Eliminate Hum
and Buzz Now!
This is one of the most evasive and frustrating
phenomena
ever to invade our workstations. Let's get rid of it!
Try some of these antidotes:
- Use only one A/C "breaker" line for your workspace no
shared appliances (ie: refrigerator, washer/dryer, dishwasher).
- Do not "daisy-chain" power strips, one after another.
Use only one power strip per A/C wall outlet.
- Positively NO flourescent lights in your workspace.
- Separate A/C chords at least 8 inches from audio
chords. At the very least, run them at (criss-cross) 90-degree angles.
- Move power amps as far away as possible; into the
next room if you can.
- Be prepared to use "ground lifters" (3-into-2 A/C
adapters). If you have buzz when you power-up and plug-in any piece of
gear, then lift the ground on that one!
- Lastly, unplug everything except your monitor system.
Plug in each piece of equipment one-by-one, while listening carefully
for hum/buzz/noise. If you hear it, then consider moving that piece of
gear away from the others.
Happy hunting . . .
by:
Brian Levi
Clear Lake Audio
Los Angeles, CA
|
The Recording
Connection has been teaching music recording and audio engineering for
25 years using our mentor-apprentice model of education that features
in studio, private tutoring from a recording professional.