This seems to be a software problem. I get a lot of static when trying to record voice with Audacity. I'm wondering if I have some setting somewhere askew or if something could be haywire with the program. It happens with several different microphones, but not with the built-in mike on my powerbook. It also does not happen with other recording programs, such as Garage Band. (They create other problems that audacity does not.) Anyone had this happen? TIA. Peter