dazzling
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Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
Hi guys,
I have read a few similar threads to the one I initiate just now, but I haven't found one with quite the same issue I'm experiencing. I'm hoping that someone out there might know something I don't that will help me to find a solution!
I've recently put together a new system. I built a PC (basic specs should be in my signature) and upgraded to SONAR Platinum.
I also got a Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 as I couldn't get my old Roland SI-24 to talk to Windows 10.
After tweaking a few settings, everything seems to be running well... But I do have this odd, high-pitched humming coming from one of my monitor speakers. I've experimented a bit to try and diagnose the problem and I can report that:
*The interference is only being picked up by one speaker (if I swap the speakers the sound follows the speaker)
*The interference is unaffected by the volume control on the 18i8 and continues even if I mute the outputs.
*The interference even seems unaffected by the volume control on the monitor speaker itself.
*The interference does stop if I disconnect the cable to the speaker.
*It also seems to respond to movements of the mouse to some extent (ie - it stops momentarily if I click or use the scroll wheel)
*No interference can be heard in the headphones
But here's the really weird bit:
*I only get the interference within SONAR with a project open
*If no project is open - no interference
*If I open the 'preferences' dialogue - no interference
*If I play music through Windows (still going through the 18i8 and the monitor speakers) - no interference.
*If I open up plugs like GTR3 or instruments like EZdrummer2 in standalone mode I can use those too - with no interference.
There seems to be some interaction between SONAR, the 18i8 and one of my speakers!
Any ideas?
Thanks for your time already if you've read this far!
Any help that anyone could offer would be highly appreciated :)
Peace,
Darren
SONAR Platinum / Windows 10 X64 Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 / Yamaha HS50m / Intel Core i5 / 8GB RAM / 2xSSDs
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Karyn
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/30 06:21:47
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Sounds like you have an Input open with Input Echo turned on. Try a new, clean project with no tracks and see if the noise is still there. See if the noise appears when you add a new track with the 18i8 as input...
Have you left a guitar cable plugged into the 18i8 but not connected to anything else?
Mekashi Futo. Get 10% off all Waves plugins.Current DAW. i7-950, Gigabyte EX58-UD5, 12Gb RAM, 1Tb SSD, 2x2Tb HDD, nVidia GTX 260, Antec 1000W psu, Win7 64bit, Studio 192, Digimax FS, KRK RP8G2, Sonar Platinum
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cowboydan
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/30 07:11:19
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How old are the monitors? Are they power monitors? It could be a leaky capacitor. As you say "It's only one speaker even when you change channels.
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MacFurse
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/30 08:27:59
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What a strange problem! First you need to eliminate a few things. Are the monitors plugged into the same power socket? If not, make sure they are. What type of leads are you using from your Focusrite to the monitors? balanced/unbalanced, jack to jack, jack to xlr ? When you change the monitors around, are you simply switching over jacks on the Focusrite, or changing which lead is plugged into the monitor?
It sounds like a filtering issue, even if Sonar is somehow causing the effect. But if we can do a few tests and eliminate the leads or speaker, that will be a start. Does the interference stop if you hit E or click on the master FX button, turning off all effects?
Platinum. i7 4771 3.5ghz. ECU H87 mobo with 3 monitor support. 16gb Ripjaws 1600mhz. Focusrite 18i20. 2 x 250gb Samsung EVO SSD's OP/Programs. 2x1TB Seagate Baracuda sata3 data drives. 200gb sata2 bootable drive for online and downloading only. Seagate 2tb USB 3.0 backup drive. 2x27in monitors. Rode K2 valve mic. Sontronics STC-1 pair. Studio Projects B1 condenser. SM58B. SM57B. Presonus Eureka Preamp.
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musicjohnnie
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/30 08:52:07
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Does the noise come through headphone on focusrite or just monitors..
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Pragi
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/30 10:21:27
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Karyn
Sounds like you have an Input open with Input Echo turned on. Try a new, clean project with no tracks and see if the noise is still there. See if the noise appears when you add a new track with the 18i8 as input...
Have you left a guitar cable plugged into the 18i8 but not connected to anything else?
Good idea, Karyn, had the same issue ,the cause were some open input echos....
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sharke
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/30 11:17:58
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I had the same problem with one of my Equator Audio's after EA repaired them. The interference was triggered by things like moving the mouse and opening windows, but it did seem extra pronounced with Sonar open. Unfortunately I never solved the problem and ended up replacing the monitors (problem is gone now).
JamesWindows 10, Sonar SPlat (64-bit), Intel i7-4930K, 32GB RAM, RME Babyface, AKAI MPK Mini, Roland A-800 Pro, Focusrite VRM Box, Komplete 10 Ultimate, 2012 American Telecaster!
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sharke
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/30 11:18:51
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You could always try something like a Furman power conditioner to see if that helps.
JamesWindows 10, Sonar SPlat (64-bit), Intel i7-4930K, 32GB RAM, RME Babyface, AKAI MPK Mini, Roland A-800 Pro, Focusrite VRM Box, Komplete 10 Ultimate, 2012 American Telecaster!
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mettelus
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/30 11:38:59
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More thinking aloud here since this is a very odd issue. The "sound following the speaker" is what baffles me. Input echo should follow the channel, so a speaker swap would jump speakers. It is almost like that one speaker is more sensitive to EMI than the other, and both may be seeing the same thing, just only one reacts. Did I misinterpret the following speaker part?
The testing you did just makes things more complex; incredibly odd. You don't perchance have another set of speakers to test do you?
ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero (Wi-Fi AC), i7-8700k, 16GB RAM, GTX-1070Ti, Win 10 Pro, Saffire PRO 24 DSP, A-300 PRO, plus numerous gadgets and gizmos that make or manipulate sound in some way.
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jpetersen
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/30 11:56:08
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Could be a ground loop problem.
You have one ground connection each through the HS50 cables and a third one through the interface, computer down to ground.
First, try using TRS jack-to-jack cables to the HS50's if you are not already doing so (looks like stereo headphone jacks) and ensure the cables themselves are balanced/"stereo".
If that doesn't help, try this:
Make (or get someone to make) a short extension cable about a foot long and use twin flex cable, not 3 core. The idea is to not have an earth connection.
Now put that cable between the buzzing HS50 and it's mains connection.
If that stops the buzzing, dispose of the modified extension cable (it can be dangeous) and get an isolating audio transformer to connect between your interface and the HS50's.
One good affordable unit is Behringer's HD400. It has two channels, so it will accomodate both speakers.
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jpetersen
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/30 13:55:19
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☄ Helpfulby tlw 2016/03/30 16:23:25
...you say your setup is new?
If the HS50's are still under guarantee, and if it REALLY IS the speaker (not the audio cable, not the interface, not a faulty mains cable), then maybe just return it.
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dazzling
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/31 04:17:55
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Wow! Thanks for all your responses!
I'll try all this out and get back to you.
So far have tried the 'input echo' idea, but no success there. I do have a Waves Guitar Interface connected, but disconnecting it/turning down the input volume didn't do the trick.
The setup is new - but not the speakers. They are the last remaining part of my previous system :)
I'll report back soon! Thanks again :)
Peace,
Darren
SONAR Platinum / Windows 10 X64 Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 / Yamaha HS50m / Intel Core i5 / 8GB RAM / 2xSSDs
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Kalle Rantaaho
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/31 04:47:46
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Like Mettelus, I'm most puzzled by the interference follows the speaker-part. That alone cripples most of the suggestions above. That combined with the fact that the interference occurs only when a SONAR project is open makes it really weird.
Actually, it's so weird that I'm tempted to believe there's some accidental inaccuracy in the problem description, as the issue seems almost impossible to me. How could the loudspeaker know if it's connected left or right...what kind of a malfunction in monitors/cables could cause noise only when a certain software is open.
SONAR PE 8.5.3, Asus P5B, 2,4 Ghz Dual Core, 4 Gb RAM, GF 7300, EMU 1820, Bluetube Pre - Kontakt4, Ozone, Addictive Drums, PSP Mixpack2, Melda Creative Pack, Melodyne Plugin etc. The benefit of being a middle aged amateur is the low number of years of frustration ahead of you.
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dazzling
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/31 05:11:59
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Karyn
Sounds like you have an Input open with Input Echo turned on. Try a new, clean project with no tracks and see if the noise is still there. See if the noise appears when you add a new track with the 18i8 as input...
Have you left a guitar cable plugged into the 18i8 but not connected to anything else?
Thanks! Tried a brand new project with no tracks but interference still comes through. It is quieter without effects on. But still there.
SONAR Platinum / Windows 10 X64 Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 / Yamaha HS50m / Intel Core i5 / 8GB RAM / 2xSSDs
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dazzling
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/31 05:16:21
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Could be an issue in the speaker itself. That would explain why when I swap the speaker to the other side (and thus the other speaker lead and power cable) the noise goes with it. But could that be the case if it only occurs within SONAR (not standalone instruments)?
Also, speaker worked fine with previous setup. They have had a couple of months downtime while getting my new system going but should be fine. I guess it wouldn't hurt to test them with another system.
Cheers!
SONAR Platinum / Windows 10 X64 Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 / Yamaha HS50m / Intel Core i5 / 8GB RAM / 2xSSDs
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dazzling
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/31 05:22:07
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MacFurse
What a strange problem! First you need to eliminate a few things. Are the monitors plugged into the same power socket? If not, make sure they are. What type of leads are you using from your Focusrite to the monitors? balanced/unbalanced, jack to jack, jack to xlr ? When you change the monitors around, are you simply switching over jacks on the Focusrite, or changing which lead is plugged into the monitor?
It sounds like a filtering issue, even if Sonar is somehow causing the effect. But if we can do a few tests and eliminate the leads or speaker, that will be a start. Does the interference stop if you hit E or click on the master FX button, turning off all effects?
The leads I have going from the Focusrite to the speakers are balanced TRS jacks to XLR. I've tried switching just the jacks at the Focusrite, but also physically moving the speakers to the opposite side and so swapping the power cable and speaker cable too. Yeah - strange as it sounds the noise follows the speaker, not the channel. Muting the master FX button does make the noise quieter, but it is still there. Clicking the "Run/Stop the audio engine" button eliminates the sound completely, however. Thanks for your help :)
SONAR Platinum / Windows 10 X64 Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 / Yamaha HS50m / Intel Core i5 / 8GB RAM / 2xSSDs
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dazzling
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/31 05:25:22
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mettelus
More thinking aloud here since this is a very odd issue. The "sound following the speaker" is what baffles me. Input echo should follow the channel, so a speaker swap would jump speakers. It is almost like that one speaker is more sensitive to EMI than the other, and both may be seeing the same thing, just only one reacts. Did I misinterpret the following speaker part?
The testing you did just makes things more complex; incredibly odd. You don't perchance have another set of speakers to test do you?
Yes, it does seem that one speaker is more sensitive to EMI, doesn't it? I think that testing with another set of speakers would be of some help. I don't have any here but should be able to borrow a couple easy enough. Cheers!
SONAR Platinum / Windows 10 X64 Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 / Yamaha HS50m / Intel Core i5 / 8GB RAM / 2xSSDs
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dazzling
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/31 05:45:42
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Kalle Rantaaho
Like Mettelus, I'm most puzzled by the interference follows the speaker-part. That alone cripples most of the suggestions above. That combined with the fact that the interference occurs only when a SONAR project is open makes it really weird.
Actually, it's so weird that I'm tempted to believe there's some accidental inaccuracy in the problem description, as the issue seems almost impossible to me. How could the loudspeaker know if it's connected left or right...what kind of a malfunction in monitors/cables could cause noise only when a certain software is open.
Truly bizarre isn't it. Yes, let's call the problem-speaker speaker B. When I have B on the left, the noise is on the left. When I have speaker B on the right, the noise is on the right. The speaker alone can't be blamed as it only makes the noise when the 'audio engine' in SONAR is running. SONAR/Focusrite unit alone can't be blamed as the noise can't be heard in headphones! Whatever the issue, tough, it does seem that one speaker is more resistant to it that the other. Cheers!
SONAR Platinum / Windows 10 X64 Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 / Yamaha HS50m / Intel Core i5 / 8GB RAM / 2xSSDs
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dazzling
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/31 05:57:02
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jpetersen
Could be a ground loop problem.
You have one ground connection each through the HS50 cables and a third one through the interface, computer down to ground.
First, try using TRS jack-to-jack cables to the HS50's if you are not already doing so (looks like stereo headphone jacks) and ensure the cables themselves are balanced/"stereo".
If that doesn't help, try this:
Make (or get someone to make) a short extension cable about a foot long and use twin flex cable, not 3 core. The idea is to not have an earth connection.
Now put that cable between the buzzing HS50 and it's mains connection.
If that stops the buzzing, dispose of the modified extension cable (it can be dangeous) and get an isolating audio transformer to connect between your interface and the HS50's.
One good affordable unit is Behringer's HD400. It has two channels, so it will accomodate both speakers.
These ideas both seem worth trying too. I'm a bit out of my depth with the 'earthless extension cord' bit, but would be able to get someone to make me one. The HD400 seems to go pretty cheap anyway. Don't have a balanced jack to jack on hand but should be able to get my hands on one easy enough. Thanks!
SONAR Platinum / Windows 10 X64 Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 / Yamaha HS50m / Intel Core i5 / 8GB RAM / 2xSSDs
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Karyn
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/31 06:59:54
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dazzling
MacFurse
What a strange problem! First you need to eliminate a few things. Are the monitors plugged into the same power socket? If not, make sure they are. What type of leads are you using from your Focusrite to the monitors? balanced/unbalanced, jack to jack, jack to xlr ? When you change the monitors around, are you simply switching over jacks on the Focusrite, or changing which lead is plugged into the monitor?
It sounds like a filtering issue, even if Sonar is somehow causing the effect. But if we can do a few tests and eliminate the leads or speaker, that will be a start. Does the interference stop if you hit E or click on the master FX button, turning off all effects?
The leads I have going from the Focusrite to the speakers are balanced TRS jacks to XLR. I've tried switching just the jacks at the Focusrite, but also physically moving the speakers to the opposite side and so swapping the power cable and speaker cable too. Yeah - strange as it sounds the noise follows the speaker, not the channel.
Muting the master FX button does make the noise quieter, but it is still there. Clicking the "Run/Stop the audio engine" button eliminates the sound completely, however.
Thanks for your help :)
This is what makes me think it is an open/noisy input... What FX button are you referring to if you're using a project with no tracks? FX bin on the Master bus? Does it have Tape Emulator on the PC? (Tape Emulator has a noise function...)
Mekashi Futo. Get 10% off all Waves plugins.Current DAW. i7-950, Gigabyte EX58-UD5, 12Gb RAM, 1Tb SSD, 2x2Tb HDD, nVidia GTX 260, Antec 1000W psu, Win7 64bit, Studio 192, Digimax FS, KRK RP8G2, Sonar Platinum
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Wood67
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/31 07:12:59
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I get a very similar thing with my KRK Rokkits via an external soundcard (RME currently, but an SPS-25 before that). And yes, the interference follows the speaker! Balanced TRS-XLR connectors or TRS-TRS made no difference, but inserting a ground hum unit (forget which one but it was about 20 quid) completely removed the issue. I put it down to the active KRK's being sensitive to ground loops, and one speaker in particular.
Problem gone with the filter, and it doesn't attenuate the output from the RME, though with the Edirol/Cakewalk interface I lost about 20db.
<EDIT> Incidentally I did have the same problem independent of Sonar running (ie games or Windows players/Spotify etc). The problem also would vary depending on the USB port and USB cable used. That's worth trying as well.
Wood Studio One 3 Pro, (Sonar Platinum), Intel i7, Win10 Pro, 32Gb ram, RME Babyface Pro, Behringer X-Touch, Presonus Faderport, Akai MPK49, Arturia KeyLab25, KRK Rokit 5 monitors, and other sonic surprises.
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jackson white
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/31 10:18:07
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Had a similar problem with some older Mackie speakers, which would pick up noise from the (LCD) monitor when Sonar had focus. If I opened notepad (which displaced Sonar for screen focus) the problem went away. Eventually determined it was a component degradation in the speaker itself.
-------------------- Some pieces of wood with wires and bits of metal stuck in them, silicon and plastic
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Kylotan
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/31 10:34:26
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When Sonar is open, it starts the audio engine running which means data gets streamed by USB to the interface. This activity radiates out as EMI, which is probably what you're picking up in the speaker. Try toggling the audio engine while Sonar is open to see if this is the case.
In my system, the radiation is so strong that my guitars pick it up, so I currently have no choice but to stand quite some distance from my computer to record. In your case, it might just be something in the speaker acting as an antenna, in which case replacing the speaker might help.
Sonar Platinum (Newburyport) / Win 8.1 64bit / Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 / Absynth / Kontakt / Play / Superior Drummer 2 / ESP LTD guitar / etc Twilight's Embrace - gothic/death metal | Other works - instrumental/soundtracks
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FanCake 
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/03/31 10:57:19
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If you've swapped the speakers around without swapping any cables, and the interference follows the speaker, then check the back of the speaker to see if you can tweak any settings. You should also be using balanced cables and obviously avoid ground loops by taking preventative measures.
If this does not get anywhere then clear as day, you have a faulty speaker and it needs to be swapped out, or needs maintenance.
What is the make, model and age of your speakers?
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dazzling
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/04/01 02:00:38
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I have good news and bad news. Bad news first... The noise seems to be getting worse and I'm hearing it outside SONAR now too - like when I have EZdrummer2 or GTR3 running independently. But the good news is that I can be pretty sure now that the problem is with my speaker. The HS50m's are actually just over 10 years old now and I guess their ability to block out EMI deteriorates with age. In other news, I tried a pair of Behringer Eurolive speakers today. They sounded terrible - but had no interference to be heard! 3 options now, it seems: Get some kind of mains hum filter (ie HD400), see if someone can repair the speaker, or get a pair of new speakers. Thanks very much for all of your suggestions to get me going again. It has been heartening to see how quickly so many of you have come to my aid to get me back to recording music again! Much appreciated  Blessings, Darren
SONAR Platinum / Windows 10 X64 Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 / Yamaha HS50m / Intel Core i5 / 8GB RAM / 2xSSDs
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Bristol_Jonesey
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/04/01 04:15:30
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I'd seriously consider upgrading your monitors.
If the filtering of one speaker is degrading then you don't know what else is going to fail next.
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FanCake
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Re: Highly unusual interference in just one monitor speaker
2016/04/01 08:05:03
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HS50m's are good speakers. If they are anything like NS10's they should have replaceable parts. I'm wondering if you are able to remove the the speakers/tweeters from the case and swap them around to rule out the issue some more.
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