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some computer specs:

windows xp media edition
stock network card
seasound soloist pci soundcard

weird problem:

I noticed while listening to music with Winamp, that I hear what sounds like radio static through my speakers, but only while I have an internet browser open (firefox and IE). The problem continues when winamp is closed, but the browser is still open. It also only happens when have normal stereo speakers engaged, not monitors. Sometimes, this isn't an issue at all. I am guessing this could be a driver problem?

I have a separate partition for my recording OS and studio software, so this OS is just for normal computer stuff.

Thank you for any help, and let me know if you need more info.

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TheJackAttack Sun, 01/10/2010 - 08:32

Your computer may actually have some internal grounding issues that are leaking onto the PCI bus. It is fairly common to have cross talk with onboard audio chips/connectors but less so with PCI cards. It is curious that it seems to only happen when a browser is open. Are you hearing the noise through the onboard motherboard jack or through the Seasound Soloist?

ThirdBird Sun, 01/10/2010 - 08:38

What you mean hearing the noise through the onboard mb jack or the seasound? The weirdest parts for me is that I only hear it on stereo speakers, not the monitors, which are both routed from the seasound through a cheap rca selector box....and also very weird that it has to do with the internet. I recently replaced a dead hard drive, but that is about all.

ThirdBird Sun, 01/10/2010 - 10:06

Alright, I tried that, but still no luck. Part of me was hoping you were right, part of me wasn't.At least I would know what the problem was, but I do like the ability to switch between speakers. The dilemma continues...

To add to the mystery, I still can hear the static through the stereo speakers even when the monitors are engaged.

btw, I really appreciate your help!

TheJackAttack Sun, 01/10/2010 - 14:45

Do you have another pair of computer speakers to try out? I presume these are the standard issue with an 1/8" TRS plug. Or perhaps if you had a set of cans you could plug into the stereo jack. Sorry to keep giving tests and not solutions. Just trying to narrow it down. The next questions I'm going to ask in order are:

1- plug your stereo speakers into the mobo jack and see if the noise is replicated. Of course you'll have to change you default audio in the sound settings.

2-If you move the Seasound to a different PCI slot do you get the same issue?