Reddit mentions of iFi iDefender3.0 External USB Audio Ground Loop Eliminator

I bought this USB ground loop eliminator and waiting for it to arrive.

I'll let you know if it did anything.

EDIT: Ground Loop Eliminator arrived and didn't do anything. Literally nothing. Hiss is still present. Going to try the Ferrite clips ons next.

USB tends to be a pain in studio setups. It almost always seems to make the ground noisy and add loops. You can get various types of hum eliminator/isolator to break such loops. These are often for wall sockets, but you can also get equivalent devices for USB. I've not tried this specific one, but by way of example: https://www.amazon.com/Audio-iDefender3-0-Ground-Loop-Eliminator/dp/B01N3XKOLG

There's definitely a ground issue and it's probably within the PC hardware. Could be the within the motherboard, the ground connections through the mobo standoffs, the chassis not providing a proper chassis ground (very common) ... it's really tough to actually fix because no one is doing "did they implement the ground plane properly" tests in hardware reviews ... the best fix is a USB isolator dongle.

Isolating the USB device will block power, though, because it won't have a ground connection (that's why we're isolating it) ... so power has to come from elsewhere. Unfortunately that interface can ONLY be powered through bus power so then you need a USB isolator that allows an external power supply.

https://www.amazon.com/iDefender3-0-USB-Ground-Loop-Eliminator/dp/B01N3XKOLG

That one seems to have good reviews from people using it for audio interfaces and there's some power supply that goes along with it:

https://www.amazon.com/iPower-Noise-Power-Adapter-Travel/dp/B01GNNXP0Y/

Like I said, use a cheater plug adapter to see if that's the problem.

If it is then you need to buy a ground loop isolator as the wikipedia article states:

> Use a ground loop isolation transformer in the cable.[3][4] This is considered the best solution, as it breaks the DC connection between components while passing the differential signal on the line. Even if one or both components are ungrounded (floating), no noise will be introduced. The better isolation transformers have grounded shields between the two sets of windings. Optoisolators can perform the same task for digital lines. A transformer generally introduces some distortion in frequency response. An isolator designed specifically for the relevant frequency range must be used.

I don't know what kind of connections you're using or how best to apply it because they sell ground loop isolators for everything including AC, USB, RCA, 3.5mm etc, so it depends on what you're connecting and where the ground loop is coming from, but like I said if it's coming in through your PC then try using the cheater plug first.

If you can stop it at the PC then it shouldn't make it to your device which I assume is hooked up via USB?


Here's a USB one but I have no idea if it'd fix your problem because we don't know if you have a ground loop yet.

Anyone know anything about this and/or if it would even impact the situation at all? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3XKOLG/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

Regarding the noise issue when plugged in, it might be worth checking to see if you are experiencing a USB ground loop. Every person's studio setup is different, so verify that there aren't other devices affecting your power supply. I get high pitched USB-related noises periodically in my Eurorack system and purchased a ground loop eliminator to rectify. See also Youtube demo.

I have a shure sm7b, art tube, xlr-xlr cable, xlr-usb cable. I have a ground loop whining noise that I can't get rid of. I've tried two usb isolators, different outlets and some troubleshooting. I tried connecting the mic to the pc using the xlr to usb; as well as connecting only the Art tube to the pc using xlr to usb, both still had the whining noise. My normal headset + mic works fine through the mic jack.

I'm not sure what else to try but I'm open to suggestions.

I have a similar problem when I plug my II into usb. When I remove the USB though it disappears. I read somewhere (forget where on google) that these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N3XKOLG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UsF2DbVPHY4WZ can fix the problem

Edit: by any chance do you have any moving parts in your PC? Such as a disk drive that is not solid state?

Hello! Hope this is the proper place to ask about this.

I have an audio hissing/electrical type noise that comes through when I record audio with my microphone. Its not noticeable until I normalize the audio, without speaking at all its unbearable obviously, but when I say something and then normalize it I can hear it just enough to be noticeable (I run into it heavily at times further down the like when editing into a video). I think I understand the problem and the thing that I need to fix it, however I would love anyones input to confirm or deny that since Im not super knowledgeable about the subject.

My setup:

Mic: Audio-Technica AT2020

Audio Interface: Behringer U-phoria UM2

XLR cable goes from my mic to the audio interface which supplies the phantom power and communicates the audio to my computer via USB. I believe the problem is with the USB part of the connection.

Ive found this item which I believe should help with the problem. Along with needing to supply additional power to it, since the audio interface is given power though USB.

Does this look correct? Obviously if you guys could hear the sound, it would help with the understanding. I could try to upload and link an audio clip if needed. But I would describe it as a fluctuating hiss of electrical noise..

Thanks in advance for any help! If any more information is needed ill happily provide it.

Might be a usb grounding issue. I have this problem most notably on usb powered interfaces. Interfaces with their own power supply dont seem to have the problem.

You could try bekow or another similar item on Amazon. I have this one. Works best with the external power supply. DOnt by the Amazon power supply for $30. Your usb phone charger will suffice. I checked voltage and saved a buck

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-iDefender3-0-Ground-Loop-Eliminator/dp/B01N3XKOLG/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=usb+filter+noise+and+audio&link_code=qs&qid=1568257350&s=gateway&sourceid=Mozilla-search&sr=8-5

Hey guys and gals,

Newbie here with a load of questions and I HOPE I'm providing enough information to facilitate some answers. If I have NOT - please let me know and I will be more than happy to provide additional questions.

Also of note, I think I have a fair amount of equipment but no REAL expertise so a lot of this is going to be pretty obviously frustrating for YOU guys as you work with me on this. So in advance - THANK YOU!!!

Video of the problem - notice the MASSIVE amount of background static and noise: https://youtu.be/CcmX5FvBbeI

So here's the deal, I run a small YouTube/Twitch based podcast where I have additional hosts and guests call in (usually via Discord Voice or Hangouts). So it's a pretty standard format - not much to get excited over.

Here's my current "diagram" if you will:

MY MIC TO PC: Shure 7B mic > Cloudlifter CL2 > Yamaha MG10 (Phantom 48v) - Channel#1 > Focustrite Scarlett 2i2 - Channel#1 > USB to PC

I'm going to stop here: In this format - without ANY audio playing ON the desktop - I'm getting feedback. This leads me to believe I have a grounding issue based upon what I'm hearing. But before I buy:

• USB Loop Eliminator: https://www.amazon.com/iDefender3-0-USB-Ground-Loop-Eliminator/dp/B01N3XKOLG
  
• USB Loop Power Supply: https://www.amazon.com/iPower-Noise-Power-Adapter-Travel/dp/B01GNNXP0Y/
  
  I'd like to get your input. I have a feeling - this electric buzz is coming through the USB connection from the desktop BACK through the 2i2. But again - this is just my amateurish opinion.
  
  Here is the SECOND part I would like your expertise on.
  
  The guests audio, video files, and soundboard inputs are all coming from the PC. The question is how to separate these inputs into separate "channels" and then feed some of them back to the guest.
  
  In the past I have run a "mix-minus" set up so to speak which goes something like:
  
  MY AUDIO: Same as above except I now turn my AUX SEND ON.
  
  GUESTS AUDIO: Laptop Speaker Out > Yamaha MG10 - Channel#5/6 (AUX SEND OFF) via 1/4"-1/8" TRS
  
  DESKTOP Sounds: Desktop > Yamaha MG10 - Channel#7/8 (AUX SEND ON) via 1/4"-1/8" TRS
  
  My Audio + Desktop To Guest: MG10 Aux Send > Laptop Mic In
  
  Complete Audio To PC For Broadcast: MG10 Stereo Out > Focusrite 2i2 Channel#1 > Desktop USB
  
  My question is this: Is there perhaps a better way to do what I'm trying to do? My preference is to control most of these channels through the MG10 as I don't want to use a virtual board which will just further tax my processor. However, I am COMPLETELY and utterly open to suggestions, insights, and quite honestly - expert opinion.
  
  Thank you again for all your help in advance!

Equipment:

PC - Asus x470-Prime, r5 2600x, Power Color Red Dragon Vega 56, Corsair rm850x

DAC/AMP - Sennheiser GSX 1000

Monitor - LG 34uc79G - B

Studio Monitors - M-Audio BX8 D3 Crimson

Problem:

White Noise from speakers.

What I have tried:

1 - Every USB port on my motherboard to no avail.

2 - Changed cable from monoprice 1/8 to dual 1/4 to a Livewire Essential 1/8 to dual XLR. This just made the static come in more clear.

3 - When I plug the speakers into my laptop via the amp connected to usb I get minimal white noise. About what would be expected from having the knob cranked all the way and white noise goes away at about 75% volume.

4 - Getting rid of the Sennheiser GSX 1000 and just plugging the speakers straight into my phone sounds great with only expected white noise.

5 - Almost forgot this. I tried a shielded usb cord with ferrite core to the GSX 1000. It did nothing.

Options I have come up with:

1 - USB Isolator

https://www.amazon.com/CableMax-Isolator-5000-Vrms-Dongle/dp/B00QU232UM/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=usb+isolator&qid=1562003658&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

I know this is a common problem so I'm expecting there should be some good advice on here. Or, if you know of better options please let me know.

Edit: I actually bought this one - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3XKOLG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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And an AudioQuest Dragontail extension to keep it from not sticking out too far.