AJScott

Hey guys just recently got some KRK Rokkit powered 5 monitors.

All is good except I'm receiving a buzz from the monitors.

Here's my setup:

Monitors connect to my interface via RCA to 6.3mm lead. (RCA in the rokkits, 6.3mm in the interface) interface which is a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 connects to my computer and is also powered by a USB lead. Computer then goes straight to the wall socket for power.

So here's the issue, theres a buzz in my monitors. If I disconnect the monitors from my interface the buzz goes away, I have tried a 6.3mm cable instead of the 6.3mm to RCA cable and I have the same issue. If, when pulling the cable out of the interface, I hold it at a certain angle I can hear the radio. I don't know which radio, but I can hear it quite clear.

I've tried using a different USB cable and connecting it to a different port this didn't do anything, and when I touch my computer mouse which is plastic I can another very quiet audible hum.

Any ideas what to do?

I didn't have this issue with my previous set of monitors.

z4twenny

Exchange your monitors, sounds like a grounding issue

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AJScott

In both monitors?

They both take a separate power cord.

z4twenny

Thats what it sounds like, do you have another set to test and make sure its not the interface? Know anyone with a different interface to see if your monitors buzz on their rig?

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AJScott

I don't see why both monitors would be faulty, they're both running separate power cords going to separate power outlets. I'm afraid I don't have another interface I could ask a friend to bring his, but my previous set of monitors which just blew out didn't have this issue.


But again I doubt both monitors would have a grounding issue.

z4twenny

1. What happened to your previous monitors?

2. Why do you not believe it could be grounding issues on both?

3. Do they buzz when turned on but are not connected to your interface?

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Culler Amps

Its fairly common to have more than one outlet run on the same circuit. So it very possibly could be a mains issue.

You need to isolate the problem.

First try feeding the monitors from a different source. That will let you know if the interface is the issue, or something else.

AJScott

I used them too much, too loud and they burnt out.

I dont believe it is a grounding issue on both as each monitor requires a separate power source, each is getting this from different power sources.

They do not buzz when not connected to my interface.

kyle62

Ok, I'm going to take a guess at what's going on here, since I had a similar problem.

Are the leads mono or stereo? When I hook up my monitors using mono 1/4" cables, the buzz and make a ton of noise. With stereo leads, they're completely silent.

I'm, guessing this is because they use 3-conductor stereo cables as a balanced, mono signal (basically the same as an XLR lead). If both sides aren't connected, half the signal isn't getting there so you pick up tons of noise. If you don't know how XLR/balanced leads work check it out on Wikipedia, it's actually vaguely interesting.

I assume you know how to tell between mono and stereo jacks but just in case:

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AJScott

Thanks for the advice, I did not know that.

As of current there is a 6.3mm cable with 2 ends which convert to RCA and they go into the monitors. I just had a look at the 6.3mm end and it only had 1 ring.

The whole cable looks like this:

http://www.amatron.nl/shop/images/rca_jack_jb.jpg

kyle62

Don't bother with RCA cables at all.

Get a pair of stereo jack cables (or XLRs if your interface has the outputs for it) and try that instead. The unbalanced cables are probably just picking up a ton of noise, including electrical noise from inside the computer.

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jof1029

aside from using balanced cables, you actually want the two monitors (and the interface and computer) all on the same electrical circuit. get a power strip, and plug everything into that.

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AJScott

I have recently done this and I still have the same issue.



I think the noise is coming from my computer, when I move the mouse or press certain buttons on the keyboard the noise gets worse. My interface does not support XLR outputs. Can you send me a link of some new cables I could purchase? Not sure what I'm looking for.

lockwolf

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Live-Wi...583-i1166760.gc

They're balanced TRS cables. I had a similar problem with my Truths when I first had them. Switched to balanced cables & the noise was gone. Most music shops will carry them and when I bought those exact ones at GC, they were like $2 cheaper a piece than what they were listed on the site.

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kyle62

Yeah, the truths have '1/4 TRS' on the back so I assumed it'd be balanced. I reckon OP will be sorted with some cheap stereo leads.

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AJScott

Reading the manual of my Rokkits, it says 1/4 inch balanced and unbalanced cables will work. My unbalanced 1/4 to RCA jacks still give the buzz, and even when I take my normal guitar leads (which im guessing are unbalanced) and use those, I get the same buzz?

AJScott

Also, would this be a good investment to potentially remove the buzz?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/BALANCED-ST...m/dp/B003IUV6XY

lockwolf

Yeah but unless you absolutely need 6 cables or don't mind waiting till Christmas to get them, I wouldn't order online.

I'd honestly go with Balanced Cables over Unbalanced even with inputs for both. I've just had issues with them & it's not that expensive.

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