Fan noise question...

Hugh Sullivan · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008, 22:41 (GMT) Post subject: Fan noise question...

I just moved and I'm getting my recording gear set up again and I noticed when testing my microphone that due to different acoustics in this room than I had in my old one, I'm getting a lot of background noise from the fan in my computer case. (and a whole lot from my external hard drive but I solved that by just turning the damn thing off. Unfortunately I'm recording onto my computer, so I can't turn that off.)

Any ideas/tips on how to quiet that down, or should I just throw a blanket over the back of my computer and hope that'll cover it? (no pun intended)

September Day Leach · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008, 22:45 (GMT) Post subject:

Careful with the blanket thing; your computer can overheat. I invested in some cable extensions and put my whole CPU in the closet and shut the door. Nary a hint of fan Smile

Hugh Sullivan · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008, 22:49 (GMT) Post subject:

Yeah, my step-brother did the closet thing when he was doing some recording. I'm not sure I'd be able to here. Space is a bit of an issue in this place. Sad

September Day Leach · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008, 22:53 (GMT) Post subject:

well, you can try one of the new plasma cooling cases. And don't get me wrong, the blanket can work a little, but those fans can be hella loud

Hugh Sullivan · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008, 22:55 (GMT) Post subject:

Hmm... new case might be a good thing. I'll have to do some price checking. Thanks. Smile

Jacob Ekstroem · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008, 22:56 (GMT) Post subject:

M's absolutely right; do NOT cover your pc with anything. Those fans are there for a reason... Wink

Moving the pc as far away as possible is the most effective solution, but not always possible.
If your pc is a stock off-the-shelf system, the fans are often small and noisy; they can be replaced with better and more quiet models like "Papst" or similar.
Building a large, properly damped and ventilated cabinet around your pc can also work, and even placing a piece of rug or carpet under (but not over) the cabinet can do wonders.

But in a way, you answered your own question: improve the acoustic circumstances in your new room somehow. Or, as a last resort, use a noisegate when recording or editing (not a recommendation, but a solution).

(edit: did some changes to the text to underline some important issues)

Hugh Sullivan · Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2008, 23:17 (GMT) Post subject:

Yeah, we just finished some renovation downstairs when I moved in so I might have some lumber lying around to build some kind of sound baffle cabinet or something, but I think just finding some way to lower the noise level in the first place is probably the best option. I'll start looking at new cases and fans and see what's in my price range. Thanks for the advice. Smile

George Whittam · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 21

Either build a sound isolation box for the computer, move it out of the room, or get this:
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1634/cst-342/Zalman_TNN300AF_Noise_Free_Multimedia_Micro_Tower_Case_w350W_Fanless_PSU.html

Or get a Mac Mini, nearly silent operation...

George
eldorec.com

Bill Campbell · Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008, 16:43 (GMT) Post subject:

OK, don't think I'm crazy. If you want function over form, just put a large cardboard box over your computer. Make sure there's a hole near the fan in the back of the box.

Your computer won't overheat and it will take some of the noise away while recording.
Make sure the cardboard box is at least a third larger than the computer. Cardboard is a good sound dampener at it breathes.

Worth a try.

J.S. Gilbert · Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008, 19:19 (GMT) Post subject: A link to a $28 solution

If you live near a CompUSA or Frys electronicsd or such, you should have available a wide selection of materials that will assist you in quieting your computer. Swapping out your noisey fan for a virtually silent one is relatively easy and generally isn't much more involved than removing 4 screws. Moving your motherboard and ocmponents from one case to another might be a bit tricky or run you a bit of change to have a professional do.

Here is a link to Quiet PC. They have a $28 silent fan kit, as well as special sound dampening materials that can be used to line the inside of your case, etc.

http://www.quietpcusa.com/AcoustiFan-DustPROOF-Premium-Quality-Ultra-Quiet-Computer-Fan---80mm-AFDP-8025B-P64C0.aspx

Under no circumstances should you put anything on the outside of your computer that would restrict air flow or block the intake or outtake of your computer. Best case scenarios are that you will eventually wind up with heat issues on your CPU or other components and worst case scenarios may lead to a fire.

Good Luck

Caryn Clark · Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008, 22:07 (GMT) Post subject:

Didn't we just address this topic recently? Dejavoi...

Anyway...

I had to replace my fan b/c it was way too noisey. Sweetwater sent me a Zelman/Zalman, and I had my neighbor/tech guy replace it (had to use heat sink compound, and I didn't want to mess with that). Now my computer is quiet as ever. I do shut if off during ISDN sessions, but other than that, I record with it on (obviously) and have never had a complaint.

That looks like a good link JS... I'm gonna go over there and take a look-see.

Jenna Sharpe · Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008, 13:24 (GMT) Post subject:

What PC and operating system are you running Hugh? I had the same problem with the hard drive on my Dell PC with Vista but found out there is an option for setting your hard drive to 'Acoustic mode' in the bios. This does slow your HD down slightly though, but it wasn't noticeable for me and the constant drumming and chirping noise of the drive was driving me insane. When you boot up your computer keep pressing F2 and see if the option is there? Not sure if it is a Vista/Dell thing or if otehr PCs have it.

For Vista there are various tips for ammending the settings to free up memory which also stops the HD from being so active/noisy. I think there is a guide on Sweetwater about that! You can also alter the virtual memory cache settings but if you record for long periods of time or run memory hungry programmes like Photoshop that may not be a good idea.

James Turner · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008, 01:21 (GMT) Post subject: Quiet PC

This is a little out of date and some of the links don't work, but, it covers the basics.

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11319_7-5670307-1.html

If you want to get serious these guys are hardcore silencers.

http://www.silentpcreview.com/

Gregory Houser · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008, 20:26 (GMT) Post subject:

Joseph Sinclair · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 20 Jan 2008 Posts: 17

Use a heavy towel and put it over your case. Be careful not to block any fan intakes, and point the exhausts away from your mic. A steel case itself radiates noise, and the towel muffles it well.