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Topic starter
Hello,
As the title says, the HS5 Monitors are producing some sort of noise that kind of emulates the Laptop CPU Fan, volume goes up as the fan turns faster.
The noise is not crazy high, but with minimum focus you can hear and follow it easily.
As soon as you play, it disappears (or better say my ears don't pick it up anymore).
MODX is connected directly to the laptop (no Hub).
MODX outputs are connected directly to the HS5 Monitors.
Using TS cables that are around 1m/3ft.
The USB Cable has a Ferrite Core.
My typical start before any adjustments/mixing:
Computer Volume is around 80.
MODX Volume & USB are at 12 O'clock.
Monitors gain is at +4dB.
I know it is a general thing not MODX Specific.
I remember watching a Youtube Video about different noise types and how to mitigate them, but couldn't find it.
I though I'd ask here, if someone has a similar set-up and found a solution, or if someone can suggest any MODX Settings maybe in the Keyboard or PC to reduce that noise.
Cheers
Posted : 29/04/2022 5:35 pm
What's the laptop (PC or Mac)? Maybe OS info ... I know you said you have a "similar setup" running Windows 7 - but not necessarily a confirmation of how equivalent the problematic system is to that configuration.
The first thing that comes to mind is that there may be a microphone turned on picking up the sound. Although that's probably the least likely candidate. It's one of those "did you plug the system in" kind of thoughts.
6. Much louder hum (5' away) after plugging in USB cable between MODX and computer.
Sounds like you're describing a ground loop issue.
Posted : 29/04/2022 7:00 pm
Topic starter
Thanks Bill for sharing your setup.
So don't know that the fan has anything to do with it. It may or may not in my case.
Running Apps = More CPU Power Needed = More Fan Airflow/Speed Needed.
Sounds like you're describing a ground loop issue.
Yes Jason, now I can confirm after finding the video I was refering to above.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=einxGsiuwso
My problem is perfectly described at Minute 5:00.
Is that "iDefender Plus" mentioned in the video a good solution?
Now about cable interferences from other devices, it is kind of impossible to separate Audio from Power, or to keep cables apart.
I have many devices (2 PCs, 4 Speakers, 4 Keyboards, a Screen, lol)...
I have 3 Other Keyboards connected to a Yamaha MG10, then connected to the input of the MODX A/D. I didn't accuse them of producing this noise because again it had the same shape as the laptop fan noise. Anyway, these keyboards and the mixer are barely used with the MODX so they are always off, but I will indeed try to disconnect them from the MODX.
Posted : 29/04/2022 7:09 pm
There are similar threads on other forums where users with different equipment and connections have used devices like this with success.
Due to my experience, I'd solve this and diagnose it without such a device. However, it's sometimes easier just to try it out from a retailer with a reasonable return window/policy and see if it works rather than diagnosing.
Posted : 29/04/2022 8:25 pm
Topic starter
Was playing a bit today with Cubase with the MODX on and connected, I did a lot of diagnosis on the cables side to the point that I only left connected the cables actively being used (MODX USB to PC and MODX TS to HS5) and everything else was put away. That did not solve the problem!
As Bill described, the noise gets louder with apps running (and fan spinnig faster). In my case, as described, it is not just humming, but a noise with a certain "envelope" that as said above I feel it follows the fan RPM.
There are similar threads on other forums where users with different equipment and connections have used devices like this with success.
Due to my experience, I'd solve this and diagnose it without such a device. However, it's sometimes easier just to try it out from a retailer with a reasonable return window/policy and see if it works rather than diagnosing.
Was first thinking of changing the USB cable, but was a bit lazy as I was producing some music that sounded good (for the first time lol).
I will check the stores nearby as well if they have such a USB Ground Loop devices with return policy.
Posted : 05/05/2022 6:11 am
