I have a Lacie 160GB Ext. HD thats connected using FW800. I bought it intending to record audio directly to it so I could leave space on my int. for programs etc. But the problem is: if it is in the same room as the mic im recording with (which it always is) then it is heard all over the track what can i do?

I suppose it's noise (sound) and not noise (electricity) you have trouble with.

Also, does it have a fan? (oooch)

I'd try to place the drive as far away as possible with some material around it to bring down the noise, now the heat will be a problem. As the best things to damp the noise will also be the ones perfect to keep the heat inside…

You could also make a movable separation of the place so that the mic is somewhat isolated (something to suspend a heavy cover for example), there's also

You should have a look to the great Studio SOS series in Sound On Sound, articles older than 6 months are free and full of hints in that area and they have workable solutions for small cash.

If the the problem is electric rather than accoustic , you must chack your cables,
also check your your electric installation in your house.

Some problems can emanate from improper grounding circuits as an example.
(usuallay generates hum - but you get the idea -
various noise problems can be electric rather then accoustic in nature )

(As "lepetitmartien" also indicated)

A couple of years back there were sveveral reports of noise from the spdif/digital outs
on some the Mac G5:s.

Cheers: Dixiechicken