I recently got a laptop, and was horrified when I tried recording for the first time. I am simply plugging into the mic jack on the front, and no matter what I have plugged in be it a microphone or guitar there is a terrible static. It starts with a loud pop at the beginning of the recording, and persists as very noisy static throughout. I have made sure all the appropriate recording devices are enabled both in Windows and by the recording program. I am becoming frightened that this static is somehow due to the operating noise of the laptop, in which case I have no idea what to do about it. Maybe I am wrong though. I hope someone here can offer some insight.
Thanks!
Comments
Laptops have the worst built in audio cards because of the physi
Laptops have the worst built in audio cards because of the physical proximity of the circuitry.
Get an external audio interface. This will be just the first of many problems if you continue to use your internal interface. Internal interfaces are noisy, have latency issues, lack synchronization... the list could go on.
Sounds like you may have an earth loop. If you're recording off
Sounds like you may have an earth loop. If you're recording off something electrical you'll have 2 power connections, one with the instrument/decks etc. and the other the laptop power. This causes an earth loop.
To fix you can simply run off laptop battery (the simplest way of testing if this the case too) but if its not got enough life for your needs you can remove one of the earth connections from the set up.
Ive had the same problem whillst recording and all i did was take a 2 way adaptor plug, open it up and snap off the metal connections in the earth socket. Not recommended for continuous use for obvious safety reasons but it works for recording purposes anyway. Similarly you can just open up the plug on any short extension and disconnect the earth wire!!!
Hope this helps