Fighting noisy computer fans

[Towser83]

I just got a setup that I'm happy with - Focusrite Saffire Pro 24, Cubase and I'm using 2 cheap (but decent) Behringer C1 condensor mics.

The trouble is the mic is really sensitive and picking up the computer fan more than I expected it would. What makes it worse is that the supposedly cardioid mic seems to pic up sound everywhere! If I have the side or the back of the mic facing the PC then it's slightly better, but not a whole lot.

I think the mic is partly noisy anyway (I tried using it with my laptop which makes far less noise - sadly I need to sort some things out before I can use the laptop to record on - and it was still noisy but not as bad)

The mic sound quality is pretty good but are there any tips from getting rid of as much fan noise as possible. Bear in mind, I'm recording in a small bedroom and I can't stick the computer in another room and run cables etc. I have tried hanging a towell over where the computer is (whilst trying not to block the fan totally) but any tips on how to more effectively counter it, be it absorbing it, eq-ing it out ec, would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[willjrockstar]

Build a box a bit bigger than the computer and stick it in. Ofcourse you know to allow for ventilation.

Also line the inside of the box with something sound absorbing.

Put the comp in the bed room closet.

I put mine in my dresser. Got lucky enough that it fits barely/perfect. I close the doors on the front and drilled holes for the back. I always leave the doors open until im actually recording.

Sandwich yr comp between a wall and yr bed. I actually at one time just pulled my bed out a bit farther from the wall and just stuck it back there. With all the pillows around, i really couldnt hear it much at all.

[jagcmos]

You could try replacing the fan with a temperature controlled one that has a built in thermistor. Speeds up only when the pc gets hotter.

Here's a freeware program called speedfan:
SpeedFan - Access temperature sensor in your computer

Allows for software control of your fan speed.

[Towser83]

Thanks for the suggestions. Didn't know about the different types of fans. And I might be able to put it in my closet or build something, should have thought of that haha. But I'm after any and as many ideas as possible, always useful to know, so thanks very much guys.

[willjrockstar]

Oh yeah forgot about liquid cooling which is a hot item.

[OldDog]

Originally Posted by willjrockstar

Oh yeah forgot about liquid cooling which is a hot item.

My PC is water cooled and the fans on the radiator are noisy as all getout, plus the water pump is not all that quiet either. However I am overclocked at almost 20% and the machine runs without issue. I've finally decided to put the PC in another room and run the cables throught the wall!

[Audio~Geek]

Why fight it? Either get a better case, or bigger fans.

larger fans like 120mm move more air at lower RPM with less noise.

My case is the Antec P182 it's just about dead quiet. All the fans have speed controls too. Totally worth $$, totally pro case.

My CPU has an aftermarket heatsink with one of the Antec case fans attached instead of the stock intel one. That made a huge difference too.