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Interference issues with monitors
I am a video editor that mainly works on theatrical events (so lots of spoken word). I had a pair of KRK VXT4s that I purchased in 2008 when I bought my MacPro and just replaced them last week with KRK Rokit 5s as the VXT4s had developed an interference issue that had steadily increased to the point of utter distraction. It sounds like cell tower/radio/etc. signal interference (bursts of high pitched stuttering) and it would occur regardless of whether the computer was on or not and whether there were cables plugged into speakers or not.
I was going to go with another brand, as I had been reading about shielding issues with KRK, but the sales person at B&H talked me into going back to the KRKs as he felt I had purchased early versions of the VXT4s and the issues had been fixed.
It’s been less than a week and I was happy…until today, when the Rokit 5s started acting up and the same interference is starting to occur – softly, but definitely there (and loud enough to be noticeable when trying to edit).
I’m not sure what to do. I’m in an old building in New York City and can’t control too much of what goes on externally. I purchased new Mogami cables (TRS to XLR). The speakers are plugged into a PreSonus Firebox, which in turn is connected to my MacPro via firewire 400. The speakers are plugged into an APG power source which should protect against spikes.
Is there anything else I can do? Is there another brand that is better shielded?
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29 Replies
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Does problem still come through speakers with no connection to anything except to mains power
PeterPost Production Dubbing Mixer
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As I said, it occurs regardless of whether the computer was on or not and whether there were cables plugged into speakers or not. It’s not happening 100% of the time – there will be instances of silence (such as now) and then interference will start and will go on for a while (minutes…hours…)
As mentioned, I replaced the connector cables (and upgraded them even).
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Are the mains cables correctly earthed
PeterPost Production Dubbing Mixer
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How can one tell? If you mean the electrical, no idea what is on the other side of the outlet nor do I have any way of changing anything. The Cables used are all top of line and new and plugged in according to specifications.
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There might be something you can do. If the electric is not properly grounded, it is most likely against code and could be reported. There are line conditioners you can buy. You might consider a battery back-up box that includes line conditioners. Poor electric lines are not good for your computer gear either.
Maybe you could hire an electrician to test everything for you and make recommendations?
Have you tried plugging the speakers in from a different outlet? Maybe the wires are frayed or shortening or ground got disconnected inside the outlet.
MacPro4,1 2.66GHz 8 core 12gigs of ram. GPU: Nvidia Geoforce GT120 with Vram 512. OS X 10.6.x; Camcorders: Panasonic AG-HPX170, Sony Z7U, Canon HV30/40, Sony vx2000/PD170; FCP 6 certified; write professionally for a variety of media; teach video production in L.A.
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Are they 3 pin at each end?
Put a meter on the cables to check all 3 cores are good.
Having a poor earth would not be good.
Is there any rf nearby. Wireless alarms, mobile phones, masts etcPost Production Dubbing Mixer
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I live in an old New York City apartment…getting anything done is an impossibility. I would guess that code is not…quite up to snuff. Which is why I have all my computer and sound equipment on a Premium APC Back Up (which is supposed to correct high/low voltage and has a site wiring fault indicator that would scream bloody murder if improper grounding was happening).
If that’s not enough of a line conditioner, is there anything you recommend?
Of course right now the speakers are silent (as are the old ones which I plugged into an outlet on a different circuit).
Being in NYC, there are towers everywhere (I see two cell towers on the roof across the street in fact).
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As I live in an old NYC apartment with towers every where you look…the answer is yes to any interference possibilities. Hence my wondering if there is a brand with better shielding
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And thanks, guys for your help and feedback
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I don’t know about better shielding.
Have you tried bypassing the backup device for the speakers to see if the noise is better, worse etc?
Have you tried taking them to a different premises?
I guess you need to establish if the issue is specific to your building first.
PeterPost Production Dubbing Mixer
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