Single Coil Users who record need some help

[ibanezcollector]

Ok you know the topic probably from the title.. 60 Cycle Hum..

My guitar is properly shielded, its properly grounded. But I have a 20" CRT Monitor right in front of me..

Is there a way to get rid of some of the background noise. I am using a Noise Gate already but its still very apparent in the mix..

http://www.ibanezpodxt.com/Riviera.mp3

Thanks in advance
Brett

[crevis]

aside from buying an LCD, the sound blaster X fi has a filter to get rid of monitor hum, then again it might be cheaper to get an LCD.

[Demiurge]

Originally Posted by crevis

aside from buying an LCD, the sound blaster X fi has a filter to get rid of monitor hum, then again it might be cheaper to get an LCD.

+1. I even had noise problems with humbuckers when I had a CRT monitor. LCD is the way to go- they're cheap, they clear up so much desk space it's not even funny, and they're easier on the eyes.

[Drew]

LCD is definitely a good option here. Hell, if you're serious about recording, it's the only option - a CRT will even give you a bit of added noise with humbuckers - it's just not something you want in a studio environment.

However, new pickups may be an answer too - I've got a set of gold Lace Sensors in my strat which are dead-quiet. EMG SA's are an option here too, and while I've never tried either the Seymour Duncan or Dimarzio noiseless pickups, they're supposed to be quite good, too. The first generation Fender noisless pickups blew, but I hear they've gotten better since then.

The other added plus here is there's only one place worse than a recording studio with a CRT for noise - a bar with neon signs. I'd say a LCD first if you're serious about recording and not gigging, or a set of noiseless pickups first if you play out a lot, too, and record as a hobby.

[Rotti]

When I had a CRT I used to start my recording, switch the monitor off, and then turn the montitor back on when done recording my track. It worked for me.

[al.]

yup bingo thats the trick around it

But LCD is the way to go there pretty cheap now too for a decent spec and decent size one...

theres so many pros for it

[crevis]

My 19" wide cost about 200 US, just get the biggest one you can afford.

[mike777]

Getting away from the CRT will definitely help. Don't forget other things that generate noise, fluoroescent & neon lights, dimmer circuits, items with electric motors in them, and sometimes old cables. In some cases, such items, these things don't necessarily have to be in the same room to cause problems. Regarding the fluoro lights - this isn't just limited to the long overhead tube lights. If you have the energy-saving bulbs in your regular lamps, don't forget that they are fluoro ligts, too. Every one should switch to those but while recording audio, temporarily switch to the incandescents.

If you're looking into quieter pickups - I recommend one of the Dimarzio Virtual Vintage models. They have phenominal tone and they're dead quiet.

Mike 777 Haug

[crevis]

Anything wireless also, and mobile phones of course, make sure its not in your pocket, cpu, gpu and case fans, air conditioners, cars, and generally you will get alot more interfierence during the day than at night (I do anyway).

A trick I do is rest my foot on one of the metal cased stompboxes so the curcuit is earthed even when Im not touching the strings. Anything like that helps a little.