Mixer problem

[billabob]

Hey i just went to record with my mixer and ive been having a problem. The mixer is an alesis multimix 8 usb and heres the thing:

I connect everything up properly to the pc. And when i record, i get some really wierd sounding digital buzz in the backround that ive never had before. But the guitar sounds fine when i listen to it through the headphone slot on the mixer. When i mess around with the equalizer settings i can pretty much get rid of the noise. Anyone got any ideas on whats going wrong?
xxx

 

[witzendoz]

I would guess you have an earth loop via the USB cable.

This comes up regular on this forum and there is not always an easy fix. I wish someone would make a USB cable with the ground lifted.

Answer these questions and I will see if I can work out a solution.

Is the mixer and the computer plugged into the same power point?
Is it a Laptop or desktop?
Is the power point earthed? (not as silly as it sounds) It should be earthed.

Cheers

Alan.

 

[billabob]

the LAPTOP and the mixer both have their own plug for power supply. And im not sure what you mean exactly by earthed??
xxx

 

[bouldersoundguy]

the LAPTOP and the mixer both have their own plug for power supply. And im not sure what you mean exactly by earthed??
xxx

Are the power plugs the three prong grounded (earthed) type?

My Dell laptop has that issue. Try running on the battery and tracking to see if the noise goes away.

 

[witzendoz]

the LAPTOP and the mixer both have their own plug for power supply. And im not sure what you mean exactly by earthed??
xxx

Just because the power point has 3 pins it does not mean that the mains earth in the power point is connected, read this thread, that was exactly what was wrong in that case.

If it's a lap top and the problems goes away when it runs on batteries, the only solution is to buy a double insulated power supply with has no mains earth, double insulated power supplies don't need a mains earth as they are safe as you can not be electrocuted via the power supply.

Cheers

Alan.

 

[billabob]

ok i noticed inthat thread he touched soemthing metallic, ill try this and see if it solves it then ill know thats the problem for sure.
xxxx