Buzz From Laptop Charger While Trying To Record A Mix

[lumpo 0]

Ow do! If this is no in the right bit would the mods be so kind as to move it

 

I'm trying to record a mix so I can hand out some cd's but i'm getting nowhere very slowly :hurt:

 

I'm using basic acer5052 laptop, pair of pioneer cdj's and a behringer dx626 basic mixer.

 

I'm connecting the mixer using the booth output to the mic socket of my laptop. I'm using audicity to record and I think I've sussed the settings but the problems I'm having are

 

1. If the laptop is plugged in the rcording is awful I get loads of fuzz over it. Unplug it and it's fine. Problem is my battery has a terrible life span and runs out pretty quick.

 

Is there a way around this?

 

2.When recording with audicity it says it's mono?? is this because I'm using the mic socket?

 

3. can anybody suggest a better way of recording my mixes?

 

I'm on a tight budget at the mo so can't blow loads of money on new gear :hurt:

 

Cheers

 

Lumpo

[Gary 0]

Hmmmm, or perhaps I should say HUUUMMMM

 

Audio quality isn't a natural in-built feature for some lappys, but if ALL the audio problems go away when you run the laptop off if it's battery then you may be able to solve your recording woes for between £15 to £25.

 

Devices called Audio Isolators or sometimes, Ground loop isolators should rid your laptop of this particular, and relatively common problem.

 

The same devices are often used inbetween Ford Escorts and Car stereos so you should find these in Halfords and Maplins etc.

 

Don't worry, these units are a simple plug in design which attach to the audio cables.

 

[superstardeejay 0]

I'm connecting the mixer using the booth output to the mic socket of my laptop

 

This is the first problem! The mic input on laptops is a mono mic using a stereo jack. One of the jack terminals is for the 'phantom' power output for the condenser mic, the other is mic-level input back to the laptop. (All pc mic in sockets are like this). They're not compatible with DJ mixer booth outputs which are at a much larger 'line' level. This is probably why it's picking up the noise, as you wont be able to turn the sensitivity of the laptop audio down enough and it's picking up the PSU noise and amplifying it.

 

Use the stereo-line-in jack if it has one (many laptops dont) or use a USB external audio interface with such a line input facility...they're cheap and provide good quality sound.

 

And dont forget to inhibit the internal laptop mic in Audio Properties when you're recording, otherwise it'll be mixed into the music and possibly generate feedback / room noises!

 

laptop mic connections

 

USB line in/out interface

 

 

 

 

[lumpo 0]

Cheers lads!!! :Thumbup:

 

What do you think to this? would it do the trick?

 

http://www.dv247.com/invt/32730/

 

Cheers

 

Lump

[otronics 0]

Yep, that looks great.

 

If you get that and still get a buzz when the mains lead is connected, get a ground loop isolator as Gary said and that will most likely sort it.

[superstardeejay 0]

Yep I agree, nice dinky little thing, this type of stuff is what Behringer do best.

 

 

[lumpo 0]

Yep I agree, nice dinky little thing, this type of stuff is what Behringer do best.

 

 

Big thanks lads :Thumbup: I've ordered it and the I'll grab a ground loop isolator. Then start pestering bars with my cd's

 

Really really appreciate the help!

 

Lump