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Hum when using external souncard for external fft

Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2014 16:23
by mowgli
I'm using a Behringer XENYX Q1202USB as the hub for my av set up. I have my macbook pro outputting audio to the mixer via de built in jack. I want to use the mixer's USB audio as the channel for external FFT in Resolume. It works, but as soon as I select it in Resolume's preferences, I get a humming noise coming out of my speakers. Any clues as to what might be the cause?

Re: Hum when using external souncard for external fft

Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2014 16:41
by Oaktown
You probably have introduced a ground loop in your setup so to get rid of the hum, you'll probably need to use a stereo DI box (or two mono if you have them already). I personally use the Radial ProAV2 and they work like a charm (http://www.radialeng.com/proav.php).

Re: Hum when using external souncard for external fft

Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2014 19:39
by deepvisual
Image

Re: Hum when using external souncard for external fft

Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2014 23:15
by Oaktown
I took a look at the DTI unit and I think the Radial Engineering unit might have a few advantages such as:
  • 1/8" TRS input
    Input through
    Pad
    Lift
    Ground Lift on output side
proav2-panels-lrg.jpg
proav2-panels-lrg.jpg (43.62 KiB) Viewed 7503 times

Re: Hum when using external souncard for external fft

Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 11:49
by mowgli
Thanks for the tips. I managed to resolve it by wiring everything differently. I had the USB audio going through a hub, it's now connected directly to the laptop and the hum is gone.

Re: Hum when using external souncard for external fft

Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 16:43
by Oaktown
Was it a powered USB hub?

Re: Hum when using external souncard for external fft

Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 17:52
by mowgli
yes it was

Re: Hum when using external souncard for external fft

Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 18:47
by Oaktown
Any equipment without ground is likely to introduce a ground loop so that makes sense. It's not a bad idea to always carry a stereo DI in your A/V kit to interface with venues. That way you can always send audio to FOH using balanced cables.