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UCA202 noise issue.
Hi
I have a noise issue which seems to be linked to this device or the cables.
I have 2 x UCA202 devices and both produce interference (see link below)
My PC and my active monitors M-Audio BX8a’s are all on the same power ring and I have tried different USB ports. I have also tried many different cables.
The UCA202, when plugged into my PC and listened to it via the headphones jack with headphones, does not produce any noise (that I can hear) but when I plug my monitors in via the RCA outputs the noise is too much to tolerate.
Toggling (on/off) the UCA202’s ‘monitor’ switch does not seem to have any influence.
The monitors are active and when turned on without an input signal they don’t make any noise until the UCA202 is connected to them, so they are not the source of the noise.
I have tried RCA to XLR cables and RCA the 1/4 inch and the noise always comes back. If I increase the volume on my PC the noise level remains the same, it does not increase with volume. The RCA to XLR cable is 2m in length.
Inside the PC I have played with disabling other soundcards and microphones, this has no effect.
I appreciate this DAC is cheap and I’m not afraid to spend more money but I want to make sure I’ve excuses all logical options. I’m also wondering what is the professional approach to solving this issue that does not require buying a new PC or rewiring my house?
Example of noise: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1StH1hGAHj3omT17JtqCMITb_1Pd4r0iv/view?usp=sharing
Regards Rueben
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7 Replies
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Hello Rueben and welcome to the Cow Audio Forum.
Sounds like one of your devices has a “dirty power supply” and that dirt is what you’re hearing when you connect the devices in certain ways.
https://www.behringer.com/brand/behringer/support#googtrans(en|en)
Regards,
Ty Ford
Cow Audio Forum LeaderWant better production audio?: Ty Ford\’s Audio Bootcamp Field Guide
Ty Ford Blog: Ty Ford\’s Blog -
I plugged it into a USB 3 port instead of a USB 2 and it seems to have gone!
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Great and thanks for letting us know!
Regards,
Ty Ford
Cow Audio Forum LeaderWant better production audio?: Ty Ford\’s Audio Bootcamp Field Guide
Ty Ford Blog: Ty Ford\’s Blog -
Actually I had some fans on in my room when I made that comment..got a bit excited after trying the following which can from Behringer Support:
Are you connecting via USB 2 or USA 3?
Are you on Mac or Windows and the precise version?
What Software/DAW?
How are the speakers connected, including the exact cables?
How is the input and output configured in DAW?
Has you tried alternative speakers?
Has you switched the speakers on to an alternative power outlet?
Are you using a laptop or desktop, if using Laptop has you pulled the power cable out?
What are you using as an input?When I turned the fans off the dirty noise was still audible. It’s much less but still, I want it clean…would either of these things help?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Pro-Audio-DTI-Transformer-Black/dp/B0009GUOQA
or is there something that I can buy that just works?
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Hey Rueben,
Depends on the dirty power supply and where it is in the chain.
In my situation some years ago, I think it was the dirty power supply that was leaking across the ground buss and into my lap top. YMMV,
Regards,
Ty Ford
Cow Audio Forum LeaderWant better production audio?: Ty Ford\’s Audio Bootcamp Field Guide
Ty Ford Blog: Ty Ford\’s Blog -
Hi
Just plugged the UCA202 into a laptop powered by the same mains power as my desktop and it sounds wonderfully noise-free.
What are my options if I don’t want to fix my desktops dirty power supply? Do I need a sound card that does not get its power from a USB?
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The dirt gets into the ground of the circuits. If their grounds are connected, then you may have the same problem.
Regards,
Ty Ford
Cow Audio Forum LeaderWant better production audio?: Ty Ford\’s Audio Bootcamp Field Guide
Ty Ford Blog: Ty Ford\’s Blog
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