noisy monitors

[wusm885]

I am at a small college radio station, and we are moving into new studios. I have a couple of voice-over studios I set-up today, but I am having a noise problem.

Just typical computers, nothing special, Adobe Audition 5.5, Sure SM7B, Aphex project channel pre-amp, KRK Rok5 powered monitors, Behringer UCA202 USB A/D converter

The recording is good - not noisy, clean and clear. My problem is the monitors have a high-pitched, low level whine - it sounds like typical computer noise, but it is really annoying.

Anyone have any tips on maybe getting rid of that?

 

[PTravel]

Yep. I had the same problem when I first got my Rokit 8s. They seem unusually susceptible to EMF when using unbalanced line inputs. I just switched to balanced inputs and that eliminated the noise completely. Now they're dead quiet and sound wonderful.

 

[Steenamaroo]

Hey,
At a glance, the 202 appears to be unbalanced.

If that's the case, I'd bet good money your just picking up noise from neighbouring equipment.
The best bet is to get a balanced interface, and second best is to physically separate your audio cables from all other cables.

 

[Steenamaroo]

Yep. I had the same problem when I first got my Rokit 8s. They seem unusually susceptible to EMF when using unbalanced line inputs. I just switched to balanced inputs and that eliminated the noise completely. Now they're dead quiet and sound wonderful.

Beat me to it, PTravel.

 

[mjbphotos]

I would definitely upgrade from the Behr 202 first.

 

[JimmyS1969]

Yep. I had the same problem when I first got my Rokit 8s. They seem unusually susceptible to EMF when using unbalanced line inputs. I just switched to balanced inputs and that eliminated the noise completely. Now they're dead quiet and sound wonderful.

Ditto to that experience.

 

[witzendoz]

One of these between the monitors and the UCA202. It will isolate the signal completely eliminating digital ground loops and also convert unbalanced to balanced.

Cheers
Alan.

 

[JimmyS1969]

One of these between the monitors and the UCA202. It will isolate the signal completely eliminating digital ground loops and also convert unbalanced to balanced.

Cheers
Alan.

Man, I would think you are a dealer, if I didn't know you have true faith in the Behri unit.

I have one myself, between my studio setup, and the alternate monitoring system for listening, at the other end of my studio. There was no other 'easy' way to solve the issue. Not sure I would ever place it in my 'direct' monitor chain tho... And, if I was limited to a UCA202, I would save the money, for a interface that did not cause the issue to begin with...

Just saying.

 

[witzendoz]

Man, I would think you are a dealer, if I didn't know you have true faith in the Behri unit.

I have one myself, between my studio setup, and the alternate monitoring system for listening, at the other end of my studio. There was no other 'easy' way to solve the issue. Not sure I would ever place it in my 'direct' monitor chain tho... And, if I was limited to a UCA202, I would save the money, for a interface that did not cause the issue to begin with...

Just saying.

No not a dealer LOL just trying to give people a quick fix for what is a complicated digital loop noise problem, and the Beri hum eliminator is not doing any damage, it is a couple of transformers. I carry them around for live situations where we get an earth loop, if you don't like the beri there are more expensive units out there that do the same job. However in a home recording setup there will be no noticeable loss of quality.

Oh and putting in a better quality interface may or may not fix the buzz problem, however I agree that the UCA202 is a very budget unit, I mostly use them to play iTunes through the PA at gigs as they are better than the inbuilt computer card.


Cheers
Alan.

 

[JimmyS1969]

I would say however, that a better interface would likely be the best option, in this case. Throwing $30 at an issue, that should not be one to begin with, in regards to direct monitoring situation, is not the best option..

$30 to fix crap=$30 wasted on fixing crap IMO. Selling crap, and investing on less-crappy gear, is a better investment.

Again, I am not saying the HD400, is not a great fix for some situations, but if it is your monitoring from your interface that needs it, well, you ave bigger issues, and should spend money elsewhere IMO.