optimum temperature monitoring. For a computer PSU, simply placing the sensor in theairflow of the fan should be sufficient; in other cases, you could directly mount it on anamplifier or processor heatsink.If you prefer, you can replace the entire noisy fan for a better-quality one with variable-speed temperature control built in. Papst, for example, offer a range of Variofans throughelectronic component distributors (one UK supplier is Electrospeed). Price depends on size,but should be between £15 and £18. Two or three wires will need soldering onto theoriginal fan connector, but this should not be beyond the capabilities of most DIYenthusiasts.
More Power To Your Elbow
Power amps often generate more heat than computers, and downgrading the fan-coolingarrangements might eventually result in blown output devices if you aren't careful. It istherefore particularly important when fitting temperature control to fans inside an amplifierthat the temperature sensor is placed in aposition where it is monitoring the maximumtemperature. Some amplifier designs havefans mounted at the front of the rack case, topull cold air past the hotter heatsinks furtherback, so mounting the sensor near the fanwon't reflect the temperature of the amplifierat all. If you are at all unsure, leave amplifiercooling tweaks to those with knowledge andexperience.
At the more ambitious end of things, somemay find themselves with an entire rack fullof power amps, valve-based effects andother heat-generating, fan-containing gear. Inthis case, the Smooth Cooler from MothMarketing may be of interest; this is anexternal controller box (15 x 10 x 6cm)capable of running up to 1 Amp's worth offans. After mounting the thermistor probe atthe hottest spot in the entire rack (such as onan amplifier heatsink), you can use it tocontrol the speed of a dozen or moreextractor fans. LED indicators display Power,Spin (to confirm that the fans are stillrotating), Max (indicating that the fans arealready running flat out, and further coolingmeasures may be needed), and Alert(tripped when the thermistor reaches apreset temperature, normally 75 degrees Centigrade). It's pricey at £75, but a DIY kitversion is available for £50.
Quieter Processing
Although the fans used to cool computer CPUs tend to make far less noise than mostothers, many people are still tempted to buy the replacement processor heatsink/fancombinations advertised on many web sites. However, the vast majority of these aredesigned for serious 'overclockers' who want to run their processors way beyond the
Transforming The Noise
If and when you have minimised the fan andhard-drive noise from your studio you will be leftwith comparative silence. It is at this point,however, that many musicians discover other,previously unnoticed sounds. Manytransformers used in mains power suppliesbuzz a little due to loose laminations, and oncethey are mounted in a case the problem oftengets a lot worse, as whole sections of the casethrob in sympathy. This is a particular problemwhen large unsupported areas such as topplates are close to (or touching) the top of thetransformer.
A simple remedy is to open up the case andstick on a damping pad to stop the panelvibrating, but an even cheaper option is to placea thin piece or sheet of neoprene (or even asmall strip of draft excluder) between thetransformer and top plate, and then bolt thecase together again, making sure that theneoprene is under a small amount ofcompression. Damping pads can besuccessfully employed wherever anyunsupported panel is vibrating in sympathy,such as in keyboards, rack units, or evenradiators and other furniture. Try a sinewavesweep and listen for frequencies that 'set thingsoff' to discover the culprits -- if placing the palmof your hand on a panel cures the problem thenso will a pad of damping material.
Página 3 de 8REDUCING UNWANTED BACKGROUND NOISE IN THE STUDIO27/06/2001http://www.sospubs.co.uk/sos/jan00/articles/noise.htm
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