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Forum: General Discussion

Topic: Newbie setup

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So I have a new DJ setup ( thought it would be fun to do ) I know lots about home audio BUT for some reason I'm getting a humming noise out of my speakers. Would this be a crossover problem? The speakers have built in crossovers. Do they make a noise filter I can use instead by just plugging into the 1/4 plug?

Thanks for all the help

CaptainRon
 
Posted Fri 09 Aug 13 @ 7:47 am
Can you describe your full setup in more detail (each piece of equipment, what types of connections in between, etc)?

Without knowing specifics, it sounds like it could be a ground loop issue. Do you have different pieces of gear plugged into different outlets or power strips/surge protectors? Or does some of your gear have 3-prong plugs while others have 2-prong plugs (no ground)?
 
In this case all have 3 prong outlets into a power supply. ION board with built in CD player to the amp.. Out of the amp ( 1/4 plugs ) into speakers. When I turn teh "gain" down on the amp the noise goes away.. So I'm not sure if its from the amp to teh speakers is the problem or the speakers or amp. They are a higher end community speaker. I could probably hook up another amp to eliminate some of this but more wondered if there is some noise filter that can be installed.
Thanks
 
Assuming you're running VDJ on a laptop, most likely it's caused by the laptop PSU.

A quick test is to run the laptop on battery. If the hum stops, it's the laptop PSU.

Easiest solution is to insert a GLI (ground loop isolator) into the audio chain, between laptop and mixer.
 
yes it was plugged in BUT it will do it when I' a playing cd's too. So thats why I thought it was something else. They are RCA jacks from the mixer to the amp..
 
CaptainRon wrote :
yes it was plugged in

What was plugged in? Plugged in where?

CaptainRon wrote :
BUT it will do it when I' a playing cd's too.

While the laptop is still connected to the system?

Like I said before, does the hum go away if you run the laptop on battery power only (pull the plug from the wall)?

You need to be specific about what you've got connected to the setup, how it's connected and so on. Remember we can't see the setup.
 
The laptop is plugged in to the wall. BUT even having the slider all the way over to the other side of the mixing board its still humming. Thats what I was talking about and would not think having the laptop plugged in would do it to the other side of the board. Hope that makes sense. Unless you think it still will give some sort of feedback. I will try it when I get home tonight.

Thanks for the help and if there is anything else you can think of please let me know..
 
groovin u were very patient i must say ......

i'm reminded of chris rock in rush hour "can you hear the words coming out of my mouth".......

sheesh ok .....look even if the laptop ISN'T .the audio source.......disconnect the psu


next if everything is plugged into a power strip and then it into the a/c .......try a different wall outlet


this assumes all input/output connections are made properly which isn't a good assumption at the moment
 
Let's rule out the power amp. Disconnect everything from the power amp, except the speakers. turn the amp on, and gradually, raise the volume. Do you hear a hum? Does it get louder as you raise the volume?
 
here is something to try , I had the same issue until I reloaded the sound card update and the vga and then restart the computer. It worked I was surprised.
 
If the laptop is connected to the mains and a mixer it will hum. ACTUALLY unplug the mixer from the wall, what happens?
 


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