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the dreaded laptop hum final solution

StoreTags: laptop, hardware, hum

Author: egehirn on September 18 2007

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--> I researched for a while for an final solution to end the laptop and possibly general computer hum which is more or less spread via audio plugs, even with professional cards with external connector boxes. With the computer getting meanwhile as snappy or even better than dedicated hardware synths (with optimized Linux distros like 64 Studio) , and the endless possibilities of software generated sounds makes me using the computer more and more for music purposes, even in my other projects which relied more on dedicated synthesizerhardware. There are some electrical solutions like filters to cut out the annoying noises but this is doctoring the symptons, not the causes. And it goes together with a degration of the audio signal so I wouldnt consider that as a good solution.

Finally the only solution left is going optical, having the computer not connected at all, at least electrical. An Adat conform optical connection (which is physically the standard Toslink) can bear 8 channels of audio in one direction. I have here the RME Digiface with 3 Adat ins and outs (which can result in 24 channels) and a Marian Adcon A/D D/A converter box and it runs well under Linux. It sounds great in the Block4 studio but I tested it yesterday at a friends studio which catches noises much more easier, a worst case scenario so to said. And even there, no noise and a clean signal. So in future I have a little more to carry for gigs but do it for a much better sound.

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Comments

09/18/07 + tylth

i'm not sure but this isn't some issue you could have easily redeemed by using a Ground Loop Isolator or DI BOX ?

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09/18/07 + egehirn

DI boxes can help a bit and I got some encouraging results with going all balanced cables. But in the mentioned studio it still let bleed through horrible computer noise. Ground loop Isolators and filters can effect the sound. The noise depends also on the location or their electricity/ wiring. Other solution is to play from batteries which is risky and ruined one gig for me.
Anyway, all these things are curing just the symptons but I wanted to cure the cause because laptop has become an important isntrument for me.

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