2. pc-audio
  3. 1229979705

computer audio ground loop hum--any suggestions?

I recently installed a new power supply in my desktop. Everything works, but I have acquired what sounds like a ground loop hum in the speaker with the on/off switch and volume control (and the hum gets louder as I turn up the volume). There is no hum in the other "satellite" speaker. The power lead from the woofer unit only has a two-pin plug on it, so there's no chance of using a "cheater" plug to life the ground, although it seems as if that wouldn't have worked anyway.

Any suggestions?

(FWIW, the wiring scheme is pretty standard. A lead with a stereo minijack takes the two-channel audio from the back of the CPU to the back of the speaker with the on/off switch and volume control. Another thicker lead from the back of the speaker goes down to the "woofer" with a multi-pin connector going in to the woofer. A second thinner lead coming out of the same multi-pin takes audio out to the other "satellite" speaker. A separate power cord from the woofer goes to the power strip.)
twoleftears
almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
One other thought -- does your computer have one of those cheap little plastic microphones plugged into it, the kind that are intended for dictation? I've found that they are very prone to hum pickup, due to their lack of shielding. If you have one connected, either unplug it, or mute it in the software that controls your sound properties.

Regards,
-- Al
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears OP
5,326 posts
 
Many thanks to all! Some vigorous jiggling of the miniplug, and some careful dressing of all the cable runs, seem to have done the trick! Much appreciated.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Your welcome. Great "moniker"!
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