Computer sounds(feedback)

[captnkarl]

I am getting feedback from my laptop when it is quiet between songs. Dell sent me a new AC adapter because it only happens when it is plugged in, now they are sending me a new motherboard because I am still getting it. Is this a common problem?? I have to unplug the computer to get rid of the sounds and plug it in when the music starts. I don't run music between songs (yet) and it is very annoying.

I run a Dell Studio 2.18mghz, 3meg ram, 320HD... that I just bought and hope to not have to buy another amp/mixer.

[ddouglass]

Your problem is a floating ground. This is either in the outlet or the power supply of the laptop. My guess is it is probably the building wiring.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by ddouglass

Your problem is a floating ground. This is either in the outlet or the power supply of the laptop. My guess is it is probably the building wiring.

What is precisely meant by that term, Dale?

[marklwood]

Originally Posted by bryant

What is precisely meant by that term, Dale?

I know I'm not Dale but....A floating ground usually happens when you have a properly grounded device, and one that is not, hooked up on the same circuit. The ground "floats" between the 2 devices. This is almost universally caused in a bar by older neon lights. The older ones don't have a ground. As they age, it exacerbates the problem. Electricity, like water, takes the path of least resistance. If your laptop/amp is closer (wiring wise) than the grounding rod (if there is one) that goes to earth, your equipment will act as the ground. Bear in mind, path of least resistance can also include wiring size as well as distance. This can also be aggravated by the wall wiring being undersized. This is not limited to neons. It can be anything that is not working properly, or is not properly grounded.

[ddouglass]

Originally Posted by marklwood

I know I'm not Dale but....A floating ground usually happens when you have a properly grounded device, and one that is not, hooked up on the same circuit. The ground "floats" between the 2 devices. This is almost universally caused in a bar by older neon lights. The older ones don't have a ground. As they age, it exacerbates the problem. Electricity, like water, takes the path of least resistance. If your laptop/amp is closer (wiring wise) than the grounding rod (if there is one) that goes to earth, your equipment will act as the ground. Bear in mind, path of least resistance can also include wiring size as well as distance. This can also be aggravated by the wall wiring being undersized. This is not limited to neons. It can be anything that is not working properly, or is not properly grounded.

In other words Bryant it is a lack of ground somewhere in the AC power that the laptop is also plugged into. To go any deeper would require you have an electronics background.

When Karl said feedback between songs I immediately thought of 60 HZ hum, but you are right he could have his internal microphone on.

[captnkarl]

What is meant by internal microphone?? As for a ground, I have that feedback when just the windows screen is up and no other programs are running...it doesn't matter which bar I'm playing in. My original computer didn't have this sound just some hiss. The sound sounds lilke the old movies when computers were making a "computer sound" when they were trying to figure something out. Thanks for the help and keep the sugestions coming please.

[billyo]

Originally Posted by captnkarl

I am getting feedback from my laptop when it is quiet between songs. Dell sent me a new AC adapter because it only happens when it is plugged in, now they are sending me a new motherboard because I am still getting it. Is this a common problem?? I have to unplug the computer to get rid of the sounds and plug it in when the music starts. I don't run music between songs (yet) and it is very annoying.

I run a Dell Studio 2.18mghz, 3meg ram, 320HD... that I just bought and hope to not have to buy another amp/mixer.

i've never heard of a feedback coming from an a/c adapter or a power cord, most of the time you'll hear a hum,and you can get a hum elliminator from www.wbtech.com, are you sure it's not from your eq settings, feedback occurs when your eq's high setting is up, or the mic is infront of the speakers..try going to control panel, sound speach & audio devices, click on sound, and on the sound scheme type in no sound

[marklwood]

Besides the other good advice already posted, I would also check the internal mic volume on the laptop.