Mouse, CPU Noise problem

[llebron]

I'm a musician and I've been using my "old" Pentium II Notebook computer to play MIDI files via my USB (1.1) port into a Roland UA-100 Audio and MIDI processing unit. The UA-1oo is connected to an Edirol SC-88 sound module, and the output is connected to my PA system. I'm been using Cakewalk Guitar Studio and this set-up has worked very well for me for many years.

I decided to update my notebook for a new Pentium 4 with more RAM, Hard disk capacity etc. This has turned into a major problem.

I've bought, tried, and returned 3 different notebook computers because they all cause the same situation: Excessive noise through my speakers when the system is idle, and even more noise when I move the mouse. Needless to say this is unacceptable in a live performance situation.

I've narrowed down the problem to the AC power supply required for the more powerful and demanding Pentium 4 notebooks. If I run the system on battery power the noise goes away - BUT I cannot rely on the battery for an entire evening, when it starts dying the MIDI timing is affected.

I usually have only one outlet to plug all my equipment into it most clubs so I'm using an APC Backups UPS and a power strip.

My Question: Is there some way to isolate this noise.

Please help
Thanks
Lou

 

[ethebubbeth]

Have you tried a notebook with the pentium m (centrino)? Those use much less power than the p4m and runs at lower voltages. They also last much longer on battery power, so if you're doing a live performance the timing issues shouldn't affect you. Don't really know what else you could do =/

 

[Confused]

I had a nasty noise when using my laptop hooked up to my car stereo through a tape adapter, using an invertor, when the AC adapter was plugged in. I stopped the noise by connecting a piece of wire from any bare metal of the laptop (like a parallel port screw) to the body of the car/stereo.

It's what's known as a Ground-Loop. You may be experiencing this with your laptop 🙂 And for the cost of a length of wire, it's worth trying 🙂


Confused

 

[jschuk]

I had a PII Toshiba 490XCDT experience noise from the AC adapter when the mouse was in use as well. If you feel the AC adapter is being stressed, then reduce the screen brightness or lower the CPU speed. If the manufacturer has good power management utilities (like Toshiba) you will be able to adjust these even when plugged in. You might also want to make sure the laptop has a dedicated sound chip and isn't using a softwar based sound design.