever my coputer is charging, the noise is TERRIBLE.

 

What can I do???

   Sun Feb 7, 2010    Reply         

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