plans for acoustic computer enclosure?

[Christopher Glaeser]

Agreed. Probably the best place to monitor the temp is the air flow into the computer case.

Best, Christopher

[-MIKE-]

Really? Wouldn't that measure the coolest reading?

I would think you would want to measure somewhere that gives the highest reading, because you want to know how hot it is inside the box.

[Neil Brooks]

I would tend to agree.

I don't know which of the components represents the Lowest Common Denominator (by having the lowest upper operating range) in this equation, but ... I'd think you'd want to locate a temp probe as near to /that/ component as you could.

OTOH, if they're all within a fairly narrow operating temperature band, then ... I'd pick a component and locate it as near to that component as I could.

[Christopher Glaeser]

Yes, but I'm not sure what the reading at the computer case exhaust will tell me. The exhaust is pretty warm now just sitting in a room. If the input of the computer case has unrestricted air flow at a good operating temp, isn't that sufficient? Of couser, that "unrestricted air flow" is criticially important. If the temp at the input to the case was low but the air flow into the case is restricted, that would be very bad indeed.

Best, Christopher

[-MIKE-]

I guess the purpose isn't airflow, it's temperature drop, right? Computer don't need airflow, they need lower temps. It just so happens that airflow will lower the temp.

I'd say the probe (whatever) should be in the box, up high. I would move it around the box to find the hottest spot and leave it there.

You could always find a website or specs from a company that make those boxes for studios and try to ascertain where they put theirs.

[Christopher Glaeser]

The sled on my table saw won't support the weight of a dorm refrigerator. :)

Best, Christopher

[J. Clarke]

has a bunch of different temperature monitors combined with other functions--some of them will support four separate temperature sensors and adjust fan speeds accordingly--they're designed to go in a computer case but there's no reason they can't work externally as part of a separate cabinet, and can be used to carry other functions outside the cabinet.

[FrozenNorth]

I would recommend getting some software that will monitor the CPU temps. There is some free stuff out there that will do it. Depending upon how quiet you get it, check out for fan monitors as well, want to make sure they keep spinning.

Monitor it while the computer is outside the box, under heave usage. When it goes inside the final box, make sure it doesn't get much, if any, warmer.

[Christopher Glaeser]

This is extremely helpful. I found some excellent articles on Homasote 440 and STC (sound transmission coefficient). I'm reviewing them now.

I'll search for them.

Best, Christopher

[Christopher Glaeser]

The computer case fan speed is controlled by the computer, so the temps should be avialble to an app.

Christopher

[Nova]

Check the options on the BIOS set-up screen. On many of the higher end system you can view the system temperatures.

[clare]

Just get a USB Docking station and put the CPU outside the room. One USB cable brings keayboard,mouse,video and audio (in and out) into the "studio" leaving all drive and fan noise outside.

[-MIKE-]

USB can't handle multi track audio.

He can do the same with Firewire, but I assume he can't have them in another room or he'd never had posted this in the first place.

[clare]

Best monitoring location is the heat sink of the processor. Measuring either intake or exhaust air means NOTHING if air flow is restricted. Air temperature INSIDE the case is a poor second to measuring actual component temperature, but a giant leap forward from measuring either intake or exhaust air.

[J. Clarke]

Googling "USB multitrack audio" reveals a number of products. Do they not work well?

[-MIKE-]

I guess it depends on your working definition of "multitrack" is. :-)

I mean, stereo is multitrack, right? And yes, there are USB interfaces that will handle stereo fine, or let's say vocal mic and and acoustic guitar. Maybe even 4 channels.

But most people who are using a digital audio workstation, like Protools for example, and are concerned with noise enough to spend the money to build a box to hide it, are likely doing real multitrack recording, as in entire bands or drums. We're talking a minimum 10 tracks just for drums, and a minimum 24 for a band.

[upscale]

Agreed. I just bought myself an NZXT fan controller and temperature gauge which does the same thing.

[upscale]

Considering the effort the OP is putting into this and the equipment he has, I'm wondering why he hasn't converted some clothes closet into a cold room.

[clare]

So bring the audio mixer cable in too. Not rocket science

[J. Clarke]

I'm seeing devices with 20 channels.