Buzz in Monitors

[ponymusic]

I just set up my home studio and I'm noticing a buzz in my monitors. obviously
it's because I have my studio in a guest house that wasn't intended to be a recording studio. What are my options?

[theblotted]

check your signal flow.

then get an electrician and see if the place is properly grounded.

[Ethan Winer]

Originally Posted by ponymusic

obviously it's because I have my studio in a guest house that wasn't intended to be a recording studio. What are my options?

Assuming your guess house AC is wired correctly, the problem is probably a simple ground loop. This is a deep subject and I can't explain it all in a post. But start by disconnecting your speakers (active?) and then connect things one by one until you find the culprit. Plug all of your gear into a single power strip if possible.

--Ethan

[Milesy303]

Balanced audio cables where ever supported as well.

[doodlebug]

Originally Posted by Ethan Winer

Plug all of your gear into a single power strip if possible.
--Ethan

What about a power conditioner? I've read arguments both pro and con, what is the deal?

Sorry about the slight hijack, I hope I'm not stepping on toes.

I just had the high freq go on both my A7's simultaneously...I haven't been told what it was or what caused it yet (they come back today..yay), but it has been suggested a power spike might have done it.
Would a power conditioner (like a Furman) used in conjunction with one of those (supposed) high end power strips be useful in a home studio with standard (dubious?) wiring?

Harry

[theblotted]

Originally Posted by doodlebug

What about a power conditioner? I've read arguments both pro and con, what is the deal?

Sorry about the slight hijack, I hope I'm not stepping on toes.

I just had the high freq go on both my A7's simultaneously...I haven't been told what it was or what caused it yet (they come back today..yay), but it has been suggested a power spike might have done it.
Would a power conditioner (like a Furman) used in conjunction with one of those (supposed) high end power strips be useful in a home studio with standard (dubious?) wiring?

Harry

all power conditioners or strips are useless from buzz unless the original power source is properly grounded.

if you're wondering about what to do - get an electrician, get your place properly grounded, and then get a True Online UPS. it will clean your power (double conversion), protect your gear from outtages (remember to add the Watts), and provide stable power all the time for your gear (pure sine wave).

[doodlebug]

Originally Posted by theblotted

all power conditioners or strips are useless from buzz unless the original power source is properly grounded.

if you're wondering about what to do - get an electrician, get your place properly grounded, and then get a True Online UPS. it will clean your power (double conversion), protect your gear from outtages (remember to add the Watts), and provide stable power all the time for your gear (pure sine wave).

Would you mind pointing me in the direction of one of these units?

Harry

[remo]

you need one of these:

PK10 Palladian*™ : Three 5.27mm conductors SWR enhancement ...

[doodlebug]

Originally Posted by remo

you need one of these:

PK10 Palladian*™ : Three 5.27mm conductors SWR enhancement ...

Are you replying to my query or to the OP?

Harry

[Milesy303]

are you using a desktop computer or laptop (if using a computer at all) ?

[doodlebug]

Originally Posted by theblotted

get a True Online UPS. it will clean your power (double conversion), protect your gear from outtages (remember to add the Watts), and provide stable power all the time for your gear (pure sine wave).

Ok, this looks like something I should have. Any particular units I should look at? You said to "remember to add the Watts". Do you mean the accumulated wattage of all my present and future gear?

Harry

[theblotted]

Originally Posted by doodlebug

Ok, this looks like something I should have. Any particular units I should look at? You said to "remember to add the Watts". Do you mean the accumulated wattage of all my present and future gear?

Harry

PROVANTAGE: CyberPower Systems OL1500RMXL2U Smart Application Online UPS 1500VA/1050W 2U

i have 1 at my home studio, and at work we have 3. price is extremely reasonable, considering the headache you'll avoid.

APC is a common brand, but units i've seen are either not truly online or too expensive or too loud. front panel is flimsy too.

my studio is ridiculously quiet, so the fan noise was an issue. i modified it with a Silenx fan. voids the warranty, but i think it's worth it.

yes, to your 2nd question.

[doodlebug]

Originally Posted by theblotted

PROVANTAGE: CyberPower Systems OL1500RMXL2U Smart Application Online UPS 1500VA/1050W 2U

i have 1 at my home studio, and at work we have 3. price is extremely reasonable, considering the headache you'll avoid.

APC is a common brand, but units i've seen are either not truly online or too expensive or too loud. front panel is flimsy too.

my studio is ridiculously quiet, so the fan noise was an issue. i modified it with a Silenx fan. voids the warranty, but i think it's worth it.

yes, to your 2nd question.

Thanks!!

Now to find a similar product in Oz. Are there any particular brands to steer clear of like APC as you previously mentioned?

I know I really should do a search and stop hijacking this thread, but more help is always helpful when having to wear many hats.

Thanks peeps for your patience and understanding.

Harry

[sehnsucht]

Originally Posted by Ethan Winer

Assuming your guess house AC is wired correctly, the problem is probably a simple ground loop. This is a deep subject and I can't explain it all in a post. But start by disconnecting your speakers (active?) and then connect things one by one until you find the culprit. Plug all of your gear into a single power strip if possible.

--Ethan

Ethan,
what if the buzzing is intermittent? Would the same root problem apply or should I look at something else like insufficiently shielded cables? I live in an older apartment that does not have the ground lug in the wall outlets, how can I properly ground my equipment in this scenario?

[theblotted]

Originally Posted by sehnsucht

Ethan,
what if the buzzing is intermittent? Would the same root problem apply or should I look at something else like insufficiently shielded cables? I live in an older apartment that does not have the ground lug in the wall outlets, how can I properly ground my equipment in this scenario?

i'm not Ethan, but intermittent means it's prob RF.

[Ethan Winer]

Originally Posted by sehnsucht

how can I properly ground my equipment in this scenario?

I believe cold water pipes are a good electrical ground.

But I'm not an electrician, so if you electrocute yourself you didn't get this from me.

--Ethan