Skip to main content

Just a simple question:
Is it safe to go for a wireles keyboard-mouse for your DAW ? Will it add noise to the recordings?

I've done the mistake of having my Cellular Phone
close to the computor... and got some unpleasant sounds on the recorded wav's.

I just want to be on the safe side here.

Topic Tags

Comments

anonymous Tue, 10/01/2002 - 07:07

I had a micro$oft wireless mouse and it was nothing but a headache. the thing ate batteries like there was no tomorrow and sometimes the cpu wouldn't see the frickin thing on boot up...I had to unplug the wireless receiver, plug in a normal mouse to get it working, then plug the wireless receiver back in. pain in the ass! also the driver support was fairly lacking.

wireless is a great idea, but all the wireless keyboards/mice out there have all this extra foo foo stuff that I'd never use...I'm sticking with my basic PS/2 stuff with extension cables.

Jon Best Tue, 10/01/2002 - 07:13

Depending on what's in front of you, this could be a bad idea- lots of them have fine print that says 'if you're having trouble, remove the keyboard/mouse to at least 8" away from large metal surfaces.'

Pretty much ruled out a console, unless I wanted to hold it up in the air at shoulder height...

Originally posted by Tore member of Park:
Just a simple question:
Is it safe to go for a wireles keyboard-mouse for your DAW ? Will it add noise to the recordings?

I've done the mistake of having my Cellular Phone
close to the computor... and got some unpleasant sounds on the recorded wav's.

I just want to be on the safe side here.

pbryce Tue, 10/01/2002 - 21:06

I've been using a Logitech cordless keyboard/mouse for a couple of yrs now with no problems at all.
I have the kbd/mouse mounted on a slide out tray under my console and the computer is about 6 ft away, and like BrockStapper said, you don't need to install the driver crap, Win 98Se & W2K Pro recognise it just fine.

anonymous Tue, 10/01/2002 - 22:42

Thank you guys... (where are all the girls ?)

So the stuff you have close to the keyboard/mouse is important...?
Well I have a Mackie SR 24.4 VLZ , ADAT XT20 and some DBX compressors, Lexicon , Alesis reverbs some delay units and a handful of synth-modules.
So there are many links that can pick up noise...
Maybe it's more safe if you have a "standalone" DAW ?.. (Mainly softsynths and plugins...)

Just a question to Paul:
I've been planning to go for the Logitech cordless keyboard/mouse.
As I understand you can run them on PS/2 or USB.
Any opinion about wich way to go?

anonymous Wed, 10/02/2002 - 15:07

I would think you would use less resources and run into less conflicts using the ps/2. You may have to install their drivers if you were to hook those up via usb... If you don't have other usb devices then you can disable that usb port that would be used for the mouse/keyboard.
The equipment close to the wireless mouse/keyboard is a new one to me. I personally don't do wireless for financial reasons (money is no object to me...at least no object in my pocket so to speak...) but know some studios with large frame consoles and racks that are wireless with no problems... besides, 8" from large metal surfaces does not seem like that big a deal to me (and no "that's what she said!" jokes...)

SonOfSmawg Wed, 10/02/2002 - 20:36

IMO, and the opinion of many others, using a wireless keyboard and/or mouse isn't a very good idea. I'm surprised that Opus hasn't chimed-in on this thread as I have discussed this with him in the recent past and he doesn't recommend it. The "wireless thing" works fine for some but can be a nightmare for others. The point is ... why purposely implement something in your system that is an unnecessary risk?
Personally, I HIGHLY recommend the Microsoft Office keyboard and Microsoft Trackball Optical, for both Mac and peecee. The combined features on these devices make using your computer much more efficient. The precision movement of the Trackball Optical drastically improves your control when using audio applications. I wouldn't DREAM of using a mouse that you have to move around on your desk to attempt to precisely maneuver recording software's controls. The other nice feature about the Trackball Optical is that it has four programmable buttons. VERY handy!

anonymous Thu, 10/03/2002 - 02:30

Why purposely implement something in your system that is an unnecessary risk?

Well, SOS... there are two things I'd like to do:
1. Go a few meters away from the monitor when I record electric guitar and bass to reduce the noise.
2. Be able to start the recordings from my piano
( also a few meter from the DAW).

Maybe I can extend the "PS2-chords" if wireless is to risky...?

Unfortunable I can't disable the USB, I use it for the MIDI.

SonOfSmawg Thu, 10/03/2002 - 04:45

Yeah, Tory, you can get a PS2 or USB extension for about $10USD, or you can get a 1 into 4 USB hub for $15-20 (POWERED), which will give you the added distance of the cord from the puter to the hub (which is what I use). It's true that USB uses more resources than PS2, in general, but for the teenie difference it's worth it to keep your keyboard and mouse from using IRQs (in my opinion).

pbryce Thu, 10/03/2002 - 21:28

Tore,
First I would use PS/2 over USB, mainly for me because I need the USB ports for my midi interface and SX dongle :)

I also sometimes need to take my kbd/mouse over to my Handsonic drum kit or Piano if I'm recording alone and I find wireless beats wires for that situation :)

SOS doesn't seem to like wireless, different strokes for different folks I guess :D

I have them in 3 of my 4 machines and wouldn't have it any other way.

anonymous Thu, 10/03/2002 - 22:04

Thank you for all the respons on this topic.
It seems like some people have alot of problem with wireless k/m... others don't have any problem at all.
I guess that the only thing I can do is:
When my new DAW is built and running , I will go to my computer dealer and buy a wireless k/m with a "buy-back"-deal if it doesn't work.

And again, it's a true pleasure to visit RO... :w: