For those with laptops and PA white noise... Solution!

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-- For those with laptops and PA white noise... Solution!

Posted by djnitride on Apr-02-2010 01:59:

For those with laptops and PA white noise... Solution!

Well when my new speakers came in the mail, I was very displeased to find whenever I connected them to my laptop tons of static was coming through, usually when I moved the mouse, dragged windows, or typed anything.

The problem for me was called a "Ground loop", not sure what the fuck that means but you can easily fix it by using a 2 prong adapter on your laptop charger, or simply unplug your charger from your laptop.

Hope this helps some new DJ's

Posted by djsaekone on Apr-02-2010 05:17:

Yeah that is real annoying. Here is a pic of it.

Posted by Zak McKracken on Apr-02-2010 11:15:

also.... get a proper soundcard!

Posted by dj_macgyver on Apr-02-2010 16:46:

a so-called di-box in the audio channel(s) would also help.

oh, and if you're a macbook user, use the small wall plug adapter that comes with your charger, not the long power cord. the small plug doesn't have a ground connection

Posted by mfitterer1 on Apr-02-2010 18:26:

I thought the 3rd prong was what protected things?

Posted by dj_macgyver on Apr-02-2010 19:16:

quote:
Originally posted by mfitterer1
I thought the 3rd prong was what protected things?

well with laptops, this connection usually ends in the charger. there's no dangerous voltages inside the computer itself.

Posted by miamitranceman on Apr-03-2010 02:48:

I had ground loop problems all the time with my DJM-400 bc there was no balanced output on it. I picked up a few ground loop isolators from Radio Shack and it solved al my problems.

I don't have the issue anymore with proper balanced outs on my Ecler Evo 5 and good xlr cables though.

Posted by DJ RANN on Apr-03-2010 19:59:

quote:
Originally posted by miamitranceman
I picked up a few ground loop isolators from Radio Shack and it solved al my problems.

THis is the correct solution - don't start yanking the earth pins out of PSU's or buying DI boxes.

I know a some house engineers at venues that won't let you plug anything in if you've "improved" your gear in this way.

Ground loop isolators such as the Shark ones or the ones from Radio shack cost les then $15 for a pair and will solve all your problems.

Posted by dj_macgyver on Apr-04-2010 15:04:

a ground loop isolator works on the same basic principle as a di box