Noise from audio output of computer to mixer

MC208

MC208

New member
I have an HP elitedesk computer. I take the audio output which is mini stereo, and I connect it to my mixer channel input which is two quarter inch inputs. I'm getting noise from the computer itself (mouse movements, and hard drive seeking noises) transmitted to the mixer through the audio cable. I tried a different cable but that didn't fix the issue. I also tried putting both the power plugs from the mixer and the computer into the same outlet.

It doesn't have anything to do with the volume output of the computer. When it's muted, you can hear the same noises. After posing this issue to the AI, it suggested I get a ground loop isolator so I ordered this from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/BESIGN-Ground-Isolator-Stereo-System/dp/B06XQYN77L

Do you think it'll work? For $9, I figured it's worth a shot!

AI:
If the noise is still present when the computer’s output is muted, that means it isn’t coming from the audio signal itself — it’s electrical interference being carried over the ground/shield of the cable. This is classic ground loop / PC noise coupling (things like mouse movement, CPU/disk activity, etc. riding along the ground). In that case, the most effective solution is to break the direct electrical ground path between the PC and the mixer. You do that with an isolation transformer (aka ground loop isolator).
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A generally more reliable solution would be an audio interface (AI, ironically). Another possible solution would be a passive stereo direct box with a ground lift. I'd just go for the AI. Ideally, connect via balanced cables and connectors.
 
So common, it is crazy PC manufacturers have never fixed it! I routinely use transformers to fix this kind of thing. Cheap from aliexpress and work well!
 
There are a couple of these where I work. They seem to work okay. There's a stereo version.

[Edit] I have no idea if this will cure your noise problem, but it does have a ground lift and presumably uses a transformer.

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Rapco Horizon LTIBLOX Laptop Interface | Guitar Center

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What do you mean when you say an audio interface?
Can you give a link to the transformer you're referring to?
 
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