I "legally" have 4 machines, the Kenmore Computerized model (Janome wannabe?) is the best for a steady hum. Table base makes a difference! My Husky-Viking Sapphire 835 surprised me with the amount of noise it makes, but I can still listen to my "sewing" music over it. The "craft" machine (belongs to my daughter) makes a large amount of noise, but there is no speed control and it's being reserved for scrapbooking tasks! The 1940's Singer (not a lightweight) made a moderate amount of noise, but the motor is out, so it's very quiet right now! I used to have a Brother and a White model, both fairly large amount of mechanical part noise, especially when I used the cam-embroidery feature! Still wish I'd nabbed my Great-Grandmother's Singer, it was originally a treadle, then GGF retro-fit a motor on it and she sewed everything on that baby! No memory of amount of sound, I just remember all the LOVE involved!