Static Is Killing Me, Using The Scientific Method Options

[sfsurfer]

I'm wondering if some of you might be able to offer me some suggestions as to eliminate some static in my recordings.

My Setup:
I've got a 800 MHz G4 running 10.3.2 with 1.5 GB RAM and an Echo Mia PCI sound card which is connected to a Behringer Eurorack UB1202 mixer which has a single Shure SM58 microphone plugged into it. I'm using Deck for all of my recordings. I have all of this plugged into a UPS, which is then plugged into my wall.

My Problem:
Anytime I record with this setup, I get frequent static noises. I bought the UPS because I thought that the power from the utility company was causing the problem. After hooking up the UPS, I found no change in the frequency of the static. However, when I record using the cheap little microphone that came with my computer, I get no static on the recordings. This suggests to me that it is my setup with the sound card, mixer and microphone. What's really frustrating is that I avoided getting a USB interface for recording so that I wouldn't have the seemingly common static problems associated with USB.

My Question:
Is there an easy way for me to figure out where this static is coming from (within the sound card, mixer or microphone) without having to buy any more equiptment? I don't have access to another set of these components, so I can't just swap other ones in place of mine to test. I also can't return the sound card, mixer or microphone, so I'm stuck with them. Is there a likely culprit that is causing my problems? Has anyone else solved a similar problem? Or does anybody have a better suggestion in how to connect a XLR plugged microphone to a computer for relative cheap? If so, I've got a virtually unused sound card and mixer for sale cheap!

[lepetitmartien]

The noise source is either a noisy power unit somewhere between the UPS and your ears, or a ground loop somewhere.

You'll have to unplug one thing at a time from mains or in the audio path to find the faulty, it's all very logical even if it's boring and daunting.

Unplug also other electrical stuff in the room as a lamp can be enough.

For the mixer, try to move around and use another channel to check it's not this peculiar one.

Now If htere was a time when your setup didn't make that noise, find out what you have changed since.

Good luck
It can be a burden to find out.