User`s guide

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024- Using Sound Shop and similar utilities, I get static
and scratchiness on my GS sound samples and, sometimes,
hum.
What's wrong and how can I get better recordings?
There are several ways to get "static" when recording sounds on your GS.
One is to have incorrect settings for the sound recording program. If input
level is set too low, you may be recording relatively more noise than sound. If
input level is set too high, you may be getting "clipping"-- the signal gets
chopped at the peaks-- which can sound like static.
Also, check the Sampling Rate setting. A too-low sampling rate can result
in glitchiness which sounds like static. If you have not already done so, try
experimenting with your sound recording program's settings.
If your sound input board has more than one input, then, one may be for
"Line Input" for recording from a tuner, tape deck, etc. and another may be for
"Mic". If there is a choice, be sure your sound source goes to the right input.
For example, to record using a microphone, it should be plugged into "Mic".
Hum usually indicates a different problem. Almost always it indicates a
broken or very poor Ground/shield connection. Check your connector jacks and
plugs. Sometimes just turning a cable plug in the socket/jack will establish a
good contact and end hum.
If you are using a microphone, it could be the source of problems. Static
can come from a mic which is damaged, has some sand, etc. sitting on the
diaphram, has an intermittant ON/OFF switch, has a damaged cord, or has a loose
connection at the plug.
Or; you may be using a perfectly good microphone which is badly mismatched
to your sound input board. For example, a high quality mic may deliver a very
low output. Your input circuit may auto-boost amplification to try to
compensate; but, the result may be to obtain an audible recording with greatly
increased noise. (Your signal-to-noise ratio at the input is too low.)
By the way, the mic supplied with Hyperstudio (the Apple IIgs version) is
not an especially high quality unit; but, it works fine with Hyperstudio's GS
sound input board. If you are not sure that your mic is okay and is the right
sort for your sound input board, try swapping in one from a tape recorder, etc..
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025- Squeals and other noises spoil my GS stereo board sound? A fix?
An unshielded cable going to J-17 can pick up some noise; but, it is not
likely to be noticeable except at higher volume settings when no music/sound is
being output. Rerouting the cable may help.
Really bothersome noise probably comes from the Slot bus feeding the Slot
your stereo board is plugged into. The problem is noticed more often on Rom-01
GS's than ROM 3's because the latter seem to have heavier power traces and this