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foleycentral
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August 18th, 2006 21:00
audio problems using i6400 with firewire interface for DAW
Hi,
I need help! I recently bought an inspiron 6400/E1505 (core duo 1.83, 1GB RAM, 80BG 5400 HD, etc) ... and hoped to use it for audio recording.
My setup is with a Focusrite Saffire LE, recording mostly acoustic instruments via condenser mics. This is fairly new on the market, but I was hoping for the best regarding compatibility.
The problem is I get a consistent hum when monitoring (so far on headphones via the interface) and on recorded tracks, as well as some static noise, proportional to the gain on my mic inputs, but it's always there. This happens when the inspiron is plugged in to the wall as well as when running on battery. I also tested it in different locations, and don't believe it's a ground loop issue, but suspect this laptop to be the cause of trouble. I also get a few digital "pops and clicks" now and then, which I hope I can troubleshoot on my own, but the hum and static noise is a biggie.
I've since searched and read previous posts in this forum, and it seems that others have had problems using an inspiron for audio recording. I've learned what I can, but not enough to come to conclusions about my exact setup.
It would help to know:
- has anybody had this setup, and had the same problem? Are there fixes you know of?
- if you've used a 6400/1505 succesfully for recording with other interfaces, what's your setup? (I can get new gear, but at this point I'd love to hear from somebody with something proven).
- I've read some talk of getting a new TI firewire card. Has this worked? Would it just fix pops and clicks, but leave me with the hum? Is it worth going through Dell to replace a particular part?
- Should I smash this machine with a large, heavy object, and buy something new?
- If so, please recommend a heavy object for this purpose.
... Yet Another Frustrated Dell User.
I need help! I recently bought an inspiron 6400/E1505 (core duo 1.83, 1GB RAM, 80BG 5400 HD, etc) ... and hoped to use it for audio recording.
My setup is with a Focusrite Saffire LE, recording mostly acoustic instruments via condenser mics. This is fairly new on the market, but I was hoping for the best regarding compatibility.
The problem is I get a consistent hum when monitoring (so far on headphones via the interface) and on recorded tracks, as well as some static noise, proportional to the gain on my mic inputs, but it's always there. This happens when the inspiron is plugged in to the wall as well as when running on battery. I also tested it in different locations, and don't believe it's a ground loop issue, but suspect this laptop to be the cause of trouble. I also get a few digital "pops and clicks" now and then, which I hope I can troubleshoot on my own, but the hum and static noise is a biggie.
I've since searched and read previous posts in this forum, and it seems that others have had problems using an inspiron for audio recording. I've learned what I can, but not enough to come to conclusions about my exact setup.
It would help to know:
- has anybody had this setup, and had the same problem? Are there fixes you know of?
- if you've used a 6400/1505 succesfully for recording with other interfaces, what's your setup? (I can get new gear, but at this point I'd love to hear from somebody with something proven).
- I've read some talk of getting a new TI firewire card. Has this worked? Would it just fix pops and clicks, but leave me with the hum? Is it worth going through Dell to replace a particular part?
- Should I smash this machine with a large, heavy object, and buy something new?
- If so, please recommend a heavy object for this purpose.
... Yet Another Frustrated Dell User.
