Ground Loop Isolator

[a1adisco]

Hi, I'm getting buzzing when using my laptop connected via the headphone jack. I've read on other posts that I may need a ground loop isolator to eliminate the buzz. Exactly where do you place the isolator?

Thanks

[LastMinuteDJs.net]

I assume you have a mini jack to phono cable coming out of the laptop. The phono plugs plug into the cable on the GLI then the phonos on the GLI plug into your mixer.

Bought one the other day £8.99 from Maplin - worked a treat.

[a1adisco]

Thank you, sorry to seem dim.

I thought that the buzz was caused by the drive being directly below the headphone jack, but from other posts it seems that its the power supply, is this right? I get buzzing with two laptops and the others I have - no buzzing at all, strange! But then I think all computers have minds of their own.

[LastMinuteDJs.net]

Think someone said before it's to do with the power supply being earthed or not - that's why some do it and some don't.

My laptop was making a noise. Connected the power supply it was so much worse. Connected the GLI, sorted perfectly.

[spin mobile disco]

Yes laptop power is not earthed, also the power inverter for some reason is placed next to the onboard soundcard a lot of the time. Go figure eh.
An easy test is this, does the hum stop if you unplug the laptop from mains and run on battery, if it does it is an inverter on the laptop playing up. If it doesnt then a ground loop isolater may help. Or if you get really stuck you can try a frequency eliminator. More expensive but if you have tried all else.
may be worth a try.

[a1adisco]

Thanks for the advice.

Bought a ground loop isolator from maplins, worked a treat, no more buzz.