John Sayers' Recording Studio Design Forum Archive

Hi guys not sure if this was the spot to post this or not (if not I applogise and mods please move to correct location ) I'm looking for DIY designs or at least tips on making a PC isolation box, I've got nearly all the noise in my studio either sorted out already or plans are under way to deal with them. I've searched around a lot and can't seem to locate any plans or good photo build essays etc for PC isolation boxes. I know they exist as I'm sure I've seen them before but I'll be buggered if I can locate them now. I'd really appreciate seeing what you guys have done with sound isolation for your computer cases. I don't have room in my current location for a machine room so thats out unfortunately, so iso box is the only other option I can think of. I would appreciate any guidance you guys can provide.
Thanks,

Nate

here is a few good links:

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/so-much- ... esign.html

http://www.3daudioinc.com/3db/showthread.php?t=5809

http://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=46601

http://www.amptone.com/silencingpcnoise.htm

Thanks for the links Pepsi, will check them out.

Nat

It would be far more beneficial to get the noise maker out of the recording environment. You can purchase cables that allow you to extend your monitor/keyboard/mouse/etc. in order to move the box into another part of the room or even on the other side of an existing wall.

The issue I have with attempting to build an isolation box is that it will be expensive and it will require that you run a lot of numbers to make it work as it needs to. Closing up a computer inside a box will allow the produced heat to build up and sweating will be a natural by-product of this process. And water/moisture is known to be an unfriendly element to electronics. But if your skills at building are good and your patience level is fair, you >could< produce something that works to your benefit. Still, it will prove to be a greater challenge then it may be worth.

Other options might be to get a case that is designed to be quieter. This too can be expensive and take some time, but is a good option if moving the box out of the room proves to be difficult to do.

Good luck,

Brien

Thanks for the info Brien, I realise that there are issues with heat and so on with PC iso boxes but at the moment I don't think I really have a choice as there is no other room available to put the PC in and I'm not sure just putting it on the other side of the room would help that much, I have some extension cables for the the mouse and keyboard etc but its the audio cables from my MAudio 1010 over to the board that are the issue I think, I'd really prefer to keep them as short as possible. Thanks again for the reply and the ideas,

Nat