Noisy USB ports (fzzt noises when recording audio)
so I have this issue with recording sound through my computer via USB:
I have an external audio interface (basically a soundcard) connected to my computer via USB, and I use it to record audio coming from instruments. but there's noise! you probably know the noise i'm talking about: like when you move your mouse, or your computer starts an operation, and you can hear this high pitched 'squeee'. I know it's a USB problem because when I unplug the USB cable, the noise goes away. I tried plugging it into different ports but that doesn't seem to make a difference. has anyone had this problem before? |
01:22pm 22/04/14 Permalink
Sounds like you've got a ground loop. There might not be much you can do about it. I've had similar problems at home, but the noise wasn't actually being recorded, it was just buzzing in my speakers. I use a laptop, so my solution to get rid of it was to unplug the laptop from power and run it on battery. |
01:30pm 22/04/14 Permalink
Are you using an SSD hard drive? yes, 1 |
02:45pm 22/04/14 Permalink
Ok, serious time. As above, it's most likely a ground loop, common with instruments.
http://guitarcenter.lithium.com/legacyfs/online/15132_Ground_Loop.jpg Does your computer record the issue or is it just through playback? Your speakers, if externally powered, could be the catalyst for this issue as well. As another test, unplug the speakers from the computer and do a recording. Plug speakers back in, unplug the USB, and replay. |
02:50pm 22/04/14 Permalink
Are you using an SSD hard drive? i knew it! bastard! thanks guys, turns out that it was because my monitors were plugged into a different outlet. hope this helps anyone with the same problem with their troubleshooting. |
07:10pm 23/04/14 Permalink
you're recording audio...
talk to a mate who is a mate ( worth even half his salt ). He'll put you onto a mate who's an ACMA Qual'd ( or oldschool better ) tech who will ground your gear |
09:27pm 24/04/14 Permalink
