Noisy sound card

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Antler
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Noisy sound card

Post by Antler »

I normally use a laptop for handling my music but would like to give the laptop a rest. I have several extra servers sitting around that use on the board sound cards, the sound from these computers is/are very noisy...

Can anyone recommend a sound card that has a good S/N ratio that would be suitable for broadcasting?
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pcs
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Post by pcs »

I suspect external USB cards are better. What are you feeding with your sound card?
If its a transmitter, make sure it has balanced inputs. This is a typical application where
balanced inputs make a big difference. Grounds loops pick up lots of noise.

There are some passive (transformer) bal/unbal audio converters available at radio shack,
but not cheap.
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Marko - PCS Electronics
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Post by Antler »

There are some passive (transformer) bal/unbal audio converters available at radio shack, but not cheap.
Good point, using balanced inputs had slipped my mind as hadn't been doing that while using my laptop...

Yes, I have balanced inputs on the transmitter and I think I have balanced inputs on the mixing board as well. I will have to check...

If so, will try the an audio converter from radio shack.

Thanks..
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pcs
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Post by pcs »

Well, if a laptop isn't conneted to mains you probably don't have ground loops,
but for all other cases and desktop pc especially it makes a difference.
Best regards,
Marko - PCS Electronics
--------------------------------------------------------
Turn your PC into a FM radio station!
http://www.pcs-electronics.com
fax +386 4 2316 128
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Antler
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Post by Antler »

Well, if a laptop isn't conneted to mains
It is connected to mains most of the time.
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