Sign in with
Sign up | Sign in
Your question
Solved

Static electricity in electric grid causes PC audio distortion (probably)

Tags:
  • Audio
  • Systems
  • Computers
Last response: in Systems
Share
March 24, 2014 2:28:28 PM

My computer has quite an annoying problem: no matter what, I can't get any microphone to work on it. I've tried reinstalling drivers, windows and everything else related to the audio. Tried a few microphones on it. I even sent it for repair at Dell (it's still in warranty). They said that everything is fine with the PC, but whenever I try using a mic, all I hear is static. The problem appeared when I moved to a new house, and after hours of research on the internet I found out that it could be caused by the electrical grid of my house.

Anyways here's the solution I found so far:

http://www.amazon.com/APC-Essential-SurgeArrest-outlet-...

My question is could this work? If no, is there something similar that could, or do I need something compleatly different?

Specs:
Windows 7 Home Premium
i7-3820
2x GTX 660 in SLI
8GB RAM

Thanks in advance :) 

More about : static electricity electric grid audio distortion

March 24, 2014 2:46:31 PM

Most of the noise from the mains will be isolated by the PSU. Whatever is left should be common-mode across the whole case and anything grounded directly to it so mains noise should not significantly affect the microphone. If you have poor case or building ground though, just about anything can happen.
m
0
l

Best solution

March 24, 2014 2:46:37 PM

A good UPS will help stabalize any issues in the power.
It is more expensive then the item you linked to but will provide you with more protection, and for more then just one device.

Are you also hearing any noise on speakers when not using microphone?
If you are it could be RF interferrenc. Some people here have ham radio setups that are well beyond the legal limit of power and will mess with sound.
Share
!