KRK RP8 Ground Loop

[GmanJeff]

MY KRK RP8s are plugged into a single surge protector strip, along with my Zoom MRS802 multitrack. The recorder only has unbalanced outs, which are connected to the unbalanced inputs of the speakers, which also have balanced input options. A fairly loud hiss from the monitors was diagnosed, correctly, by KRK tech support, as a ground loop. The hiss disappeared when, as suggested by tech support, I connected the speakers to the surge protector via 3 into 2 adapter plugs, lifting the ground. When I asked whether that was safe, tech support noted that many pro products come with ground lift swtiches to do the same thing. It was stated that such switches aren't included with the RP8s to save costs. The implication seemed to be that bypassing the ground prong of the 3-prong plug is nothing to worry about.

What say those of you who are knowledgeable about such things? Is there a better/safer alternative ? Would one of the so-called "hum eliminator" products, inserted in-line between the recorder's unbalanced outs and the balanced or unbalanced ins (some of these things apparently convert unbalanced signals to balanced while also lifting ground) of the speakers, accomplish the same thing? Would I be able to retain the grounding effect of the 3-prong plugs on the speaker power cords, but somehow eliminate the ground loop by using one of these gizmos?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[boingoman]

Lifting the safety ground is never OK. There are other solutions, one of which you listed.

Please send a link to this thread to this idiot, I'd like to hear what he has to say. I'd also like to hear what KRK has to say about a service rep who doesn't know the difference between a safety and signal ground, or anything else, it seems.

LAME.