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iMac static/noise problem in external speakers
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| alcalaholic |
Hey guys, I just started having these problems and was wondering if anyone had any tips. My Yamaha HS-80 monitors started getting this nasty static, humming sound. It becomes louder when I click, scroll, touch the keyboard, basically do anything.
I'm using an iMac (2.66 Intel core duo, 1 year old) and running that through firewire to an M-Audio Firewire audiophile. That goes through 1/4" cables to the Yamahas.
I've tried different audio interfaces (USB, firewire, going directly into the headphones), different wires (1/4" and RCA), moving the speakers away from the iMac, different power strips and outlets but nothing seems to change. I also tried connecting my KRK RP-5s to see if it was the Yamaha's fault, but got the same static/buzz droning sound.
Anyone ever run into this or have any solutions? I feel like it's either because of the computer and the speakers are amplifying the sound coming from the iMac. When music is playing you can only faintly hear it but when there is any bit of silence/ambience it's very distracting and really really frustrating! |
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| coroknight |
Try this out:
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| 19503 |
| i had this problem. balanced cables helped (good ones)! |
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| alcalaholic |
| quote: | Originally posted by 19503
i had this problem. balanced cables helped (good ones)! |
I use these monster cable prolink 100s http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=2136
Guessing they're not balanced then :tongue2 . Any types you'd recommend? It's strange that this is happening all of a sudden though right? I'm going to test my roommates laptop with my audio interface/speakers later and see what happens.
coroknight, could you elaborate on that plug? I've seen them before but not sure exactly what I'm looking at. Do you buy one for the computer or two for the speakers? Thanks again for your help! |
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| 19503 |
Im very happy with Klotz cables. U get im XLR-XLR, XLR-Jack, or Jack-Jack. Its not sure to help though if your equipment isnt balanced (soundcard, monitors), i dont know, maybe someone else know. But these solved my problem. Basicly my problem was some ticking sound when i scrolled the mouse. ing annoying.
Here are example of Klotz cables:
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| KilldaDJ |
| kick the out of them |
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| alcalaholic |
| quote: | Originally posted by 19503
Im very happy with Klotz cables. U get im XLR-XLR, XLR-Jack, or Jack-Jack. Its not sure to help though if your equipment isnt balanced (soundcard, monitors), i dont know, maybe someone else know. But these solved my problem. Basicly my problem was some ticking sound when i scrolled the mouse. ing annoying. |
Cool man. These look pricey but if they do the trick I guess it's worth it.
Yeah I'm getting that ticking sound when I scroll or click too. It's really distracting. |
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| Zombie0729 |
| quote: | Originally posted by alcalaholic
Cool man. These look pricey but if they do the trick I guess it's worth it.
Yeah I'm getting that ticking sound when I scroll or click too. It's really distracting. |
someone else brought this up not too long ago (this forum or another, i can't remember). the guy said he fixed the issue by doing 2 things 1.) used the ac adapter on the audio card (instead of firewire bus power), and 2.) used an outlet that was on a different breaker. |
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| alcalaholic |
| quote: | Originally posted by Zombie0729
someone else brought this up not too long ago (this forum or another, i can't remember). the guy said he fixed the issue by doing 2 things 1.) used the ac adapter on the audio card (instead of firewire bus power), and 2.) used an outlet that was on a different breaker. |
Good call on both. Those both seem logical to me. I'll give them a try. |
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| 19503 |
| those cables arent that pricey. their like 400 for a pair in norway which maybe is like 50EUR or something. |
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| DJ RANN |
monster cables. They're terrible, cheap chinese crap masquerading as good cables.
The problem you have is a ground loop issue. Balanced cables should solve it and I would recommend, Canare or Mogami.
Van Damme if you're in the UK. Don't buy the premium ones from these brands - the normal balanced lines will be just fine.
If you still have an hum, you might want to consider power conditioning for your system which will both provide clean power and in most cases eliminate earthing/hum. |
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| alcalaholic |
| quote: | Originally posted by Zombie0729
someone else brought this up not too long ago (this forum or another, i can't remember). the guy said he fixed the issue by doing 2 things 1.) used the ac adapter on the audio card (instead of firewire bus power), and 2.) used an outlet that was on a different breaker. |
Damn, no luck with this one. It may have reduced the sound a little bit it'd still very noticeable.
I'm gonna drop by guitar center tomorrow and pick up balanced cables then. Thanks a lot for all the input everyone. I really appreciate. It's so annoying when you have like this getting in the way of getting work done. |
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