Incandescent or Flourescent

[kirk]

Which is the preferred lighting for a studio? I can't remember which one of the two emits a 60cycle hum?!?

[Two hands31]

I'm not sure, but I remember in the Vai/Satch jam video that they were getting major hum from the lights (I think they were flourescent) and it was controllable by the dimmer switch.

[YaYoGakk]

Flourescent is bad for hum. Avoid it like the plague. LOL

[jonrayl]

who needs lights? Computer screens, amplifier tubes, and LED readouts provide all the illumination I need

[Lonely Raven]

Honestly, I use LED lamps around my computer when I'm recording.

You can pick up these little USB ones that put out a surprising amount
of light for $15 or less at Best Buy. Just plug it into your USB ports on your
computer, and flex the goosneck around where you need it.

Flourescents are the worst because they emit light by projecting radiation
through a phosphor. So if that radiation gets to your pickups, it will
probably pick it up. (same with your monitor too).

Flourescents on dimmers (which your not supposed to do in general)
generate more noise *in* the AC line (that hopefully your gear is NOT on
the same circut as) because of the dimmer coil.

To help keep your gear quiet, you should invest in some *REAL* line
conditioners...not the cheap little rack mount stuff, but true audiograde
line conditioners.

Also, keep your computer, and your gear on seperate circuts if you can.
The computer, monitor, and all the magnetic spinning drives all generate
LOTS of noise for your AC lines.

Incandescents are the way to go if you need much light...but that ruins the
mood! LOL

[Drew]

Using LED lights when working around a computer WOULD be a great idea... however, my screen creates so much noise that it's sorta a non-point. (thankfully, the LCD on my laptop isn't nearly as bad, and lace sensor singlecoils killed much of the problem. )

-Drew