Static Electricity in my studio

[Rednose]

I've been having problems in my studio the last few days with Static Electricity. Maybe it got cold and dry quick here in Chicago, but its been whacking out my setup.
I touched my controler today and zap, it froze up.
Later in the session, I touched the mouse and there was a small zap.
The mouse froze up too. I had to reboot both times.

I've been in my place for 6 years and never had a problem like this.
Is there anything I can do to minimize this?
One of those Ion vaporinzing thingys maybe?

Hopefully it will pass soon.
Thanks!
Matt

[Kiwiburger]

Don't wear synthetics - switch to natural cotton/wool etc (much nicer anyway). What shoes are you wearing?

Some humidity might help - but don't go overboard. Maybe a plant that you keep alive with adequate watering.

I think i'll go and hug a tree now ...

[joshelevator]

i once had a similar static situation and was unable to use my turntables without hearing a lot of static. i ended up buying a humidifier which, i can't say for sure solved the problem, but it did seem to. it was also in the winter and really dry. good luck.

[synthoid]

If you've got something handy that's bolted to ground, you could try keeping it (or something wired to it) nearby and discharging yourself into it periodically, haha. Like a radiator or water pipe, etc. Sounds ridiculous but it's better than sending the charge to ground through some piece of gear.

Think of it as taking an electron leak.

-synthoid

[Bassmankr]

Get a humidifier, the big ones that roll around that you dump buckets of water into. Just watch the humidity levels (most units have some type of level control). That will cut down the static and make you feel warmer for the same tempature setting. Some furnaces have humidifiers attached to the warm air exit, you can check into those too. Last get out your shovel, you are due another 2" to 4" of snow for tomorrow.

[Ethan Winer]

I haven't tried this particular brand, but I've used stuff like it in the past with good success:

Anti Static Spray for Carpet and Hard Surfaces

[owel]

You can get an anti-static mat to put on your desk, this has a grounded wire that gets screwed to the ground of a power outlet. This is more for use with workbenches that electronics technicians use.

They also have anti-static floor mat. Same principle.

PS: They're not cheap but 100% works, regardless of humidity levels all year round.

One of those Ion vaporinzing thingys maybe?

I don't know about those kinds you see on late-night TV. But the link below also sell Ionizers. (They're even more expensive solutions but again, it's made for the electronics industry so you know it 100% works.)

Static Control: HMC Electronics 1-800-482-4440

[diamondjim]

Get some unscented fabric softener liquid and dilute it in a spray bottle. Spray lightly on your carpet or other surfaces where your shoes might be generating the static charge. This works for me. In Arizona, where its almost always dry!

[Rednose]

Wow, great tips guys thanks so much!
Still had static today, so I'll try getting some mosture in the room for starters.
It would probably be good for the vocalists as well.
The ionizer thingy looks cool, but I think I'll try the cheap way first.
I also think its good to take a zap on a ground thats away from my setup, but in the heat of the battle its hard to remember.

[RCM - Ronan]

DO you have a plastic mat under your chair? They creates tons of static E.

[tmarra]

Originally Posted by diamondjim

Get some unscented fabric softener liquid and dilute it in a spray bottle. Spray lightly on your carpet or other surfaces where your shoes might be generating the static charge. This works for me. In Arizona, where its almost always dry!

+1 on this method, I've used it for years.

-Tony

[Rednose]

Originally Posted by rcm

DO you have a plastic mat under your chair? They creates tons of static E.

Congrats on the new studio, looks like a very cool vibe!