M17X microphone array picking up LCD buzzing

Not sure if anyone else has experienced this but I did read of a similar problem in the owners lounge thread so I thought I'd ask in a separate one. Basically when recording using the built in microphone array (the two small holes positioned either side of the webcam), the microphone is picking up a loud buzzing noise which appears to be originating from the LCD panel. It is very noticeable even when mic boost has been disabled.

I have tried running the machine off the mains and the battery, the issue is present in both cases.

My LCD panel is a Samsung (sec5443). After research a little I'm inclined to believe it is either the lamp or inverter that is generating the noise. I barely notice the buzz during general use (have to put my ear very close to the screen to hear it) but as the mic is built into the screen, it picks it up very clearly.

It occurs regardless of how have I the brightness set.

I've already fired off an email to Dell's tech support and am awaiting their response.

Anyone have any experience of this or similar issues? Thanks in advance!

 

You dont have a phone or similar electrical device nearby do you??

I found this to be the cause of my Creative speakers buzzing just the other day.

Pretty obvious but its good to check!

 

Jesus....thats some spec on that M17X btw.

I need to start saving soon...lol

 

I doubt a person with that type of machine would be pray to the "cellphone" noise.

 

No, nothing like that near by, have tried running it in different rooms without success.

I'm aware that LCD noise can be an issue and that levels of tolerance vary from user to user but this is evidently considerably worse than it should be (judging by what others have said about the onboard mic).

 

Turn down the microphone pickup volume in whatever app you're using and the sound settings in control panel until the static is gone.

 

Yes mine did the same thing. picked up the noise.. I had to turn the sensitivity way way down.. for some reason. default was 90%.. This helped quite a bit but there was still a slight hum..

 

i think there was a sound card driver update to sort this out

look on the drivers page

 

Most drivers/software for microphones also have algorithms to remove constant tones like a hum. I know all my logitech webcams with microphones have that feature.

 

If anyone with an M17X has the time, I'd really appreciate it if you could set your mic boost to 0.0db and recording level to 100 for the internal microphone array in the IDT/Vista sound control panel (make sure that "light/aggressive beamforming" or whatever it's called is/are disabled) and then use it to record about 10 seconds of ambience.

Then, save it as an mp3 (160kbps or above) and email/pmsg, or make it available on a link somewhere (whatever is permitted on this forum) so I can verify whether or not this is an inherent issue.

 

If you're using Realtek sound like the M17, enabling noise supression and making sure mic boost isn't too high should help immeasurably. Only downside is Realtek noise suppression can also supress your voice a little. Worth trying out though!