Page 1 of 2

Fuzzy monitors problem

Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 11:13 am
by Darj
Hello.

I have some troubles with my monitors. Here's the thing :

I've bought some rokits 8 and a M audio fastrack usb mk2 a few months ago. I was running it on a very old and shitty computer and I had some troubles with a fuzz/crackle everytime the soundcard was streaming something.
6 weeks ago, I bought a new computer but I still have the same problem. I tried to plug a laptop on the setup and everything works good, no fuzz / crackle.

I've kept a few things from the old computer. 1 500gb Hard drive, the screen, mouse + keyboard.

Anyone got an idea where this thing comes from and how i could fix it ?

Thanks !

( Ps : I hope this was understandable )

Re: Fuzzy monitors problem

Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 11:24 am
by Benji
Have you tried increasing the buffer size of your audio interface?

Re: Fuzzy monitors problem

Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 11:28 am
by Darj
Yes I tried, it doesn't change anything

Re: Fuzzy monitors problem

Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 11:56 am
by Electric_Head
Is it a midi or usb interface?

Re: Fuzzy monitors problem

Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 12:53 pm
by Darj
USB interface

Re: Fuzzy monitors problem

Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 12:56 pm
by Electric_Head
Is it not underpowered?

Re: Fuzzy monitors problem

Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 1:25 pm
by Darj
There was no problem with an old laptop, and I already tried to switch usb port for the sounddard

Re: Fuzzy monitors problem

Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 1:53 pm
by Electric_Head
This is going to sound strange but have you checked the output volume of the laptop?
I find my interface has a crackle if turn the volume up too high.
But if I leave it at a lower volume and turn up my amp rather, crackle vanishes.

Re: Fuzzy monitors problem

Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 2:45 pm
by Darj
I'll try this tonight at home ( at work at the moment ) Doesn't sounds like a bad idea

Re: Fuzzy monitors problem

Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 3:04 pm
by mthrfnk
Does it happen when the laptops plugged in rather than running on battery?
If so I'd bet it's a ground loop problem.

Re: Fuzzy monitors problem

Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 3:32 pm
by fragments
If it's a ground loop you would hear the sound constantly, not just during playback. If the noise is only during playback it's an interface/computer resources issue I'd say.

Re: Fuzzy monitors problem

Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 4:24 pm
by Darj
I've just tried that volume thing, it didn't changed anything.

fragments wrote:If it's a ground loop you would hear the sound constantly, not just during playback. If the noise is only during playback it's an interface/computer resources issue I'd say.

Most of the noises are in playback, when nothing streams, there's just one little crackle sometimes ( like 1 each 5 minutes, very quick )

Re: Fuzzy monitors problem

Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 4:25 pm
by fragments
Darj wrote:I've just tried that volume thing, it didn't changed anything.

fragments wrote:If it's a ground loop you would hear the sound constantly, not just during playback. If the noise is only during playback it's an interface/computer resources issue I'd say.

Most of the noises are in playback, when nothing streams, there's just one little crackle sometimes ( like 1 each 5 minutes, very quick )
That crackle could be a loose connection somewhere. Ground loops are typically a hum/buzz.

I'd uninstall the interface, reinstall with the latest drivers, double check your buffer settings afterward. Are you using ASIO4ALL?<these are to try and sort the playback issue.

Re: Fuzzy monitors problem

Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 4:44 pm
by Darj


Made a quick video of it, maybe that could help

Re: Fuzzy monitors problem

Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 5:08 pm
by mthrfnk
Darj wrote:

Made a quick video of it, maybe that could help
Are you talking about the weird digital crackle throughout the whole video? That's a ground loop.
Btw you're accent is cool. :lol:

Re: Fuzzy monitors problem

Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 5:16 pm
by Darj
Haha, my accent could be better, but you know, I'm french... :p

So, ground loop, good, how can I fix that shit now ?

Re: Fuzzy monitors problem

Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 5:25 pm
by Electric_Head

Re: Fuzzy monitors problem

Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 5:36 pm
by Darj
I must admit my english is far to be that good, so if i've read right, it is caused because my computer is on the floor ? ( Maybe I'm tired too, had a very hard day at work )

Re: Fuzzy monitors problem

Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 6:03 pm
by fragments
Ground loops are usually caused by the monitors being plugged into the same circuit as the other piece of hardware causing the noise. Unplug on item at a time from the power strip until you removed the noise. Then you'll know which is piece of gear is causing the ground loop. Then if you can plug that piece of hardware into another outlet.

They also make ground loop interrupters.

A circuit or device being "grounded" doesn't necessarily have anything to do with it sitting on the literal ground.

Re: Fuzzy monitors problem

Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 6:37 pm
by forbidden
make sure you are using balanced cables. typically XLR to TRS male (XLR to the back of the speakers, TRS to the back of your interface)

off topic but, did you mix your tribe12 release prior to you getting monitors? if so, big up! haha