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RCA Cable grounding problem

Hey all,

So the other day I finally set up my Tannoy speakers that I bought a couple of months ago along with Traktor Audio 10. Now the cable I'm using is an RCA to 1/4". and I've got it going from the card's 2 front outputs directly to the speakers. Sound is great, I've got no complaints there. But the problem is that I get this long sort of distorted whining noise. Like a continuous fuzzy and high-pitched sound.

I was told the problem is the cables that I bought, and the fact that they're not grounded, but I called the store and was told there is no grounded version of this cable, RCA cables by nature are ungrounded. So the guy at the store then proceeded to pin the problem on my actual computer (the speakers won't make any noise if the computer/soundcard are off).

Is this just an inherent problem of using NI's soundcard? There has to be a way to fix this. Something with my settings? Or was the guy at the store full of shit? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Yea so I'm starting to this he was right and the problem is with my computer. I'll try posting this on the NI forums but if anybody here knows anything that'd be great. The same actually happens when I connect my laptop to my friend's audio 8 and then we are also using an external mixer and decks (not that it makes a difference). Could it be that I have shitty USB connections? I'll actually try it on my desktop as well and see what happens.

Ok so I happened to disconnect my laptop's power source and the problem has gone away. But now obviously I'm limited to like 2.5-3 hours of play time, which I don't like. Has this ever happened to anybody before? Any ideas regarding potential fixes? Or do I just have a shitty quality laptop?

quote:

Originally posted by Adam420 Ok so I happened to disconnect my laptop's power source and the problem has gone away. But now obviously I'm limited to like 2.5-3 hours of play time, which I don't like. Has this ever happened to anybody before? Any ideas regarding potential fixes? Or do I just have a shitty quality laptop?

I was just about to say that usually the problem is down to a poor earth on your laptops power cable. A ground loop isolator usually does the trick but it's annoying have to use one every time you use your laptop. Sometimes it's the actual socket that you're using so make sure you try another one. Or you might be using a plugboard/extension lead which can also introduce problems.

In the end it's down to a dodgy ground. Out of curiosity which laptop is it that you're running traktor on and secondly is the power block you're using the stock model or an after market one you bought?

GROUND LOOP ISOLATOR

That's just an example of something that should fix the problem. Although you might need an adaptor at the end of this to turn it into the appropriate 1/4" jack at the other end. Maybe the guy at the shop you bought the cable from will have an adaptor for you.

Either way that's one way of fixing the problem. I'm sure anyone else with ideas will throw their hat into the circle..

I am using a Toshiba Satellite laptop and yes it is the stock power supply. I don't think it's the socket on the wall either since it happens at my friend's house as well.

Yea...how would that ground look isolator work? Like I said I'm using RCA to 1/4". 1 left 1 right. Any chance you can you me what the adapter looks like?

btw thanks for taking the time to help. It's frustrating when your new investment doesn't work the way it should.

edit: I think I need one that looks like this:

$1



Problem solved.

Hope so

Problem solved!! Plugged my computer in to a different outlet.

quote:

Originally posted by Adam420 Problem solved!! Plugged my computer in to a different outlet.

Glad that worked for you. Although it is annoying if you have to worry that the socket you're going to plug your system into isn't grounded properly.

It might still be worthwhile getting a unit like the one you posted above that gives you a contingency plan in case you ever rock up to a house party or somewhere other than your reliable outlet at home.

But I'm glad you found a solution at home.

quote:

Originally posted by n3lly Glad that worked for you. Although it is annoying if you have to worry that the socket you're going to plug your system into isn't grounded properly. It might still be worthwhile getting a unit like the one you posted above that gives you a contingency plan in case you ever rock up to a house party or somewhere other than your reliable outlet at home. But I'm glad you found a solution at home.

I agree with nelly. You should have a GLI on hand jut in case. I had this problem al the time when I used my DJM-400 (unbalanced outs) with Torq on the laptop back in the day.

quote:

Originally posted by miamitranceman I agree with nelly. You should have a GLI on hand jut in case. I had this problem al the time when I used my DJM-400 (unbalanced outs) with Torq on the laptop back in the day.

Can you recommend any one in particular? Does the one I posted above look about right?

quote:

Originally posted by Adam420 Can you recommend any one in particular? Does the one I posted above look about right?

That looks similar to what I used to use. I bought mine from Radio Shack here in the states for about 18 bucks each. I'm not sure if you guys have them up in your neck of the woods though. But what you posted should work.

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