Terrible Interference Noise.

[TheArmman95]

 I decided to ask for help here because I am sure someone has experienced the same issue. So here is the situation. I bought some active studio monitors for music. I plug them into my PC with a 3.5mm plug and no matter what I do, there is interference noise in the monitors. It is very noticeable with and without music.

So, I tried both inputs, front panel and motherboard. I also installed a sound-card and that didn't work. Same issue and noise for all situations. Another scenario that surprised me is when I used my phone. It is perfectly fine when I play music from my phone. But, as soon as I plug the charging cable into the USB of my desktop, the interference continues even though music is played through my phone jack. BTW there are no issues when using headphones. Whats going on?

[zMeul]

are the wall plugs grounded?

[TheArmman95]

They are on a power strip. Which I guess is grounded.

[Timothy11]

Hi,

I assume that they are powered speakers.

If so I would suggest adding a ground loop isolator between the computer and the speakers.

[TheArmman95]

2 minutes ago, Timothy11 said:

Hi,

I assume that they are powered speakers.

If so I would suggest adding a ground loop isolator between the computer and the speakers.

They are powered. Should plugging them in different wall sockets apply that fix?

[Timothy11]

No it will not.

 

As zMeul was suggesting that is usually avoided by ensuring that all components (computer and speakers) share a common ground. So plugging into the same power board is your best bet but that will require both plugs to have an earth pin.

 

Have you tested that both computer audio and speakers work independently (plug phone into speakers to test and headphones into computer)? Just to eliminate problems potential problems.

[TheArmman95]

1 minute ago, Timothy11 said:

No it will not.

 

As zMeul was suggesting that is usually avoided by ensuring that all components (computer and speakers) share a common ground. So plugging into the same power board is your best bet but that will require both plugs to have an earth pin.

 

Have you tested that both computer audio and speakers work independently (plug phone into speakers to test and headphones into computer)? Just to eliminate problems potential problems.

Yes. headphones are fine on the computer. And the phone straight to the speakers is fine. 

[Timothy11]

I would try a ground loop isolator.

 

somthing like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA6704KZ6244&cm_re=ground_loop_isolator-_-9SIA6704KZ6244-_-Product 

[TheArmman95]

On 12/30/2016 at 5:21 PM, Timothy11 said:

I would try a ground loop isolator.

 

somthing like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA6704KZ6244&cm_re=ground_loop_isolator-_-9SIA6704KZ6244-_-Product 

I bought this. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019393MV2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It takes away the interference, but the volume is much quieter. I have to turn up the the gain and the volume nob all the way for it to be normal listening volume. Now I have to turn up the speakers from the back. Does this make any sense?

 

[Timothy11]

That particular product has reviews saying that the volume was much softer when it is being used. If you are not happy with it try and get a higher quality ground loop isolator. The fact that the interference is gone indicates that a ground loop is your issue, so a ground loop isolator or ensuring that all devices share a common earth is the solution.