Hum and hiss

Author
Post
Essentials Only Full Version
Baydon
Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 22
  • Joined: 2008/01/07 09:59:21
  • Status: offline
2012/02/19 18:03:40 (permalink)

Hum and hiss

If I arm an audio track and run record then play back the empty track I hear a lot of "hum and hiss" background noise. What is it and what can I do to reduce it?
 
I am using MC6 and the onboard Realtek sound card (until I can acquire a better sound card option).
 
I use a line mixer to the line in port, although that doesn't seem to make much difference. I may also be plugged in to a non-grounded, two-wire circuit in an old house.
 
Just thought I would ask :) ... Baydon
#1

5 Replies Related Threads
    Guitarhacker
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 24398
    • Joined: 2007/12/07 12:51:18
    • Location: NC
    • Status: offline
    Re:Hum and hiss 2012/02/19 18:09:17 (permalink)
    The noise could very well be coming from the realtec card. MC6 is a good DAW... the realtec is NOT a good sound card for it.

    I would recommend that you look into getting a dedicated audio interface that uses ASIO drivers and stop using the realtec as soon as you are able to do so.

    The majority of folks here are using either firewire or USB after market interfaces and getting exceptional results.

    You should have a very low noise floor with the proper sound card/interface.

    My website & music: www.herbhartley.com

    MC4/5/6/X1e.c, on a Custom DAW   
    Focusrite Firewire Saffire Interface


    BMI/NSAI

    "Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer " 
    #2
    Baydon
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 22
    • Joined: 2008/01/07 09:59:21
    • Status: offline
    Re:Hum and hiss 2012/02/19 18:32:17 (permalink)
    Thank you. I have begun researching sound card options. Found lots of good info here in the forums. Really appreciate you all taking time to share your knowledge and experience.

    I have several decent PCI soundcards but recently got a new desktop with only PCI-e slots! Obsolesence is an unfortunate by-product of technological progress! lol. .. Baydon
    #3
    Guitarhacker
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 24398
    • Joined: 2007/12/07 12:51:18
    • Location: NC
    • Status: offline
    Re:Hum and hiss 2012/02/19 19:31:21 (permalink)
    if you choose a USB external interface, it will work on any computer you have the DAW software on.

    I have a lappy and a desk top.... my interface will plug into either and run just fine....

    My website & music: www.herbhartley.com

    MC4/5/6/X1e.c, on a Custom DAW   
    Focusrite Firewire Saffire Interface


    BMI/NSAI

    "Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer " 
    #4
    bandontherun19
    Max Output Level: -74 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 824
    • Joined: 2011/08/28 00:09:57
    • Status: offline
    Re:Hum and hiss 2012/02/20 20:12:14 (permalink)
    I tend to get a lot of hiss when I perform? Unfortunately, it's coming from the audience... :-(

    All you need is love, just ask the Beatles?
    ----------
    #5
    cwestmont
    Max Output Level: -83 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 379
    • Joined: 2007/05/25 13:23:00
    • Status: offline
    Re:Hum and hiss 2012/02/24 16:16:41 (permalink)
    You might try using some EQ plugins until you get a new sound interface. For example, blocking out the low frequencies (using a hi-pass filter, for example) can work pretty well.

    My music:
    Hummingbird Cinema (vocal tracks, covers and remixes)
    Mosaic Manifesto  (remixes and instrumentals)
    "If you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying? If you cannot solve it, then what is the use of worrying?"- Shantideva

    One can acquire everything in solitude - except character. -- Marie Henri Beyle

    Windows 7
    Intel Core i7-4770 3.4 GHz
    8 GigaBytes DRAM
    Sonar X3
    Roland QuadCapture
    #6
    Jump to:
    © 2024 APG vNext Commercial Version 5.1