Studio Monitor Noise

[dave111]

Hi everyone,

Trying to solve a problem with noise when I have my studio monitors connected to my computer. How do I fix this?? Better power strip? Better Cables? Ground Loop? Better interface?

I have JBL LSR 305 speakers, Macbook Pro, Caldigit TS3 Plus USB Hub, apogee one (1st gen).

Thanks.

[ErBird]

Is it hiss, hum, digital interference?

[tack]

Originally Posted by dave111

How do I fix this?? Better power strip? Better Cables? Ground Loop? Better interface?

Hmm.

You could try sharing a video or sound recording of the problem you're trying to diagnose.

[dave111]

It's different sounds. There is a high pitched tone coming through right now. When I turn on my external hard drives, I can hear them spinning up. When I charge my phone on the wireless charging pad, which is plugged into the usb hub, I can hear a weird sound. When my laptop is charging through the usb hub, and not by it's charger, there is a static sound, like a radio that's not tuned into a station.

[dave111]

it wont let me upload the video - says a security token is missing?

[dave111]

try this

https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...SJ?usp=sharing

[ErBird]

That's a lot of potential sources of noise/interference in a small space.

Did it start recently? Maybe some filtering capacitors are going bad.

Have you tried moving the cables around or re-orienting the interface? If the noise changes that's a hint.

If it's interference entering the interface directly I would imagine a metal-cased interface would fare better. Not certain, though. I have an AudioBox USB that has a ton of digital noise, audible on the input and always in the headphones even with the level at zero.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1QJ...twHiyHtmysrDl1

Could also be coming through the USB power lines.

[dave111]

ugh its a total mess haha. i recently moved, got a bunch of new gear, and set it all up. then >> noise.

interesting idea, though. might help to just add some space in between the different devices somehow.

[ivansc]

What country do you live in? Could be as simple as the usual folderol that I used to get when I lived in the USA. Many older houses there have "interesting" electrical systems, especially when it comes to grounding. Sounds like you have a combination of RFI and mains interference going on. And of course if your equipment is also plugged into different mains outlets, that can have a bearing on the situation.

Good luck!

[dave111]

thanks. I live in the USA. Renting an old house with questionable wiring. I ordered a thing to test outlets to makes sure they are grounded and working properly. I will test that out when it gets here.

[dmartinyesyes]

This may help:

https://www.furmanpower.com/product/...-wlights-M-8LX

[drumphil]

Ground Loop?

It's almost always that.

Are you using balanced cables to connect the audio interface to the speakers? Are there any unbalanced devices/cables connected to the audio interface inputs?

The first thing I'd be looking for is an unbalanced connection causing the problem, followed by a damaged plug or cable not making a proper connection.

Exactly what gear do you have, and how is it all connected?

[ivansc]

(grin) The first house I owned in Nashville was very old and had bare wires held in place with ceramic insulators, NAKED behind the lath & plaster walls. No earth/ground at all. Easily fixed, but scary as hell. Imagine drilling a hole to hang something and hitting that naked hot wire!

[valy]

+1 on the USB grounding noise. I'd start by disconnecting all USB audio peripherals just to rule them out.

[Beat Machine]

ground loop is 60hz. if u can 'hear the hd tro the spkrs '
yr kinda F**kd (somewhere)

this is not DIY
call SUPERMAN

[drumphil]

ground loop is 60hz. if u can 'hear the hd tro the spkrs '
yr kinda F**kd (somewhere)

Ground loops can absolutely cause other types of noise like that.

Still haven't got an answer from the OP about exactly how things are connected.

[Allybye]

If ground loops are heard at 60Hz in many countries working off mains power your ears are out of tune!

A bit parochial eh, @Beats?

[Win Conway]

Just buy an isolator, they are dirt cheap, they will fix 99% of problems.

http://orchid-electronics.co.uk/dual_isolator.htm
I use these, but you can get a bunch of others.