A few monitoring questions...

Here is my monitoring setup:

Aurora 16/LT-USB --> Blue Sky BMC MKIII --> x5 HS80s, KRK Rokit 10s subwoofer.

I can hear what I can only unscientifically describe as 'computer noise' through all speakers! For example, if I scroll down on a web page, the noise corresponds to that movement. The noise is not loud at all, but audible nonetheless. I wish I could describe what I'm hearing better, but hopefully someone will know what I'm talking about! Is this noise unavoidable when using a DAW?

The second noise is much more of a problem - in the left surround speaker, there is a much louder constant noise, which sounds similar to the hum of a guitar amp.

Both of these noises were present before I upgraded to the Lynx/BMC arrangement.

Also, when I turn on my sub, there is a constant rumble going on. Again, it's not loud, but definitely there.

Any insight and help would be great. I'm in Australia (240V, 50Hz). Thanks!

Thanks Fireberd, but I should have been clearer - the 'computer noise' isn't a noise generated by Windows - the best I can describe it, is that it sounds like the internals of the computer 'thinking' :-)

As far as the ground loop goes, I thought that may be the case. I haven't studied this before, but know it is a long and complicated topic. Any quick ways of troubleshooting to isolate the problem?

Hi James,

Are you working from a laptop?

As far as the 'computer noise' goes, it's a common problem for the internals of the laptop - often the hard-drive being accessed - to cause audio interference.

I'd get a mate to bring another computer round to your place, then plug everything up and see if the sound disappears - then at least you've tracked down the source of the problem to your computer. 

The scrolling noise is quite common and is mostly caused by either the video card refreshing the monitor, or the actual monitor itself.  It can vary between a few high high pitch beeps and whistles for moving the mouse, opening/closing a window,  to a full on "zipper" noise if you're scrolling a window in full screen.  Basically the more that changes on the screen, the louder the noise.

Solutions:

Move the video cables as far from any audio cables as possible.  Replace the video cable with one that you know has a good shield (The thick cable, not the thin ones. The difference is the shielding).
If you have access to spares...  try a different monitor, different video card. If your video card has multiple outputs try a different output.
Try a different wall socket for the mains supply to monitor, computer, audio interface and speakers.  Even though the earth wire for each will be joined together in the wall/distribution unit, using a different socket changes the length and thus the resonance for radio pickup.

Cactus Music


My M audio Fast track emits a hi pitched scream the minute the audio engine is engaged. It stops if you toggle it off. Only in Sonar too. It's only in the analog outs. I have to always use the SPDIF.

That sounds like feedback. Does the fastrack have a soft mixer? Have you managed to set a "record what you hear" flag?

Cactus?-Is there anything at all plugged into the fast track when this is occuring?  Does it do it with everything unplugged from the fast track?

James?-Did you make any progress with the Gound Noise yet?

OK I got curious and did a few experiments.

The mouse noise is definitely video related, It's there when you open any window and drag it around the screen. My mouse is USB and makes no noise when moved on it's own. BUT, I tried my old ( damn what do you call those ports? I used to know these things) well it's the old type with green end and it made a terrible racket.
The scream of cheap interfaces:
I am switching over to my Tascam us 1641. This is why:

I have 2 recording set ups, laptop with Tascam  and my desktop uses the M Audio Fast track pro. I have the drivers for both installed in each computer so it's a 2 second swap over.

I turned on my desktop system with the M Audio interface and cranked the monitors up to listen for mouse noise, What the F?  I hear a click at every second, just like a clock? If I open something the clicking speeds up?? ( there is nothing plugged in to inputs)
Then Something I never did hear before is that that hi pitched scream is present when you start any audio playing, Win Amp, Wave Lab etc. I thought it was just Sonar but Sonar must be only software that  sits in Playback mode when paused. This is why I noticed it so switched to SPDIF.
I swapped for the Tascam us 1641 and this is all gone.  Dead quiet!  I turned my system to max and all I hear is the standard hiss of power!
But the sound when you drag a window around the screen is still there so that's gotta be the video card. I can live with that. It's almost inaudible unless you have headphones on. 
Good buy M Audio. I will give it to my 2 year old grandson who loves playing with knobs.... And ya , I tried the wall wart, still the same. I tried 4 different USB cables too.
I originally bought the Tascam because of driver issues with the M Audio. And these things come highly recommended??  If it's just a bum unit I don't care, I have a simple gear policy, I use what works, quietly!! all else goes to the recycle bin, I could use it with SPDIF but I don't care, what else is being compromised with this cheapo gizmo. I don't even know who makes M audio, they seem to have a mixed bag of history. At least Tascam has  successfully tried to fill a need in the home studio market. I guess I better start saving for an RME.

jamescollins


Here is my monitoring setup:

Aurora 16/LT-USB --> Blue Sky BMC MKIII --> x5 HS80s, KRK Rokit 10s subwoofer.

I can hear what I can only unscientifically describe as 'computer noise' through all speakers! For example, if I scroll down on a web page, the noise corresponds to that movement. The noise is not loud at all, but audible nonetheless. I wish I could describe what I'm hearing better, but hopefully someone will know what I'm talking about! Is this noise unavoidable when using a DAW?

The second noise is much more of a problem - in the left surround speaker, there is a much louder constant noise, which sounds similar to the hum of a guitar amp.

Both of these noises were present before I upgraded to the Lynx/BMC arrangement.

Also, when I turn on my sub, there is a constant rumble going on. Again, it's not loud, but definitely there.

Any insight and help would be great. I'm in Australia (240V, 50Hz). Thanks!

James, regarding the hum - how is your studio wired up?

Is everything connected to one source via a "star" system or is it all connected via random wall sockets?

Also, do you have any power conditioning installed.