My computer can't handle bass

[HarpNinja]

In this thread I posted an explanation and sample of a recording issue I was facing: Troubles recording vocals through bass octave effect

You can hear the weird interference ringing/rattle I get from the bass loop here: http://mikefugazzi.com/files/BassRinging.mp3 http://mikefugazzi.com/files/HeyJoeDistorted.mp3 (starts about a minute in)

Well, after 3hrs of work last night, I think the problem with the bass interference is related to the computer. While researching bass synths online I put on Spotify and lo and behold, as I was listening to some Jimi, I started to hear the faintest rattle/ringing through my Sennheiser HD380's. I then went to YouTube and put on some Victor Wooten - and bingo! The rattle was there.

I was unplugged from the wall and in a room with no other music gear...I was probably 6-8' from anything electronic...I didn't even have my phone there. When I use the same cans into my iPod, no issues with the bass ring/rattle.

When playing at home in real time, I always use the monitor out of my Mackie Blackjack, so the signal gets to me before hitting the computer, hence why I don't hear it while playing. However, it is always there on playback and others can here it as well (so it definitely records the sound).

I have no idea if there is a "solution" to this as it appears the computer will not only create this interference, but include it on playback (so recording a dry track and using a plug in to create the bass part will probably yield similar results). I have no issues with this noise while jamming, playing live, or using room mics. At home, though, I want to be able to record direct so it is much quieter, and I can listen to my rehearsals and to hear what I need to improve.


I forgot to write down the specifics of the computer before heading out to work, but it is an i5 PC laptop...maybe a year old. Any advice to general trouble shooting? Thanks!


***My computer is a HP Pavilion dm4-1165dx.

[CJ Mastering]

If im reading your post correctly, you need to get some decent studio monitors.

Cj

[Xander]

Regarding clipping...my Boomerang III clip light comes on whenever it is hit with a signal regardless of the situation, so that doesn't help...

I would look into this more. A clip light on a pedal is an indication that you're going to be generating some unwanted upper harmonics.

[HarpNinja]

Monitors:

That's not the whole issue as when I record direct, I get the interference on the recording too...that includes when others play it back.

Clipping:

I will check into this more, but it happens no matter how I have it set up. Regardless of the input it sets the light off. Heck, I will try and call the maker this afternoon. Ultimately, if I get the interference on playback from the computer (when the looper is not in use or plugged in) I can still here it.

FOH everything sounds fine...this includes gigs and jamming at home...no interference at all.

[HarpNinja]

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/69298822@N07/6842614517/" title="Untitled by HarpNinja, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6842614517_65e2b68be4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/69298822@N07/6842615689/" title="Untitled by HarpNinja, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6842615689_b43736ce43.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a>

I don't know if this helps or not, but here is the set up. Again, the problem seems to be isolated to the computer, and I am must aiming for enough functionality to record direct at night while the kids sleep.

I have since unplugged and moved EVERYTHING other than the pedal board thinking it was digital interference of some sort. No change in the situation...

I'd like to get some studio monitors ASAP, but if I can never get a bass line recorded (sang into an bass octaver with compression on the HD500), then there really is no point in any home recording setup. :(

[HarpNinja]

Untitled | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Untitled | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

I don't know if this helps or not, but here is the set up. Again, the problem seems to be isolated to the computer, and I am must aiming for enough functionality to record direct at night while the kids sleep.

I have since unplugged and moved EVERYTHING other than the pedal board thinking it was digital interference of some sort. No change in the situation...

I'd like to get some studio monitors ASAP, but if I can never get a bass line recorded (sang into an bass octaver with compression on the HD500), then there really is no point in any home recording setup. :(

[sickie]

Well it really seems like a computer problem; do you use Mackie blackjack as your USB audio interface? I myself have a RME babyface and I red somewhere that RME interfaces have some sort of isolation against motherboard noises (sorry 'bout my English). But still, seems strange it gets recorded. A friend of mine that has a Focusrite scarlett, when he cranks the volume up, have problems with motherboard noises, but it's playback only and it's constant (i.e. not tied up to lower frequencies or sound at all, but always present). The best thing you could try to diagnose the problem is to test with another audio interface or try to record with Mackie on another computer.
I hope you resolve your problem soon and repost a perfect Hey Joe :D

[Jeff Hayat]

I tried checking out your HeyJoeDistorted.mp3 - I had to turn it off; I had no idea what I was listening to.

Have a listen:

rattle.mp3

The first 2 bdrums are clean; the next two have a rattle. Is this what you are hearing?

Bear in mind - that the first 2 bdrums are clean; they have no rattle. So if you hear a rattle during those two, this test is pointless.

Cheers.

[HarpNinja]

Originally Posted by Jeff Hayat

I tried checking out your HeyJoeDistorted.mp3 - I had to turn it off; I had no idea what I was listening to.

Have a listen:

Attachment 276179

The first 2 bdrums are clean; the next two have a rattle. Is this what you are hearing?

Bear in mind - that the first 2 bdrums are clean; they have no rattle. So if you hear a rattle during those two, this test is pointless.

Cheers.

Check out the Hey Joe file about 1min in when the bass is being played. I will try to record a non-looped example of just the bass tonight.

[HarpNinja]

Here is a very short clip of just some bass singing/humming with the rattle. FWIW, I recorded in Audacity and did amplify the recording, but that is it...and the rattle was there before amplifying it.

I intentionally hit it hard and got it to the point of clipping (and then backed way off) to show that it happens no matter what.

I am singing into an SM57 (very close to the grill, but not sealing it off) into my pedal board into the Blackjack.

[HarpNinja]

I might be on to something!

I may have a fidelity problem as discussed above. I can't wait to troubleshoot!

[sickie]

Do you use ASIO when recording? That fidelity problem shouldn't happen if ASIO drivers are used.