 Re: Thing you hate most.
Here are some fan noise killers I have tried (and not tried). Some can be combined as necessary::
1) Put computer in closet (put small table in closet or other safe and handy setup of course). Isolate additionally as necessary (Blankets on inside or outside of door, towel or other thing along the bottom of door on outisde if nec). Run cables, etc as nec. Including a long monitor cable so you can see what's going on and not open that closet during a session.
2) Computer in the room, you're in the closet. Just kidding, but you CAN put yourself or amp, vocal mic, etc elsewhere sometimes, can't you? Get some 25' mic cables.
3) Hit record, close laptop (if it is one), put blanket on top of 'puter. Not for too long or overheating may result, i suppose, right? I do this.
4) of course instrument faces computer, as far away as will work (set up dead-ish/recording zone at opposite corner from computer), and mic is inbetween instrument and computer, faces instrument i.e does not face computer fan.
5) Research and buy new laptop, sell old one. It may not be that much of a price differential if buying used computer...yeah there are risks, etc. If I remember, P4's run inefficiently and thus hotter.
6) Use mics with good rear rejection when it's worth any compromise in the recording quality...yeah I hate doing this since I like my LDC for much of what I do. But I've done it when i'm sick of fan noise.
7) If not closet (see #1, above), then Cut top and one side off of box which is just bigger than the computer (may be plexiglass or other material, obviously take safety precautions if cutting plex, etc, or just build one. I suppose partical board would be another choice, or even better insulating material used by recording studios - do some research. YOu could even put blankets on the outside if nec.). Computer far away/perhaps on floor away from micing area. Box upside down, on top of 'puter, open side facing wall furthest from recording space. Computer will have no additional cooling problems. Fan noise will hit the wall, disperse,better than the direct effect!
8) EQ out fan noise. I hate this of course. Screws the track. But if you have a keeper track...what you gonna do.
9) google or search known forums of course and implement!
pb
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