Native Instruments Audio 2 DJ - Avoiding Ground Loops

AUDIO 2 DJ – 40
9.3.6 Update the Driver
Check the Native Instruments website regularly for updates of the AUDIO 2 DJ driver.
9.4 How to avoid Ground Loops
Ground loops are a common problem within any environment where multiple electrical
devices are connected to the same power circuit. In complex setups the cause(s) of the
noise can be difcult to nd. Ground loops are perceived usually as a hum or buzz in
your audio signal, but this can also transmit and amplify other sounds from the devices
connected to the circuit. For example, one very common problem is that you hear internal
clicking sounds created by your computer.
The cause of the noise is usually the computer and its internal devices, or devices con-
nected to the computer like external hard drives. (Note that even if the power supply of
your notebook computer is not connected, your setup may still be vulnerable to ground
noise from an external device with its own power supply.) The cause can also be any other
device (such as a radio or television).
The reason why this noise is present at the monitor speakers input has to do with a loop
in the setup of your electrical and audio cable connections. Most likely this loop occurs
through the ground of one or more of these cables. With this in mind, the following points
should help to eliminate the ground loop.
9.4.1 Try to eliminate the loop
As a rst step, always connect your devices to the same power outlet (e.g. with a
multi-outlet power strip).
Assuming that you have connected your audio interface, the next troubleshooting step
is to disconnect all devices that you are not currently using, but not the amplier and/
or speakers. This also applies to other peripheral devices you may have connected to
your computer (external data storage, CD recorders and especially radio or television
cables). In case the ground loop disappeared, you can add the devices one after an-
other to identify which device is responsible.
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