Question / Help insane constant white noise from Mic/Aux line

[dysgenics]

I've just bought a new audio interface thinking it would fix the massive amount of static on my "mic/aux" line in obs.

This is without anything plugged in, no mic, nothing even in the outputs, the interface is just plugged into the usb slot on the PC and here is the noise OBS picks up:

With the new interface it's exactly the same, and both interfaces are fine with all other programs. Using a noise gate isn't an option when I'm getting this much static as I have to set it so high that it cuts out real audio too.

From the experience I've had with this it seems to be boosting the base line volume to over +9000. When I plug something in that I know 100% is a sensible volume, it comes in the mic/aux line absurdly loud. The static noise in question does seem to be there in other programs, but very quiet and unnoticeable.

I've disabled all other sound devices/turned down everything not used in the propertys... I've tried a hell of a lot of stuff and read every thread on the internet.

I'm hoping I might be able to finally settle this here.

Thanks for your time
Kind regards.

TL;DR: arrrghhh ggrrr brrraaaaaargh

 

[zionsrevenge]

Maybe it's cursed...
Just kidding;)

I think the best analytic way here is to break it down completely and try certain things step by step. My suggestion:

1. Remove all audio drivers and/or deactivate all audio hardware (in bios), boot into Windows and make sure there is no sound (device) at all.
2. Install the latest drivers for your new sound device only.
3. Do a test recording with OBS and one with Audacity (http://manual.audacityteam.org/man/tutorial_recording_audio_playing_on_the_computer.html)
4. Plug in a mic (no USB mic) and do a test recording with that mic in OBS and Audacity as well.
5. Let us know the results.

The background idea is: If you receive a static noise within this bare bone test scenario, it's most probably a hardware issue of your mainboard or mic.

 

[dysgenics]

Thanks for your reply zionsrevenge

When you said its a hardware issue it made me think.

I think there's a big chance it's to do with my stock computer fans not being the most silent, particularly the cpu fan. Always assumed having a quieter pc was just to stop a microphone picking background noise during recording, but it looks like it probably does more than that.