USB audio interface and noise issues

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tablix
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Tablix

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First post so please be kind. I have recently bought a focusrite 2i4 and some krk RP6 G3 monitors with the hope of tinkering in the future, for now I want to get the playback side of things working. I have managed to install the drivers and connect everything and am able to play back music with no problem.

My issue is noise, and I am trying to work out the cause.

Speakers with power and interface not connected I can hear the noise floor when at 1-2" away at a very low level, and I am happy with this for the level of monitor. The problem I have is when the interface is connected I get a low, but annoying and audible noise that appears to be related to my PC (not a laptop). I have tried connecting the interface to every USB port on my PC with no difference, the front case USB seems to be slightly worse but not much.

I would love some suggestions as to how I can isolate exactly what the issue is, and obviously methods to try that can fix this.

Is this related to my PC USB? cables? the device? any help appreciated

TIA
 
Do you have the monitors connected with balanced cables?
Does the noise happen when the USB is disconnected (but the monitors are hooked up to the powered interface)? Check your interface mixer software and see if the computer-to-interface volume is all the way to the top of the slider.
 
The 2i4 is USB powered, I am using TRS>XLR cables which is all I have right now. The sound settings are all fine, I am thinking this may be a ground loop issue from my internet reading, but how I solve it is beyond me right now.
 
Hi Tablix,

Does the same noise appear in your headphones when monitoring through there?

Cheers,

Miles // Focusrite Tech Support
 
ok I am getting further issues I will try to list what I am trying.

monitor volume set to zero, headphones in and only 1 headphone driver is playing the source music. At this time I am just using foobar to playback music to test things, I assume this should have no impact. I cannot hear the noise I experience with my monitors. HOWEVER I can hear the static on my monitors with the ADDITION of the music playing through the phones at low level mixed with the interference.

So to sum it up, headphone out appears to be playing one channel, so I dont even have that facility.
Monitors have some form of interference, and its also picking up added noise from the headphone output when in use.

I am finding no other similar issues on the internet so considering I may have a faulty unit. I would be grateful if you could confirm this is not user error and that in fact I may have a faulty unit. Happy to try any solution right now as I would really like to start playing around recording but until I can get the playback issues sorted there really is no point.
 
It does sound like your Focusrite may be faulty. Hope you got it from a local store so you can exchange quickly.
 
ok I thought I would post an update on my situation, I picked up one Behringers HD400 and it sorted out the issues for a relatively small sum. While its not the perfect long term solution it has allowed me to start working with my speakers and I am in talks with my supplier regarding a replacement unit as it appears there is an issue with the headphone out, possibly caused in the delivery process.
 
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