Hey there!
 
I just started recording with my Sonar X1 LE software, and I am a beginner so if this is a really basic question, sorry but I need to know! How do I minimize the harsh white noise/static in the background of my tracks. I have a Samson G track, a pop-filter, and have been told to go to the EQ and adjust the frequency levels to minimize the noise. But I admit, I have no idea what I'm doing-- any help?
 
Thanks!
 
 
 

Hi. Maybe try to lower your input (during recording), as the mic probably enhances noise (surroundings) during high level recordings.
You do not need to record very hot, if you use 24 bit (if not, you should be).
Best of luck.
 

The best way would be to avoid recording the objectionable signal in the first place. A decent microphone in a silent (none of the objectionable noise audible) environment should not produce audible noise compared to a reasonable level of real world sound being recorded. Are you sure you are hearing "static" and not clipping or dropouts? Does this noise show up when you are recording silence? "White noise" suggests that this is not noise pollution of the recording environment/studio but electrical noise from the microphone or interface or some external source. Setting the gain too high will accentuate this kind of noise, but if the signal to noise ratio of the microphone/interface is nominal, it will produce oversaturation/clipping before the noise becomes problematic.

Thanks for the responses! Yes, it definitely is white noise. It sounds like a constant fuzz/hissing in the background, and also I am in a silent room when recording. So to see where the noise is coming from, I lowered the levels on my mic almost nearly down, and the noise is still there, so this would mean it's coming from inside mic? also, how do I check the gain levels? Again, sorry but I'm really new to this.

I also tried recording when the mic is on silent, and the noise still occurs.

What are you plugging the Samson into? What are you using for your recordings - desktop? Laptop?

Could it be a grounding issue in your power supply / outlet (from the wall)? White noise (as already mentioned) should not be an issue during regular recording. Maybe a different usb cable for your mic?
Best of luck.

I am recording my Samson with my laptop.

Is the laptop plugged in or are you just running it on the battery?

The USB digital signal should be pretty much immune to electrical interference, but a faulty USB connection could transmit electrical (analog) noise to the microphone from the computer. Connections can also act as antennas and pick up radiatingadiating electrical noise in the environment. Switching USB cords and cleaning the connections is worth a try. A laptop on battery has no ground connection which is a potential problem. See if plugging it in helps. Try the microphone attached to a known good computer. Try the microphone in a completely different building. See if you can borrow another microphone and try that. Download Audacity and see if you have the same problem in that application (long shot) and if not then you can worry about some kind of software issue. Some people use the Audacity noise reduction, but there are better applications if you have the money. If the noise follows the microphone everywhere no matter how it is connected, there is a good chance that the microphone will have to be replaced.  That is probably going to be a better solution than trying to apply noise reduction to every recording.
 
http://www.podtopia.net/gettingstarted/removenoise.shtml