Microphone static

[Arielle]

I used to love recording audio with my last laptop (with XP), and everything
worked perfectly with Audacity and a regular, cheap microphone (the ones that
sometimes come with computers). However, I have already tried two such
microphones for my new laptop which has Vista on it, and while it can pick up
sound from the get-go, it also exhibits static whether I'm talking into the
mic or not! I've even tried covering up the sound holes...and static still
gets produced! I've heard Vista has this problem, but I'm not so sure about
that. Anyway, what could possibly remedy this issue? Do I need to invest in a
USB headset? And before you ask, yes, I have tried going through just about
every option in the Sound category in Vista. Please help!

Thank you!

 

[Smithsonian]

I think its the audio quality level. I dont know. I've never used a mic

 

[Steve Thackery]

Can you describe what you mean by 'static'?

It doesn't seem likely that Vista itself is injecting noise into the audio -
but it could be a hardware problem. Some laptop microphones pick up the
sound of the hard disk. Others pick up electrical noise from nearby
circuitry.

A better description of the 'static' would help.

SteveT

 

[Arielle]

By "static," I mean when I try to record my voice with a recording program
(like Audacity), I hear some minor to moderate static-like noise in the
background, regardless of if I'm speaking into it or not. I've even tried
plugging my fingers up to the microphone's sound holes and it still produces
the noise. I also hear static if I plug in headphones unless I listen to
something (video, music, etc.) that's louder than the static.

Yeah, I didn't think Vista had anything to do with it, but I saw someone
mention something about Vista having sound problems. You're probably right
about the hard disk making the noise, but do you think a microphone utilizing
the USB port would fix this issue? Thanks!

 

[Steve Thackery]

but do you think a microphone utilizing

the USB port would fix this issue? Thanks!

You can get USB mikes, but they cost more and need drivers installing. This
would identify whether it is a problem with noise pickup in the microphone
circuitry, as the USB mic goes nowhere near any of the normal sound
circuitry.

I'm hoping someone else might join in and help - I don't have direct
experience of this problem.

SteveT

 

[Arielle]

Judging by the information you've provided (hard disk being loud, USB not
near normal sound circuitry) as well as some of the physical evidence
(hearing static in headphones), I'm guessing that the USB mic may be the cure.

I'll keep asking around to see if anyone else has experienced this or has
other ideas. Thanks for everything, Steve.