HELP: trying to record to laptop

[renoz88]

I'm trying to record some music to my laptop, but no matter what i do, i cant seem to get rid of the background hum and static.

Im using a stock Dell XPS 1730, 2 condensers and a CD player connected to a mackie 1202 and then connecting the main outs from the mackie to the line in of the computer.
Do i need to get a purpose built soundcard/interface?? or am i doing something wrong??

 

[illuminationexcursion]

I do my own recordings too but I don't seem to have that problem.

I close all the doors and windows, on the aircon (Set the fan to low otherwise the condensers will pick up the aircon hum). Plug my guitar into my Zoom H4 and point the inbuilt condensers at myself. The recording is crystal clear. Maybe I record some clips to let you hear.

I'm not really into all the electronics and hardware specifics, but I've heard that no matter how good all your equipment are, just one bad one in the chain will spoil everything.

As for background sound, don't point the fan in the direction of your mic unless you have a pop filter. Thats what I always make sure.

Hope that helps

 

[logicdroid]

Isolate power and instrument cables. Try connecting your equipment to different power sources. If you get a mild shock when touching your lappy, there may be a ground problem.
2 cents
R.

 

[logicdroid]

Oh yeah, might be due to unbalanced signal.

 

[velvetrevolver]

yeah any inputs from u guys here will be helpful, as i am trying to record to a laptop too... like wat's the setup like, and items needed. so on. pics would be great too.

 

[renoz88]

unbalanced signal?? so if i place a DI in between the outputs of the mixer and the laptop, i shd be able to get rid of the noise?? and anyway, my laptop only has one jack for input, how do i record stereo using a balanced line?

 

[logicdroid]

unbalanced signal?? so if i place a DI in between the outputs of the mixer and the laptop, i shd be able to get rid of the noise?? and anyway, my laptop only has one jack for input, how do i record stereo using a balanced line?

I was speculating... sorry about the confusion.
Unbalanced inputs and outputs shouldn't be a problem as long as your cables are short..

The input on your lappy (1/8") should be stereo if I'm not mistaken, so you could plug your outputs from the mixer directly to the line in of your lappy via RCA to 1/8" cable. And select to record from your Stereo line in 1+2 from your DAW.

I reckon you should try isolating power and signal cables first. And also, you should consider getting an Audio interface.. without one, you're likely to be plagued with noise.

Hope this helps.
R.

 

[renoz88]

Anyone has a good recommendation for a interface?? budget around $300, minimum 2 channels to take 2 balanced inputs from my mixer??

 

[atee]

http://www.citymusic.com.sg/deals.html Toneport UX2?

 

[VCO]

hi, wat is your mic type? dynamic or condenser? And wat are you recording? For fun project or something serious (gradually become serious?)
If serious project, my advise is to get a good interface (USB & IEEE has some latency, u need to noe how to manage that) like RME hammerfall using PCMCIA interface.
Not serious, beginners, get a good reasonable condenser mic with AA battery built-in and cable will be TRS 3.5mm (balanced) for yr PC input. Condenser mic easy to pickup.
Go to Adelphi #04-10, there is this shop that sells microphones. They allow you to test as well. Good luck!