Computer Noise.
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Posted on Sep 15, 2006 08:30 am
freekymonkey
Member Since: Sep 15, 2006
The line-out from my soundcard is coming into a stereo amplifier and my recording line-in is going from the 'main out' of a behringer ub pro mixer. When i connect the lead from the mixer to the soundcard i can hear the noise from the computer quite audibly. (Hearing the hard drive moving etc) It's not noise from the mixer as it makes this noise when it's connected but the mixer is off. Taking the connection out of the mixer gets rid of this noise and putting it in my keyboard doesn't seem to make the noise either.
I'm wondering if there is anyway to have it connected to the mixer and not have this noise.??
Thanx.. Ross!
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pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Sep 15, 2006 09:52 am Welcome to HRC freekymonkey (neat handle)
So it's:
mixer -> linein (soundcard) line-out -> stereo -> speakers.
You said 'taking the connection out of the mixer gets rid of this noise'. I assume you mean the lead between the mixer and the line-in.
Some thoughts. If the lead is unplugged, and the sound stops, then it's coming from the mixer. The computer doesn't make this noise unless it's plugged into the mixer, but not the keyboard. This tells me the computer is not the source of the noise, the mixer is.
Probably the jack, or the cable, or both. I've had jacks on amps that were flaky, and put a lot of noise into a signal. See if you can use a different jack, or clean the jack, or resolder the connections inside the mixer. It also may be the cable ends, same fixits apply: clean, resolder. Or a new cable.
Also, make sure the lead isn't running right along any power cables, AC, for the mixer, PC, etc. That can introduce 60cycle buzz (or whatever freq the power is running at).
hth
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Sep 15, 2006 01:31 pm I'll add my 2 cents here. I agree it could be the audio cables going from the mixer to the sound card. But as well you could be getting a ground loop if the mixer and PC are plugged into seperate outlets. It happens all the time with some gear and houses.
You could also be causing a feedback loop, which is highly unlikely as mixer is not recieving input from the sound card.
Sep 16, 2006 08:00 am i was gettin the same problem when the mixer was taking the output and being the input to the soundcard as well. im 100% sure it is noise from the computer im hearing. coz inserting cd-roms and dvds haults then exaggerates the sound. this ground loop and feedback loop sounds the most plausible reason... a loop that connecting to my keyboard doesnt create. is there anyway to sort this at all???
thanx
ross
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Sep 17, 2006 09:22 am You can get a small ground checkiner from any hardware store for around $10.00. You simply plug it into each outlet and it will tell you if the outlet is wired correctly by the lights on it. If you find one that is incorrect you simply rewire the outlet.
Otherwise the best solution is to have all your gear plugged in through the same outlet with the use of a multitap outlet strip.
It can be caused by a piece of gear as well that has its ground either not connected or not wired correctly as well. I know some of the keyboards out there that use a seperate power supply do not have a ground lug on the power supply. That itself at times can cause a problem as well.
Sep 23, 2006 06:12 pm Just to let anyone know that has the same problem as this.. I used a 'Ground Loop Isolator' that plugs into the wire going from the mixer into the comp.. and the noise is gone! Haha. excellent!
Thanx for all ur help anyways folks!
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Sep 25, 2006 05:17 pm That indeed works. Its not the best fix but it will take care of the problem for you there.
