Laptop + Mixer = Hum....

[LastMinuteDJs.net]

Connected my laptop up to my mixer for the first time and there was a nasty hum coming through the speakers. Got worse if the Laptop was connected to the power supply.

All digital DJs out there - have you experienced this? Is there anything you do/use/have bought/whatever to combat this?

Cheers.

Jamie.

[Danno13]

You need a ground loop isolater, or sometimes just getting a decent external soundcard can eliminate the problem.

Or use a proper computer :D

[Paul James Promotions]

Yup, you need either a ground loop isolator (available from Maplins) or a D.I. box. I use the latter, which is a Behringer 4 channel rackmount version, and if you activate the 'ground lift', it removes all unwanted noise.

Hope this helps

Jamie

[Corabar Steve]

Yup, you need either a ground loop isolator (available from Maplins) or a D.I. box. I use the latter, which is a Behringer 4 channel rackmount version, and if you activate the 'ground lift', it removes all unwanted noise.

Hope this helps

JamieBit of a pricey solution Jamie, when you can pick up a GLI for a few quid

[Paul James Promotions]

Bit of a pricey solution Jamie, when you can pick up a GLI for a few quid

True, but the additional 2 channels are useful. If you are doing a talent show or simular, guitars and keyboards can be wired through the system. Plus if any other DJ / band is plugging into your rig, it will make sure their signal won't damage your equipment.

[LastMinuteDJs.net]

Not looking to go down the digital route - like my CDs too much. But have a PA set up in the house and was putting a DVD through it for the first time and there was a nasty noisce.


You need a ground loop isolater, or sometimes just getting a decent external soundcard can eliminate the problem.

Or use a proper computer :D

GLI - thats the one, will go find one of those rather than an external soundcard.

Have a proper computer too, but it's set up in the bedroom not the lounge.


Yup, you need either a ground loop isolator (available from Maplins) or a D.I. box. I use the latter, which is a Behringer 4 channel rackmount version, and if you activate the 'ground lift', it removes all unwanted noise.

Hope this helps

Jamie

Until I get the GLI might get my flatmate to pilfer a DI box for a loan from his work at the student union. Know i've used tonnes of them there setting up for band nights.

[Dragonfly]

Connected my laptop up to my mixer for the first time and there was a nasty hum coming through the speakers. Got worse if the Laptop was connected to the power supply.

All digital DJs out there - have you experienced this? Is there anything you do/use/have bought/whatever to combat this?

Cheers.

Jamie.

simply combatted ......... teach your gear the words next time!


im not helping am i......

[LastMinuteDJs.net]

I'd get you your coat, but it's already in the Taxi waiting for you...

[leighinstoke]

Or use a proper computer :D

You even get the noise with 'proper' (assuming your mean a desktop type) computers - and still have to use ground loop isolators.

Leigh.....

[Danno13]

Didn't know that... i've never had a problem with my gig PC. I don't get it with my laptop and external card either.

[sleah]

You even get the noise with 'proper' (assuming your mean a desktop type) computers - and still have to use ground loop isolators.

Leigh.....

And you can get it with a decent external sound card, like wot I did.


Didn't know that... i've never had a problem with my gig PC. I don't get it with my laptop and external card either.

It's nowt to do with soundcards (well, not usually), it's to do with good 'ole earth loops.
With laptops, you'll find one's with a 2 core mains cable won't hum and one's with 3 core (i.e. earthed) will hum.
With desktops it can also depend on what else is connected to it, such as is the monitor earthed or not.

It isn't always the case with the above, but a reasonable rule of thumb.

GLI's are usually the best answer.

[BeerFunk]

I don't get any noise from my rackmount PC either (it has a Soundblaster Audigy for each channel)

[LastMinuteDJs.net]

Bought one yesterday, £8.99 from Maplin. Worked a treat, perfect. Cheers.