How to Fix Ground Loop Noise, Hiss, Buzz, & Hum (Simple & Cheap!)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 พ.ค. 2024
- This video will show how to fix studio monitor ground loop noise, hiss, buzz, and hum in a cheap and simple way.
Electrical noise from studio monitors and speakers is quite common in audio setups. This could sound like a buzzing noise, hiss, or computer noise where you can hear the computer working from your studio monitors. This is not ideal for music producers.
Ground loop noise is very common in audio setups because your audio equipment will be linked together by signal cables, and the various equipment will also typically be plugged into multiple sockets. This creates multiple grounding points, which can create all kinds of ground loop noise.
Studio monitor noise problems can be annoying, and in this video, I will present several solutions. There are many ways to fix ground loop noise, buzz, hiss, hum and so on. The options presented in this video is far better than typical ground loop isolator solutions. They can often affect sound quality negatively, while these solutions won't.
Fixing studio monitor noise problems doesn't have to be expensive, but you'll have to pinpoint the cause of the noise problem first. So, how do you stop noise from studio monitors? Studio monitor noise problems can be caused by many things, so you need to be sure before you start buying anything. The type of noise will often give a clue as to what the cause might be. Hiss, Buzz, Hum, or electrical noise / computer noise are the most common problems, and the cause of these problems are usually the same. It's typically due to interference due to low-quality unbalanced signal cables (TRS or XLR), or a ground loop problem, either between your studio monitors themselves, or the monitors and the computer. Ground loop problems are also common when connecting electric guitars and such. I'll be providing some examples of the different types of studio monitor noise that are most typical in this video, in order to help identify the problem.
This video is an updated version of my previous video about how to fix studio monitor noise problems, such as studio monitor hiss, studio monitor buzz, studio monitor hum, computer noise / electrical noise, and ground loop noise. I will show you various devices such as the ifi idefender+ and the ifi GND defender which are both efficient at removing ground loop noise and fixing the problem. This was not included in my previous video, so this one should be much more helpful to anyone who has noise problems.
Noise removal devices:
☑️ iFi Idefender+ (For USB audio interfaces): geni.us/idefender
☑️ iFi GND defender (For everything else): geni.us/GND-defender
☑️ iFi DC blocker (remove amplifier hum): geni.us/DC-blocker
☑️ PYLE Hum eliminator: geni.us/hum_eliminator
☑️ Balanced XLR monitor cables: geni.us/monoprice104761
☑️ Whirlwind XLR GROUND LIFT: geni.us/groundlifter
00:00 Different types of noise
01:18 Free things you can try
02:01 Signal cables, filters, and isolators
03:07 Fixing amplifier hum (toroidal hum)
04:02 Ground loop noise
05:26 Removing ground loop noise from USB audio interface
07:50 removing ground loop noise from firewire audio interface
09:42 Noise due to Faulty equipment
10:01 Troubleshooting
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RECOMMENDED STUDIO GEAR:
(Amazon links below)
AUDIO INTERFACE:
☑️ Focusrite Scarlett Solo: geni.us/scarlettsolo-3rd-gen
☑️ Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 (3rd Gen): geni.us/scarlett-4i4
REFERENCE HEADPHONES:
☑️ AKG 612 PRO: geni.us/akg-k612pro
☑️ Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO: geni.us/DT-990-pro
BUDGET MONITORS:
☑️ 5": Yamaha HS5: geni.us/Yamaha-HS5
☑️ 7": ADAM Audio: geni.us/Adam-Audio-T7V
☑️ 8": Yamaha HS8: geni.us/Yamaha-HS8
PROFESSIONAL MONITORS:
☑️ 7": ADAM Audio A7V: geni.us/ADAM-A7V
MICROPHONE:
☑️ Audio-Technica Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone: geni.us/at2020microphone
☑️ Vocal recording booth / stand for microphone: geni.us/microphonebooth
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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✔️ VST & Effect Plugins:
pluginboutique.com/?a_aid=5d4...
✔️ Premium Loops And Sample Packs:
www.loopmasters.com/?a_aid=5d...
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#groundloop #noise #firewalkmusic #studiomonitor
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Use these devices to remove noise:
☑️ iFi IDefender+ (For USB audio interfaces): geni.us/idefender
☑️ iFi GND defender (For everything else): geni.us/GND-defender
☑️ iFi DC blocker (remove amplifier hum): geni.us/DC-blocker
☑️ PYLE Hum eliminator: geni.us/hum_eliminator
☑️ Balanced XLR monitor cables: geni.us/monoprice104761
☑️ Whirlwind XLR GROUND LIFT: geni.us/groundlifter
Note: If you go for the Idefneder+ then make sure to attach a 5v USB charger to the side port, or else it won't work, as it requires external power to break the ground loop. Read the instructions. Do NOT Use a 12v charger or any other type of charger!
------------------------------------------------------------------
RECOMMENDED STUDIO GEAR:
(Amazon links below)
AUDIO INTERFACE:
☑️ Focusrite Scarlett Solo: geni.us/scarlettsolo-3rd-gen
☑️ Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 (3rd Gen): geni.us/scarlett-4i4
REFERENCE HEADPHONES:
☑️ AKG 612 PRO: geni.us/akg-k612pro
☑️ Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO: geni.us/DT-990-pro
REFERENCE MONITORS:
☑️ 5": Yamaha HS5: geni.us/Yamaha-HS5
☑️ 7": Adam Audio: geni.us/Adam-Audio-T7V
☑️ 8": Yamaha HS8: geni.us/Yamaha-HS8
SUBWOOFER:
☑️ KRK 10S2 V2: geni.us/krk-10s2v2
MICROPHONE:
☑️ Audio-Technica Cardioid Condenser Studio XLR Microphone: geni.us/at2020microphone
☑️ Vocal recording booth / stand for microphone: geni.us/microphonebooth
XLR CABLES:
☑️ TISINO 35 ft Balanced XLR cable for mic: geni.us/xlr3ftoxlr3m
☑️ Monoprice 6 ft Balanced XLR Cable for monitors: geni.us/monoprice104761
SHORTCUT KEYBOARD:
☑️ Backlit FL Studio Shortcut Keyboard: geni.us/flstudio-keyboard
☑️Get The Complete Idiot's Guide To Music Theory Here:
geni.us/idiotsguidemusictheory
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
------------------------------------------------------------------
✔️ VST & Effect Plugins:
pluginboutique.com/?a_aid=5d496680b59cd
✔️ Premium Loops And Sample Packs:
www.loopmasters.com/?a_aid=5d496680b59cd
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What is the difference between iFi GND defender and iFi DC blocker as I have KRK V6 studio monitors that has annoying buzzing noise even when my cables are not even connected? Which one should I get as I see you use iFi defender and blocker on studio monitors in your video? Please help. Thank you.
@@bonebap1096 the dc blocker is for eliminating toroidal hum from amplifiers. If you have any kind of ground loop related noise such as computer noise or a low frequency hum then you need the gnd defender. You just plug it into the power supply of your computer, and then you ought the power cord into the gnd defender.
@@FireWalkMusicMy speak noises are combos both like the sounds from your white Pioneer speakers(50-60 hz) and your Yamaha HS8. So get the GDN Defender you're saying?
What about a raspberry pi that has a analog amp that's powered by the same 5v power supply. No ground loop isolator works.
How about Audioquest JitterBug FMJ? Would that eliminate the ground loop or is it the different type of the device?
The pace of this video is perfect. So informative. So well put together. Thank you.
You're welcome! :)
This is the best video I’ve found on eliminating noise, after watching like 4 others! Thank you for addressing which solutions are for which sounds, and showing visuals of how to fix!
Glad you found it helpful 😀
Hey, you helped me diagnose a problem that has been plaguing my studio for a long time. Best thing about it is that I was able to solve it without having to spend any money. Thanks so, so much! You da real MVP.
That's great! Glad you finally got it sorted 😀
how you solved it?
I have the XX Hz ground loop problem. Your video finally gave me an answer what was wrong. It would slowly build up and start getting louder and louder. A wiggle of the cables made it go away So i always assumed it was a faulty connection, despite the cables being in good condition and not really moving. Now just to find what the actual problem is.
They're not studio monitors, just old Cambridge Soundworks pc-speakers and subwoofer. Yeah I know, old AF, but I really like them. They sound good for me and they are very compact.
Reassured me in the solutions i hoped would work but was afraid to waste money on, actually extremely valuable peice of content, like warranted
Great video! Using a 5 y.old scarlet solo, didn't had the option to use balanced cables. Had it unused for more than a year. Had the noises when using mouse, bright images on screen... After watching this video and reading some of the comments, I changed the usb connection of the scarlett from the laptop to the usb-hub on my monitor. Problem solved! No more noise and a great satisfaction with the expectation of future listenings of good music in my work-from-home setup.
Thank you for a really clear and detailed (easy to follow) explanation. I ordered a few devices using your links! THANK YOU.
Thanks :)
You're welcome! Glad you found it helpful :)
Thanks for taking the time to put this together. It's great.
I'm a little embarrassed that all it took to solve this issue was cleaning up my wiring, but sometimes the simplest solutions work the best! Thanks for this video!
The first free solution worked. I just plugged my pc into a different outlet and bang no feedback. Thank you!!!
You're welcome 😀
I can't believe your video fixed it instantly. I spent three weeks and a lot of money in cables off Amazon, and it was the ground loop deal. I had one plugged into a monster power strip and the other one on another power strip. Put both power plugs into the same one, noise gone! Thanks!
Glad to hear it! 😀
Brilliant video. I usually can't get my head around technical issues but this was so clear I actually fully understood each step. AND I'm pleased to say that changing the unbalanced leads to balanced leads (I wasn't even aware which ones I had in) did the trick - I was very close to coughing up money on the idefender, but fixed my issue for free. Thank you FireWalk!
Glad you found it helpful! :)
Yup does wonder, I have a Preamp SMSL Ho200 stacked with SMSL SU-9n both using XLR cables my JBL 305p Mk3 XLR to TRS (Balanced) XLR out from my JBL LSR310S to my PreAMP, SMSL SU 9n Output XLR input XLR
Thanks for sharing. Very informative. God Bless!
Thanx for help, balanced cables worked very well for me !
Have a nice day 😊
Thank you so much for all your efforts making this video, it has helped me answer so much questions in a clear concise manner.🤟
Hi, glad you found it helpful 😀
The only video in the planet that explains these products. Well done! Though it’s still not clear to me which of the two(GRD or DC) I need so I bought them both so I can experiment.
You're welcome. They both do basically the same thing, all though the Idefender only works directly on the sound card, while the GND defender can be used on your computer itself, the monitors, guitar amp and so on, so it has a much wider use.
@@FireWalkMusic In my situation the DC blocker directly on my monitors fixed the problem. My studio is now dead silent. Probably overkill but I kept the GND Defender and put it directly on my audio interface and I'm going to buy a pair of Ifi power cables, because I have all my power cables, audio cables and others laying on top of each other(no other option) and there is more equipment coming.
@@LoveMeBack Glad you got it sorted! The idefender is probably redundant, but I've seen people have issues related to noise from the VRMs on the motherboard, so it certainly can't hurt. There's nothing more annoying than constant noise in a studio. You're spending a lot of time in there, and any kind of constant noise can be maddening.... :)
removing signal cables from power cables did the trick for me, lifesaver till today!
You rock! This is not an easy topic to research on google. You get a lot of results about people trying to make their computers fans run quieter + a lot of products marketed to health nuts who believe electromagnetic interference/dirty power is harming them physically. Thank you
Oh cool. I bought the ifi ground defender and was wondering why my humming on the headphones still is there and I asked myself, for what the other USB input is for. Now I got it and I should've read the manual precisely instead of just glimpsing shortly at it.
Thanks for your neat and professional videos.
You're not the first one to make that mistake. Many just plug it in and think it just doesn't work.
It needs external power in order to break the ground loop, by separating the power connection from the computer itself to the audio interface. :)
I just posted this comment on your other video but putting it here as well.... I got new KALI AUDIO speakers and started to hear a glitch sound (which I didn't hear on my iLoud speakers.) Everytime I moved my mouse or pushed up and down on the keyboard, I would hear the glitchy sound even more. Currently using the RCA inputs until my TRS cables arrive.
After this video I started unplugging wires and learned that my HDMI monitor was the issue. Turns out these speakers don't mix well if the HDMI monitor is plugged in to the same powerstrip. SO the solution was to plug the HDMI monitor into a different power source (which so happens to be on the same wall outlet) Problem solved... Thank you sir!
Just got studio monitors and getting computer noise. I got the IDefender and it definitely helped but my instrument interface is dead now. Going to try some of the cheaper options once I get the interface issue solved. My interface doesn't have balanced outputs so that was part of the problem. This video has been a GREAT help!
Hi, glad you found it helpful! :)
This is a new and updated version of my original video about how to remove noise from audio setups and studio monitors. The previous video was quite popular and I learned that people were having all kinds of noise-related issues, some of which were not addressed in the video.
This video includes much more useful information that should be helpful to those who are dealing with ground loop issues related to firewire audio interfaces or externally powered interfaces, as well as electric guitars and such. I've done much research into this, and I've also tested some of these solutions myself to confirm that it actually works. I believe this video will be helpful to more people who are dealing with noise-related issues such as ground loop induced hum, buzz, hiss, and so on.
I know these are issues that many music producers and audio enthusiasts are struggling with, so please share this video and get the word out if you found this video helpful. :)
Thanks for sharing this great info. Do you know if I can use the GND Defender on my Integrated Amplifier? I keep getting this slight static/hissing sound. I've done a lot of troubleshooting and everything points to my Integrated Amplifier.
Thx
Great advice, I've had low level background noise/hum with my system for years and just went along with it......after watching this video today I solved the problem in 10 seconds.......ground loop noise was the problem, although ALL of my kit is sourced from a single plug socket in the wall (good), I'm using several extension boards and these were the cause of the problem.....my speakers were plugged into extension board 1, and my interface was plugged into extension board 2....... I moved the latter so that all three plugs used extension board 1 and the hum/noise stopped immediately!!
Hey, glad you got it sorted! 😀
It's not quite fixed. I still have some humming. Any ideas of what else I could do? I got the hissing fixed however. Thanks.
Great video and discussion of ground loops and computer noises - great, practical solutions too.
One additional "culprit" could be a cell phone. I used to store mine near some of the signal cables (including the monitor inputs) and could hear clicks and pops (I assume the bluetooth, WiFi, and cell signals all radiate from the phone and were bleeding into the signal lines). If I leave the phone in another room, I don't hear the noise in my DAW (or speakers).
I wonder if that's it....🤔
I had computer noise loop on a new interface, surprisingly the issue was cause due to the guitar being too close to the PC and the pickups where capturing interference from the it, spent 2 whole days to found out what the cause was :)
I have had my Yamaha hs80s for 10 years. I have tried all kinds of cables, separating speakers to different breaker circuits, and even buying a ups to power the speakers off a battery with no luck. I finally decided to give it another go last week and read on a forum something about a ground loop which led me to this video and I FINALLY FIX IT!!!!!! LETS FUCKING GO I LOVE YOU! the ifi groundloop breaker fixed my buzzing perfectly! no buzzing when scrolling the web and most importantly I can actually play video games with my speakers now without going insane!!!!!!!!!
Hi from France.
Your vidéos are always a real pleasure to watch & very informative.
T.U.
Hi, Thanks! Much appreciated! Glad you liked it 😀
Great information! Thanks.
You're welcome. Glad you liked it 🙂
An unused USB cable was causing the hum. While using the digital mixer direct to the camera via XLR, no PC was needed, so the USB cord was on the rack. I removed the cord from the mixer, no hum. Thanks for the 1 minute fix. I'll pick up some of those devices anyway. I'm sure they will come in handy later. Thanks for a well made video.
That did it, isolated the cables away from others and used the same outlet, turned both JBL Professional 306P MkII Off before switching it out, turned them back on and the noise was gone. Great Video. Thanks
You're welcome! Glad you got rid of the noise 😀
I knew it couldn't be an issue with my speakers because the GPU noise was coming through the headphone jack on the audio interface too. I was hesitant to spend $60 on the iFi+ but after trying every possible fix with drivers and cables I could think of with nothing working I finally caved in and ordered it and it was the only thing that actually resolved the issue, thank you.
You're welcome! Glad you finally were able to remove the noise. I know how annoying it can be! :)
You saved the hell outta my studio life. You got a sub. Great video
Glad to hear it! Thanks! :D
Thanks to this video I discovered that i had a ground loop issue deriving from the audio interface USB connector. I just ordered an iDefender and I hope it will solve the issue. Thank you so much for the informative video!
You're welcome 😀
Great video! You helped me.
Thank you! it worked having both monitors connected to the same power outlet!
You're welcome, glad you got it sorted 👍 😀
Thanks so much ! I didn't even know my cables weren't balanced !
You're welcome 😀
I'd just like to praise your production value. I also produce technical tutorials, and you excel with conciseness, crisp video and scripted voiceover.
Thanks! Glad you liked it 😀
Wow this was a great share. Good to have some of these on hand
Thanks, glad you liked the video :)
I have Universal Audio Apollo twin interface with Mac. It is gorgeous with mics as a preamp, has a tube inside, which I'm sure enhances the audio signal for mics. I get a hum when connecting guitar or bass direct into the HiZ 1/4" input. Your post here appears the most thorough I have seen aver several years on this issue! i will try some of the fixes you recommend and get back to you, thanks!
Thanks so much for the Video. Finally i got some clues what i am facing the whole time
You're welcome, glad you found it helpful :)
Thank you so much!!!!!
I needed this video.
You're welcome 🙂
You're amazing. Thanks!
Your setup is clean AF.
Thank you so much! Works like a charm with the Idefender+. All the noises are gone. I just use an old iPhone 5W power supply to power the Idefender+
You're welcome! Glad you found it helpful! :)
Good video as always thanks !
Glad you liked it! :)
mannn you hit the nail on the head... I'm having this problem with my current setup. my laptop is connected to my external display and my usb c hub to connect my interface. In my case, where's what's happening. the moment I plug the dc 200W POWER supply, I have this ground loop noise 60hz you showed. It's truly annoying! and I thought it was my laptop, but.... I'm gonna check my cables. They might be crossing lines, which you said, they shouldn't be doing that. thanks man!
Damn this was very helpful ❤️❤️
Wonderful video. I am ordering a few products now, to see if I can save me ears. Thank you!!!
You're welcome. Glad you found it helpful 😀
@@FireWalkMusic I only wish I would have found it a year ago. These Yamaha HS8 kick off some major interference, as you know.
Help a lot. Thank you
thank you for sharing this video bro 💯
Definitely going to try the IFI plus. I have the same focusrite interface. The mic is fine but when I record with my guitars I notice slight background buzzing noise.or white noise. Ill have to check if I have cheap cables too lol. This should be a big help. Thanks for the info!!
You're welcome :)
Unplugging an USB device worked for me! Thank you very much.
You're welcome! :)
Helpful new version, thanx a lot!
👍 - _also_ for the YT algo! 😊
Thanks, glad you liked it! :)
Thanks so much, solved a headache i had for a few weeks :)
You're welcome 😊
Thank you so much, your video helped me solve my issue, my life is better now.
Glad you found it helpful 😀
Thank you so much. The first solution worked for me. God bless you. thank you so much
You're welcome 🙂
I have been hosting karaoke at a friend's pub and we have been constantly battling with the sound heard at 21 seconds in this video. We have ruled out a lot of potetntial causes but did not consider a grounding loop. Hopefully we are able to move some cables around and solve the issue! Thanks for a great video.
Thanks, you're welcome 😃
Thank you so much for your tip! I was going crazy with a loud computer/monitor noise. I bought the iFi Defender and plugged it to my computer and the noise was gone :)
You're welcome! Glad you found it helpful. I know all about how annoying that kind of noise can be. 😀
I just realized i might have a few of these issues. Not exactly sure whats the main source. But i had no idea about the unbalanced n balanced thing and the “grounding” part . This is all new to me . Definitely out of my comfort zone. mostly worked on some good quality headphones. But now im trying to listen on my monitors and I didn’t realize i had a humming noise bcuz i live on a main street n my windows are the side of the traffic . So theres noise constantly when im at home . Thx for sharing
Two different power strips! Thank you. That buzz in my left monitor has been bugging me for a while.
You're welcome 🙂
Damn this was very helpful ❤❤:) Thank you so much!
You're welcome. Glad you found it helpful 😀
Well explained 👍
Thanks, glad you found it helpful 😀
Thank you! It's was PC USB problem.
This video was extremely helpful! Thank you. I am experiencing a buzz when I use my audio interface (SSL2+). I thought maybe it was my cloudlifter (I need one because I have a SHURE SM7B mic) but now I think it's a ground loop issue. The buzz happens completely randomly so it's not consistent. When it does happen, it goes away when I unplug my interface (powered through USBC) from my computer then plug it back in again. I am hoping by purchasing the IFI idefender will solve it!
Thank you!
My Bose 700 subwoofer module is making a hum noise when connecting to a third-party amplifier i could not figure it out untill i saw this video , i will hit a try when get home and update comment. thanks for sharing such informative video
This video is a god send
Glad you found it helpful 😀
I've definitely run into all of those and thankfully sorted most of them. But my current noise battle is with the laptop I use to run my Ableton Live set. Tried Pyle Hum Eliminator and running a Radial DI in between my interface and the mixer. But there's always a static noise coming through the PA speakers. Running the laptop Powered or Battery doesn't seem to make much difference. That USB option you showed looks promising. Between that and upgrading my interface I'm not sure what else I could even try.
I had the same problem but as soon as I took my USB coming from my audio interface and plugged it into the USB that supplies power the one that acts like a charging port the problem went away. Make sure your computer comes with a dedicated USB charging port. Clean audio no noise anymore👌
Bro thanks so much same exact problem
Well dam. 😅
Regarding the "computer working" noise, I had this for years across two different studio monitors and multiple hardware swapouts on the PC side (all setups were unbalanced to balanced). Currently using on-board audio with KRK Rokit 5 G2 monitors. Finally fixed it last week with all of the below:
* PC sleeve into both tips.
* PC ring into right ring.
* PC tip into lift ring.
* Leave cable shields open on the PC side and connected to sleeves at the studio monitors.
* Prevent Intel on-board audio chipsets from going into standby (low-power mode).
All of the commercially available cable solutions tie all the sleeves together, send left/right signal into left/right tips, and who knows what goes on with ring when you plug TS into a TRS jack. Ironically the KRK's balanced inputs handle the unbalanced source better than their RCA inputs (which are even noisier).
Apparently "problem solver" cables wired as above along with others using resistors to create quasi-balanced outputs have existed in the past but I've had no luck tracking any of them down.
Isolation transformers should come with a warning about non-linearity -- cheap ones have significant roll-off at one or both ends of the spectrum.
Thanks for making this video -- I'm sure it's helped many.
Even though I've got rid of all my unwanted noise long ago it was only after I changed my cables multiple times ((9-ch), I realised the faint background signal noise (noise floor) I was hearing was actually coming from my unshielded cables.
Silence is Golden.
Thanks for the video. I have a hiss and buzzing in my headphones when the volume is turned down. It's still there when i turn up volume, but whatever i I'm listening to will cover it up.
My friend, I believe you’re about to end years of misery for me. I think my noise is mostly coming from my interface connected to my PC, so I’m going to try the Idefender + first then go from there. I’m gonna make a video about the journey and I’ll be sure to plug your video in there. Cheers.
Good video
In my situation ground loop occurs after connecting my screen to the computer. Have used some shielding around my audio out cable, which takes away a lot. But found some low voltage on p/e and common. I certainly gonna try one of the mentioned devices, TX. Namasté.
Thanks for this video! I have my laptop [plugged in] then USB daw, then guitar, amp , pedal, pedal power supply and midi footswitch lol. All the noises 😄.
You're welcome. Glad you found it helpful :)
I found a different fix for a similar issue I was having. Audio from Zoom H6 to ATEM Mini to Mac, annoying hiss and crackle. Turned out to be the DC power to the Zoom H6, it was sharing the same USB power brick as my Sony camera. Plugged them each into their own separate USB power bricks, audio is now crystal clear.
8:20 is the exact problem/ noise I got. I hope the GND defender will help! :) Thank you so much!
That's a typical ground loop issue. The gnd defender should take care of that. Let me know how it goes! 👍😀
@@FireWalkMusic I have the same exact noise at 8:20 as well. I have a USB interface though, it should still be what I need, right? It said Firewire on your video, but I think you just labeled it that way because in your case, it happened when using your firewire interface?
@@BlazinLow305 I actually have two audio interfaces, one USB audio interface and one firewire interface. The Idefender will work if you have a USB powered audio interface without any external power going to it. For everything else, the GND defender will get the job done.
@@FireWalkMusic Awesome. I'm going to hold off, I *think* I figured my problem out. Somehow my interface usb got plugged into the port on the front of my case, and I think the wiring running to the mobo was picking up extra noise from my power supply. I plugged it into the back and it seems to have helped a lot. I need to test a bit more though.
I remember the most useful "Effect" in COOL EDIT PRO 2 was the DC OFFSET filter thingy :)
Great video. Question: How do you address Ground Loop Noise from an amp?
Got to wonder why expensive speakers/monitors don’t have these integrated
Because ground lifting can be dangerous depending on the scenario, especially if it’s done without consideration for common ground.
Having a ground lift on a pair of powered monitors would mean an electrical discharge would need to find another route to ground, hopefully not through the user.
That’s why DI boxes have a ground lift, because each unit either side of the DI box should be grounded individually and the connection between the two is what needs to be isolated. In essence they’re isolated from each other, not from ground.
So I'm happy to report.....
I FIXED IT! And even though it wasn't any of the solutions you had on here, just your positive energy and cool vibes solved the problem!
I first went into the BIOS and shut some power options off that were used for hibernation purposes and I don't use that. So I turned that off (had to take the CMOS battery out to reset the password). Then after that I rebooted the computer and went into the Real Tek mixer menu. I switched from 4 channels to headphones and also shut the unused input mixer channels off....
IT WORKED!!!! Sounds gone. It now works perfectly no annoying weird feedback!!!
Your video and excellent narration was the motivation I needed! Thanks bro!!!
My card is a Real Tek ALC 889....Yes it's old school. But it sounds amazing and came with the computer for free. I didn't even realize it had a sound card until I brought it home.
It's hard to say. Most musicians use external USB sound cards, as internal ones are more susceptible to noise from nearby components. However, it could also very well be a ground loop noise.
You could test this by temporarily disabling the ground on the computer's power cable. Just put a small piece of tape or something to isolate it. If the noise then goes away, it's a ground loop issue. Do NOT leave it that way though, you must remove it afterward or it could lead to a fire if there's an electrical fault. If that "experiment" works then I would buy the ifi GND defender. That should take care of it. It is also 100% safe to use, and it will enable the ground if it senses a fault.
@@FireWalkMusic I fixed it!!!! Re read the post above!!!!
@@hiddenamericachannel awesome! Glad you got it sorted! 😀
Hi. I have an interesting set of hisses and hums currently.
I run a MacBookPro 15" (mid-2015), with FireWire going to a RME Fireface UCX. That one is powered by it's own power adapter.
I've plugged in an Arturia Microfreak, a Yamaha SY35, a Yamaha RefaceCS and Roland SoundCanvas SC88ST.
I also have an Elektron OverHub connected to my laptop. The SC88ST is powered by a BirdCord USB adapter (9V) from the Elektron Overhub - this results in noise. If I use a separate USBHub for purely powering the SC88ST, the loud low hum and high hiss is not there, but I'd prefer to use only one Hub - easier to port it around.
The Elektron OverHub also has the RefaceCS connected to it via USB - for functioning as a midi In/Out port. If I have the USB cable plugged in, the RefaceCS emits a lot of noisy clicks and pops and digital whine, squealing. The minute I unplug the USB, all that noise stops. But I absolutely must have the midi, as this is nearest to my laptop. So I'm thinking getting a Ferrite Ring isolator for the USB cable might help.
The SY35 is a story in itself, it's power adapter is an old one, I've been flipping the adapter and placing it nearer or further away from the Adam 7TV speakers, if it's further away, and plugged one way, it hums less. if it is plugged the other way, it hums more. I'm kinda ready to just buy a better power adapter for this, as this seems like it'd solve stuff, and the adapter smells like electricity and plastic.
The Microfreak has an annoying highend hiss at loud volumes. As do the Adam 7TVs.
So I've recorded 4 different types of hiss hum buzz, and am now looking at solutions. Unfortunately the regular "Just unplug the USB-cable from the Microfreak to reduce noise" does not do anything, and, again, for the Microfreak also, I need midi out and midi in via USB (my Midi USBHub is already overcrowded and upgrading to a 6x6 hub is way too expensive).
Even went around rummaging in the cableboxes and found some TRS cables, but plugging TRS instead of TS into the SY35 had no audible effect, and I could only find 0.5m cables anyway and they're supertiny.
So I'm looking at ferrite ring isolators for the USB cables, hoping that'll help with the RefaceCS squeal+hiss+hum, and then I guess I'd need to buy at least three iFi Ground Defenders but they're really quite expensive for a hobby, and switching all cables from TS to TRS (some of the cables I use are, i kid you not, RCA-RCA cables with adapter plugs on both sides). I'm also looking at buying some of those Mad Professor Red Cables and hoping that'd also assist in this situation. But it looks like I'd need to buy 400-500€ worth of stuff to get rid of all this noise, and there's hardly a fund out there that would help with financing this stuff. But at least I'm a little bit better versed on these issues now than I was originally.
Weird to realize that after 27 years of buying and selling gear, cables and audio devices, I still don't know the first thing about ground loop hum or anything. This video of yours was really good at explaining this stuff, so thanks for it.
I wonder if iFi have a Finnish retailer/importer.
Thanks! This was very helpful. I wish I could send you a video of what we are hearing. We definitely have noise from our speakers. Small 4 piece band guitar, bass, keyboard, drums. We have floor monitor and in ear. Everything has the noise. I have bought little green hum eliminator plug ends ( wall outlet ) but it does not seem to help.
Glad you liked the video, and thanks a lot for the support! Much appreciated. Generally, the more stuff you have connected together like that the greater the chance you'll have ground loop issues. They can be tricky to diagnose and can manifest themselves in many different ways, as shown in the video.
You can send me a clip to my email address and I'll have a listen to it. You'll find my email address in the video description. :)
THANK YOU !!!
Great video, thank you very much! One question, the issue that I'm experiencing comes from the usb on my mac, so that ifi defender + should do the job but does the GND defender also works on this kind of usb computer noise related?
Great video and very helpful! I'm just wondering if the iFi GND defender and/or the iFi DC blocker perform the same job as power conditioning strips. I have a severe buzz coming from my guitar amp/cabinets when I split the signal chain, with one line going into my amps and the other directly into a Zoom interface/mixing board via a TS instrument cable. I have all of my guitar gear plugged into a Black Lion power conditioner and all of the recording equipment (Zoom, MacBook, monitors, etc) plugged into a SurgeX power conditioner. The amps have zero noise until I plug into the Zoom, either powered on or not. As soon as I unplug from the Zoom, the noise is gone. I've used a Lehle 1 at 3 switch, a Pog harmonizer, and other devices to split the signal, but none has eliminated the buzzing noise, which is especially bad when I use a high-gain (crunch) channel on the amps. Just wondering if either of the iFi devices or the Pyle Hum eliminator might do the trick. Thanks!
Nice tutorial. Do you have any advice for guitarists that have electrical interference through their amps? Mine sounds like 120hz buzz that fluctuates in loudness but never completely goes away. A Furman. SS 6B Pro outlet strip doesn't filter it out. My guitar cables and pickups pick up the noise. Not sure if guitar cables with better shielding would help or not. Thanks.
That sound at 4:23 has haunted me for years … NO LONGER 😂
Yesterday I installed monitors from Adam and have a low crackling hiss from the pc which gets much worse when opening up Reaper. I thought it was reaper at first, but the crackle is there low in the background even without the DAW running. I was just sick from disappointment after the $ investment, then I found your video. This gives me hope to track down the problem and not just return these beautiful studio monitors.
It is very rarely the monitors themselves. Did you try disconnecting the signal cables and keep the monitors powered on to see if the noise goes away then?
Great video! I do wish the iFi GND defender is a bit cheaper. I don't have a studio setup, but my laptop has that aweful computer noise while I am using it. And the power block has that same power plug you displayed. So it might work. But not for that $$.
Thanks for great Video. I've been struggling with what I think is a ground loop noise on my one Pioneer S-DJ80X. The other speaker is fine which made me think it may be a physical problem. I'm using XLR cables and a pioneer mixer. The problem is intermittent and granted that there may still be other sources of interference the sound goes away when I touch the back of the speaker or switch it off and on. Is this an indication of a particular problem? I have also tried most of the recommended solutions. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Wow great explanation and the video!. I have a pair of iloud micros and they have a terrible white noise even without RCA connected. So these defenders don't work with the DC in port of the device or with the power supply it comes with. Maybe AC ipuifier or DC ipurifier2 would work?
Great video and very informative. But what If I do not use a computer. I've had a hard time finding something when you do no use a computer in the chain; Just an old CD player that goes to a DAC and a DAC to an AMP and to some headphones. Apparently is my DAC that is introducing the ground loop hum because it goes away when I unplug it, which does not happen with any of the other devices. It uses a micro USB cable that goes tu an adaptar and to the AC Outlet, and if I touch any of the devices the hum goes away too. So what can I use for this purpose ?
For anyone who can't find the iDefender+ in stock, or finds it too expensive... separating the power wires from the data wires can be done DIY by splitting the cable, and using a 5w USB power adapter (like what comes with the iPhone). This achieves the same effect for GPU/CPU noise.
Ironically iFi makes a USB audio cable that does this but it's like 350 bucks. DIY sounds like a much better solution. The USB connector connects to your DAC then it has 2 USB A ports, one for audio/data and one for power.
I tried this viewing a tutorial, but my laptop doesn't recognize the audio interface (a Presonus Audiobox) when I plugged it into the female connector of the splitter. I tested it with three different extension cables (USB 2.0. as the manufacturer recommends), without sucess.
You got a tutorial for this?
So far 1 of the best videos regarding that topic :) I use an ifi zen dac v2 at my pc and got quite a similar interference when using balanced output or low gain...
However, should I use iDefender+ or the GroundLoop Breaker? Honestly the need to externally power the iDefender seems a huge turnoff for me but I'm not sure whether both devices will fix the Problem.
The gnd defender does the same thing and don't need external power like the idefender. It's a bit pricier though
@@FireWalkMusic thanks for your quick response. If I might ask a followup question:
Could it help to simply use an external Power source for the Zen Dac? Currently its powered by the usb port If my Desktop PC
@@TyrionFrost93 possibly, but not always. Depends on how it works.
Thank you so much for your video! Wondering if I can ask a quick question. I got hiss noise once I connect amp with my passive speakers. Do you know which device will solve the problem? Thank you!
Thanks for this
You're welcome :)
Hello. This is a great video. I'm getting a humming noise in my powered Mackie HR824s only when I use HDMI out to a second display from my MacBook Pro. I am wondering if using balanced cables from my Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 will eliminate the noise. It's just weird that it's definitely the HDMI output creating this. Please let me know your thoughts.
Wonderful video! However, we have got a Definitive Technology W Studio micro sound bar, and after shifting to our new home and installing it, we seem to have this problem, and we're not sure how to fix it. Could you help for this particular device please?