Ground loop isolators

[DJStevie]

Can see quite a few mentions on the forums for ground loop isolators, to eliminate the slight noise, which I do get. I see that you need to plug these between the laptop and the mixer - but wouldn't that impair the sound, even by a little?

[DJ Jules]

Can see quite a few mentions on the forums for ground loop isolators, to eliminate the slight noise, which I do get. I see that you need to plug these between the laptop and the mixer - but wouldn't that impair the sound, even by a little?

Possibly, but unlikely if it's a well designed isolator. It's the lesser of two evils - which one would you rather have - loads of hum and processing noise or a imperceptible signal impairment? :D

Julian

[leelive]

Can see quite a few mentions on the forums for ground loop isolators, to eliminate the slight noise, which I do get. I see that you need to plug these between the laptop and the mixer - but wouldn't that impair the sound, even by a little?

I have tried them... and personally felt I noticed a difference in the sound quality so I opted to run my laptop a larger battery instead so that it is not connected to the mains. This works for me.

[DJStevie]

Thank you both for the useful comments. Interesting that both have differing opinions on the quality of sounds, once it's connected. Not sure about the larger battery option, as some events are on for 7/8 hours. Has anyone else here tried a ground loop isolator?

[Excalibur]

Has anyone else here tried a ground loop isolator?

Oh yes. Couldn't spot any loss of quality. If you're worried about this, there may be other options. Sometimes changing the laptop power supply can remove hum. Obviously make sure the new one is identical specs to the first one, as they run on many voltages, and have varying power needs. May help, may not.
Running on batteries works, but I wouldn't fancy it myself.
Rather than using the bargain basement GLI, more expensive ones exist. They're often labelled as DI boxes. From the £20 Behringer to the considerably more expensive. (http://artproaudio.com/artcessories/audio_solutions/product/dti/)
Personally, I'd buy a couple of cheapies, stick one in one channel, play the same track on each, and see which you prefer. Then make your choice.

[Pe7e]

I've tried several types but my mixers are now fitted with THESE (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280635332999?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648#ht_1351wt_1000) I've never had a problem since, and haven't notice a problem with sound deterioration.

[DJ Jules]

Thank you both for the useful comments. Interesting that both have differing opinions on the quality of sounds, once it's connected. Not sure about the larger battery option, as some events are on for 7/8 hours. Has anyone else here tried a ground loop isolator?

It's worth keeping in mind that Lee is a true Audiophile (that's not a criticism by the way :D)

The best thing to do is try it. Ultimately GLI's are small transformers which are never 100% efficient and may have varying efficiency across different frequencies - meaning that it is possible for one to cause minor distortions in the signal passing through it - or for there to be cross channel interference - or noise caused by local magnetic fields.

If you're concerned, start with a cheap one (< £10) and then if you notice a difference, step up to an expensive one (expensive being about £35.00). As I said, whatever noise is introduced is still going to be the lesser of the two evils and considerably less noticeable than CPU processing noise or 50hz hum - most people are prepared to accept the very small loss of quality in return for the dramatic drop in noise (except Lee :D )

Julian

[ianforest]

Speak to Orchid Electronics..

http://www.orchid-electronics.co.uk/dual_isolator.htm

[SamV]

I like my Art DTI. A venerable box of tricks.

I haven't noticed any sense of loss of quality.