Just got a new AudioInterface, something really weird is happening..
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Just got a new AudioInterface, something really weird is happening.. Posted on: 25.03.2013 by Temple Cervelli my sound card arrived today, got a Lexicon Alpha sound card, (cheap, like 50pounds).I've connected it by USB to my macbook pro, and and the sound card's RCA line outputs to my krk speaker rca slots, and basically, I have a second monitor, a DELL 21" screen, which i've connected my macbook pro with mini displayport to VGA, and when i drag say an internet page over to my 2nd display, my speakers start making a loud buzzing noise!?! im using google chrome, ive opened up a couple of tabs, one with youtube and then DJTT community s, theres no buzzing noise when im using my internet/apps on my macbookpro's screen, but when i drag the page over to the dell screen it just starts buzzing, like really buzzing, ive just opened up logic, and was fine on my MBP, but when i dragged it over to the other screen buzzing noise started again, now what the heck is up with this? :-( Any help would be really welcome as i obviously plan on using my dell monitor, and will most likely always have logic open on there.... | |
| Temple Cervelli 28.03.2013 |
Originally Posted by makar1
It's only becasue im use to having to 'eject' safely usb devices, i worry that i shouldn't be just straight unplugging my CS without somehow properly ejecting/turning it off. |
| Temple Cervelli 26.03.2013 |
Originally Posted by makar1
And yup, it definitely looks like one if them! I'm sure it's the DVI-D dual link one, i know its got lots of squares and then just one horizontal line on the side. Does it matter what one it is? Does it just have to be any one of them DVI types? EDIT: Okay its DVI-d, got a full row of 3 squares, and just a horizontal line on left side. So the cables i have got are fine, but the mini displayport adapter is mdp to dvi-i. Can i not still just use this? Because the mdp to dvi-d adapters are a bit more expensive lol.. If not then i will just buy it. |
| Temple Cervelli 30.03.2013 | DVI cable just came through, connected it all up, boom, NO buzzing! :-) and can defintely notice the cleaner picture, nearly as good as the macbook! Cheers dude! Problem SOLVED. |
| Temple Cervelli 28.03.2013 | Sweet! Cheers man. Got my Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter today, just waiting for the dvi cable and then will see if this buzzing noise disappears. Even when the dell screen is off, and I drag stuff (only apps/web pages etc, not folders) over to it, still head buzzing lol, so weird. Hopefully dvi connections will eliminate it. Should have cable tomorrow or sat. |
| Alphonso Deitchman 28.03.2013 | Turning them off is fine. They can't make the pop sound if they're off. |
| Temple Cervelli 28.03.2013 | Oh yeah, by turning off my speakers can I just turn off via the ON/OFF on the back of the speakers or should I also take the plugs out too? Will the pop damage them if I still have the plug plugged into my extension lead? |
| Temple Cervelli 28.03.2013 | Cool, that's not a problem, the only time i leave my laptop on sleep is if Im downloading something over evening
, so no probs! Thanks makar |
| Alphonso Deitchman 28.03.2013 | There's nothing wrong with leaving the sound card plugged in, but it may continue to draw power from the laptop if you sleep instead of shutdown. |
| Temple Cervelli 28.03.2013 | Ah right okay, so as long as ive turned my speakers off, i can just unplug the soundcard usb from my macbook, or (as long as ive turned speakers off again as well) i can just go into audio and midi and change audio i/o to my default built in, and i can just always leave my soundcard usb plugged in to the macbook all the time, even when i turn mbp on and off yeah? |
| Alphonso Deitchman 28.03.2013 | Data is not being written to any memory on the sound card so there's no problem with unplugging it. (except for the speaker pop of course) Your output device should default to the built-in speakers once you remove the card, otherwise you can manually select your output device from Audio MIDI setup without having to disconnect anything. |
| Temple Cervelli 28.03.2013 |
Originally Posted by makar1
It's only becasue im use to having to 'eject' safely usb devices, i worry that i shouldn't be just straight unplugging my CS without somehow properly ejecting/turning it off. |
| Alphonso Deitchman 28.03.2013 | The only way to turn the sound card off is either a full shutdown, or by disconnecting it. No need to do anything in settings. If your speakers are off you won't get the pop which can potentially cause damage. |
| Temple Cervelli 28.03.2013 | @makar1 - While this thread is here, instead of starting a new one. Sorry if this is a noob question but you know, i need to know: When I want to turn my USB soundcard OFF, how do i go about this? Its connected via usb form the soundcard to my macbook, and then rca form sound card to my speakers, there is no 'OFF' button.. When i shut my laptop down, do should i just staright un-plug the soundcard USB lead from my laptop, or un plug the usb straight from the soundcard.. becasue while my macbook is on, i have just unplugged the usb fro mac, and it makes an un-nice pop noise, is that damaging? I know i should turn my speakers of first, but how do i go about like turning off the soundcard? Should i go into audio&midi settings in the mac prefs, and de-select my soundcard from i/output, then choose my macbuilt in, and then unplug? Thanks |
| Temple Cervelli 26.03.2013 | Nice one, just ordered them both. Hopefully should stop the problem. Will re-post here if problem solved. Thanks makar |
| Alphonso Deitchman 26.03.2013 | Yeah, I was about to link that page. I've bought several cables from Kenable in the past and they turn up pretty quickly. |
| Temple Cervelli 26.03.2013 | Hm, okay where do i get one from? Just google dvi ferrite core cables? EDIT: http://www.amazon.co.uk/DVI-D-Dual-F...4333788&sr=8-3 this cool? |
| Alphonso Deitchman 26.03.2013 | Some cables have ferrite cores to block interference. Might be worth picking a cable with them if you haven't ordered yet? |
| Temple Cervelli 26.03.2013 | Awesome, I'm going to order them up now cheers, hopefully it will sort the noise out! Is that normal though that the display cable would cause the buzzing noise!? |
| Alphonso Deitchman 26.03.2013 | Should be fine. It says compatible with both DVI-D and DVI-I, and your cable and monitor are both DVI-D. |
| Temple Cervelli 26.03.2013 | Will this mdp adapter ork okay, because the cables are dvi-d (same as the dell monitor) but the adapter is dvi-i. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...=AYLZAS7SGDTH1 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Monitor-Genu.../dp/B002276Z12 |
| Alphonso Deitchman 26.03.2013 | Sounds like you've got the perfect cable for the job. |
| Temple Cervelli 26.03.2013 |
Originally Posted by makar1
And yup, it definitely looks like one if them! I'm sure it's the DVI-D dual link one, i know its got lots of squares and then just one horizontal line on the side. Does it matter what one it is? Does it just have to be any one of them DVI types? EDIT: Okay its DVI-d, got a full row of 3 squares, and just a horizontal line on left side. So the cables i have got are fine, but the mini displayport adapter is mdp to dvi-i. Can i not still just use this? Because the mdp to dvi-d adapters are a bit more expensive lol.. If not then i will just buy it. |
| Alphonso Deitchman 26.03.2013 | All DVI monitor cables are Male-Male. The female side does stick out slightly like VGA does. Something like this should be fine: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Monitor-Genu.../dp/B002276Z12 Edit: I'm assuming the DVI socket on your monitor looks like either of these "Dual Link" sockets: |
| Temple Cervelli 26.03.2013 |
Originally Posted by makar1
I'm believeing its the VGA cable that im using (was used for the dell monitor when it was downstairs for family) So yeah, Im going to order a mini displayport to DVI adapter and a DVI cable, and try that, yep if i do need to get a new monitor at least ill have DVI. one thing quick, the DVI bit on my dell monitor is like "poking out' a bit, which leads me to believe ill need to get a male to FEMALE dvi cable, and connect the female end to the dell screen? Or is DVI just like that? Will any DVI cable just slot into it? |
| Alphonso Deitchman 26.03.2013 | Might be worth trying DVI through your Dell before you buy a new one. Even if you get a new monitor you'll still want to use a better connection like DVI instead of VGA. |
| Temple Cervelli 26.03.2013 | Okay, well my brother just so happened to get his new TV today, wel he thought it was a TV, it was actually a samsung led computor screen... LOL, anyway it happened to have RGB/VGA input, so i hooked it up to my macbook same way as before, and there is no buzzing noise at all when i drag stuff from the MBP to the samsung monitor... Must be my dell monitor then? I would buy this screen from him, but it hasnt got DVI, and you also cant adjust the screen position, like tilt back/forward :S its already at a quite forward position so, ugh. Must have to get a new screen then, problem solved me believes, will see if problem still occurs when i put my old monitor back up. |
| Temple Cervelli 26.03.2013 | @03199 - cheers, what exactly does this do? Like a more safe power outlet or? @balakoth - what do you mean dude? I believe my monitor has got VGA, HDMI & DVI inputs, using Mini DisplayPort to DVI would be pure digital and a much better picture quality then the VGA analogue I'm currently using? @makar1 - going to test the uca222 soon as I'm back in the studio mate, will let you know as soon as |
| Alphonso Deitchman 26.03.2013 |
Originally Posted by balakoth
Super, as long as you aren't drawing too much current through either socket it should be fine. The number of things plugged in should not be causing the noise anyway. If you only have 1 lead turned on, it's not likely to be a ground loop since everything has a common ground point. Did using the UCA222 affect the noise problem at all? |
| Shawn Vanhaitsma 26.03.2013 |
Originally Posted by makar1
|
| Lannie Kutay 26.03.2013 | this is more the power conditioner that you need. http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/M8x2/ now this one looks like its for USA plugs but check around, a good one will cost a few bucks, but well worth it! |
| Temple Cervelli 26.03.2013 | @makar1 - Okay im going to switch to DVI for visual quality. And try what @031999 said and get a power conditioner, < is just a more expensive better quality extention lead right? Becasue I have a power outlet with two plug sockets, and im using 3 extention leads (all have 4 sockets on). one going straight from 1 of the plug sockets, and thats got my two speakers, dell pc monitor and then my mbp charger all plugged into it, then the other plug socket has an extention lead plugged into it, which has just 2 turntables plugged into it, (will plug my other 2 turntables into that when i set them up) and then THAT extention lead, is being plugged into the 3rd extention lead, which has my xone 92 mixer, powered USB hub, traktor audio 10, and of course the 4th socket is taken up by the 2nd exten lead. Is this bad? Two many plugs? maybe for starters i should get just 2 extention leads or 1 with enough sockets for everything? I only have the 1st ext lead turned on when making music cos i only need my MP speakers etc, everything else is USB powered. @031999 - is this a power conditioner dude? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tacima-Condi...4298677&sr=8-1 @Mojaxx - Okay, ive been hearing about ground loop a lot, should i get one of them (item you posted) to connect my soundcard and my speakers? The male RCA end into my soundcard and then connect another RCA cable to the female end and plug them into my speakers? Thanks for your help guys. Going to rty usig different RCA cables and play with leads see if i can isolate the buzz as much as i can. |
| Lannie Kutay 26.03.2013 | go ahead and grab yourself a power conditioner. i've been to some UK studios and discovered that the power is not as clean and constant as here in the states. Besides it is just a really good practice to use a power conditioner all the time. I recommend go ahead and make the speakers buzz, then just start moving wires, pushing stuff around, unplugging stuff, try to isolate the problem. |
| Larita Smaga 26.03.2013 | Sounds like a ground loop. Try moving things to different power outlets, preferably away from each other. If that doesn't work, the next thing to try is one of these: http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/vie...d=140500004951 |
| Alphonso Deitchman 25.03.2013 | DVI should definitely give you a better picture than VGA. I'm just suggesting that if you have another computer, monitor etc. you could swap them into your setup to narrow down what's causing the problem. The Behringer UCA222 would be a good start. |
| Temple Cervelli 25.03.2013 | Its my dads, ill ask him asap. I was actually believeing of just buying a mdp to DVI adapter and a DVI cable instead, as my dell pc screen actually has a DVI input, i heard that DVI digital will give me a much better picture then the VGA analogue im currently using, true? Becasue whatever i drag onto the dell screen, does not look at all as good as my macbook display! Back on, erm, what exactly do you mean by this mate? Like a 'new/different' laptop, monitor, cable, sound card? I cant afford too lol, i have 1 other sound card its a |
| Alphonso Deitchman 25.03.2013 | Where did you buy the VGA adapter from? Most of the Chinese fakes have managed to copy the "designed by Apple" incredibly accurately and you wouldn't really be able to tell from the outside if it's a genuine one or not. I use the StarTech Mini DisplayPort to VGA from Amazon which gets better reviews even than the one made by Apple and it has worked perfectly so far. Is there any way you could switch certain components in your setup e.g. an alternative monitor, laptop, audio interface, or VGA adapter? |
| Temple Cervelli 25.03.2013 | 3 pictures: 1: of the set up you can kind of see how everything is, close-ness wise. 2: the sound card USB, mouse USB,(which i will someimes unplug and connect maschine or my mid keyboard USB too), mini displayport, all plugged into my MBP. 3: behind my macbook the rca cables from soundcard to to speakers all hanging around, the soundcard usb cable and mouse cable. IMG_1579.jpgIMG_1578.jpgIMG_1580.jpg |
| Temple Cervelli 25.03.2013 | @SlvrDragon50 - Well it only makes buzzes when i drag stuff over to the dell monitor, and I'm only using it as a 2nd display so i can literally only just drag applications and anything from my macbook onto it, it doesnt make noise when i just move the mouse over to it, i just right-clicked and created a 'new folder' on the 2nd monitor and was fine no noise.... i even just opened a new internet tab and dragged that over to the dell screen on its own, and it still produces loud buzzing noise from my monitors.. @makar1 - tried both of my macbook USB ports, still buzzes, ive got a PC mouse plugged in one of the USB ports and the sound card in the other, tried unplugging the mouse and still buzzes, Im just using this adapter mate: http://www.easyit.co.uk/Images/Produ...dapter-web.jpg It says 'designed by Apple California' etc on the back. Lads, i'm really f*cking worried that maybe my macbook cant handle having the sound card, mouse, & mini displayport all plugged in at the same time? like and if I need to plug my MBP charger in too.. Will this not cause an explosion (your welome to laugh) or some electric shock maybe... Or even blow up my monitors and cause a really loud deafening bang/noise? I dont know if this could happen it does worry me lol... When i just straight unplug the soundcard it does make a quite loud 'pop' noise, is this all normal? I'm going to take a picture or two of everything plugged in, and like my set up atm, is everything too close to one-n-other or...? Thanks |
| Alphonso Deitchman 25.03.2013 | Does this happen no matter what USB port you plug the audio interface into? What MiniDisplayport to VGA adapter are you using? |
| Gaynell Rydberg 25.03.2013 | I mean data is constantly being transferred to the Dell monitor. I really doubt it's because of dragging applications. Does the noise only happen during dragging or any thing you do on the 2nd monitor? |
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