Signal to Noise

  • Thread starter Thread starter GT
  • Start date Start date
GT

GT

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Geeze,

I finally got rid of a buzz, that I would get when I'd mp3 my songs.

You guys would allways catch it, in the clinic, that is why this place is so important, it forces you to clean up your act!!

The problem was, I was running 50 feet of wire from my studio, to the computer in the living room. That caused enough of a buzz, that you guys would allways hear it.

Just had to move recorder closer to my computer. Now I'm running three feet of wire, end of buzz!!

I hope this emphasises, the importance of short runs of wire, in keeping noise down.

GT
 
Well, yes and no... wiring length is really only an issue for unbalanced runs. Long balanced runs don't really a pose a problem with buzz and hum, especially at a +4DbU gain structure...

Bruce Valeriani
Blue Bear Sound
 
Yes,

It was unbalanced, regular old RCA patch cords. I think a lot of us use them, on our less expensive equiptment, so shorter runs should help.

bvaleria,

Do balanced cables only make things quieter, on long runs, or are they superior for both short and long? I wouldn't think it would make a difference, with three foot runs.
 
GT,

Regardless of length, balanced runs will always be quieter... the way it works is that the signal is passed thru both connections (+ground), but out of phase with respect to each other... joined correctly in-phase at the other end (by the gear's connector). Any unwanted noise that is picked up while the signal is travelling thru the cable will be cancelled-out as the signal is put back in phase at the other end (since it was not part of the original signal).

It's essentially the same technique as when mic'ing talent in the control room using monitors - you put up a second mic in the room, phase-inverted to pick up the monitor bleed. When both mic signals are re-introduced at the board, the music bleed is cancelled-out (not fully, but to a usable degree) and you're left while an essentially clean vocal track.

A simple, but very effective noise-reducing technique for wires AND singers!!! :)

Bruce Valeriani
Blue Bear Sound
 
Thenks bvaleria,

I now know what balanced means, makes sense!

You know your stuff!!

GT
 
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