KRK ROKIT 5 (G3) speakers causing a hiss

[JeffBE]

Hello HomeRecording.com

My name is Jeffrey and am, like many others here, spending my time doing some homerecording. (In my case just as a hobby!)
Lately I've been experiencing some "strange hiss" on my recordings.

Some investigating (as in removing different cables from my powerstrip, plugging it somewhere else etc.) has led me to believe my 2 KRK Rokit 5 Monitors are causing the problem.
To illustrate:


You can listen to it here at this link:
https://soundcloud.com/jeffrey-beutels/hiss-clean-comparison/s-vV7OD

The second 'Red' (hiss-free) part starts at around 0:40.

It seems the annoying hiss is gone when I unplug both of the KRK's and just use my headphones to listen.
I'm using a Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 and am using the Reaper DAW. Guitar used is a '99 Gibson Les Paul Standard.

Any input or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards

Jeffrey

 

[mjbphotos]

The noise increases with your guitar volume. Have you tried plugging the KRKs into a different power source (run an extension cord into another room)? It's got to be a ground loop issue.

 

[ecc83]

I don't know if it is a by-product of the mp3 encoding but there is very little of anything in that clip past 3kHz and just about buggerall past 5kHz.

I know I am well mutton but I can usually hear loud stuff on cans out to 5kHz or so but I cannot hear any hiss on that recording. (why can't we attach short, 20sec .wav clips PLEASE?)

If indeed the monitors can be proved to be the problem then a ground/earth loop is so common with those and a powered PC that it is almost a cliche' !

To mitigate such loops first try ALL the gear on the SAME power outlet. A good quality mains diss' strip is fine and safe at these loadings. Try NOT to get a strip that claims to be a "conditioner" or "filtered and spike suppressed" These can make g/e noise worse!

Next you can try disconnecting the screen (pin one in an XLR) from both monitor cables at ONE end or you can try to source a "pseudo-balanced" cable.

Might end up having to get a transformer isolator (NOT a "DI" box!) Art make them as do Orchid Electronics.

Lastly, despite anything you might read or be told DO NOT REMOVE ANY MAINS SAFETY EARTHS!

Dave.

 

[JeffBE]

The noise increases with your guitar volume. Have you tried plugging the KRKs into a different power source (run an extension cord into another room)? It's got to be a ground loop issue.

I tried a different power source for the 2 KRKs but it was in an outlet of the same room, I assume it still in the same loop then?
All equipment is on the same powerstrip.

I don't know if it is a by-product of the mp3 encoding but there is very little of anything in that clip past 3kHz and just about buggerall past 5kHz.

I know I am well mutton but I can usually hear loud stuff on cans out to 5kHz or so but I cannot hear any hiss on that recording. (why can't we attach short, 20sec .wav clips PLEASE?)

If indeed the monitors can be proved to be the problem then a ground/earth loop is so common with those and a powered PC that it is almost a cliche' !

To mitigate such loops first try ALL the gear on the SAME power outlet. A good quality mains diss' strip is fine and safe at these loadings. Try NOT to get a strip that claims to be a "conditioner" or "filtered and spike suppressed" These can make g/e noise worse!

Next you can try disconnecting the screen (pin one in an XLR) from both monitor cables at ONE end or you can try to source a "pseudo-balanced" cable.

Might end up having to get a transformer isolator (NOT a "DI" box!) Art make them as do Orchid Electronics.

Lastly, despite anything you might read or be told DO NOT REMOVE ANY MAINS SAFETY EARTHS!

Dave.

I'm not sure, but a moved do a different appartement and I think it started right about that time and I'm also pretty sure I'm using a different powerstrip (I don't remember exactly which one it used to be, but a different one) now and it is probably not one of the highest quality.

I'll try a different room tomorrow and head to the store to pickup a higher quality powerstrip.