Electrical noise problem

[ppentertainments]

Have just set up a rig for tonight and am having some problems with 'electrical noise'.

it started a while back whenever I used a wireless mic i got a cracking sound coming through the speakers whenever turning the mic on and off. Put it down to a faulty mic. However when I have set up for tonight I now have the same problem when turning the lights on and off :eek: :eek: .

I have tried not using the extensions and ensured the wires are not touching but still not difference. If I turn the lights on and off a couple of times the noise goes. It seems like an earthing problem but from where ???

I will get through tonight ok but any tips would be much appreciated.

[spin mobile disco]

It is mains surge and quite normal. It can be reduced by using suppressed switches for lights etc.
Try connecting to a different socket for lights than you use for audio. If they are on different rings this should fix the problem.

[Boogie Boy]

Could be some sort of digital/radio interference too, or maybe some condensation has creapt into the power amp or some other piece of gear? Check all your mains plugs and sockets for any loose connections.

[ppentertainments]

cheers guys. Am going out early to do a double check on everything.. Condensation ? must admit have had my amp in the garage lately while decorating !

[nigelwright7557]

Have just set up a rig for tonight and am having some problems with 'electrical noise'.

it started a while back whenever I used a wireless mic i got a cracking sound coming through the speakers whenever turning the mic on and off. Put it down to a faulty mic. However when I have set up for tonight I now have the same problem when turning the lights on and off :eek: :eek: .

I have tried not using the extensions and ensured the wires are not touching but still not difference. If I turn the lights on and off a couple of times the noise goes. It seems like an earthing problem but from where ???

I will get through tonight ok but any tips would be much appreciated.

Electrical noise comes into equipment in two ways.

1/ Conducted. i.e. through the mains.
2/ Radiated. i.e. through the air via radio frequency or electromagnetism.

I would certainly check the earthing first to stop radiated emissions getting in.
A multimeter check from tehearth pin on your plug to teh chassis on your equipment will show if the earthing is at fault.

The other way in is through the mains cable.
This should be taken care of by filtering inside your equipment.

I always have two extensions, one for audio and the other for lights.
This should cut down on interference a bit.

I also have my audio on a filtered extension lead. While this helps it doesnt cut out all noise.

[ppentertainments]

Just to update - the fault was down to the cable connecting the mixer to the amp. I went early and tried everything and found if I disconnected this cable everything was ok.

I have recently changed all my cables (to high quality ones) except for these 2. (sods law I think you call it). Used a microphone cable for last night and will be making a trip to buy better cables before next weekend.

Cheers for all your help