- Feb 12, 2006
- 61,051
- 5
- 221,019
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
It's also radiated interference, therefore not applicable to this discussion.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Amp noise caused by iMac plugged in on same circuit
- Thread starter sadwinkey
- Start date
It’s another example of radiated interference, similar to what it sounds like the computer is producing from another room on a different electrical circuit, and an example of interference which the average amplified musician is likely to have experience with. It is an applicable example even though neither of us thinks the cell phone is causing this particular issue.
- Feb 12, 2006
- 61,051
- 5
- 221,019
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
Yes, but it confuses the specific issue that the OP is troubleshooting and the troubleshooting symptoms that he as followed to rule out radiated immunity issues.
I apologize if my example confused the issue. I was saying in my case, it was very helpful to have an electrician come out. Not 100% sure what he did other than I know the connection to the house and the grounding was replaced, but my problem (which may not be the same as the OPs) got fixed.
As mentioned above, a nearby router could be the source of the noise. I heard ticking in your audio. Shut it and your phone off if you can to test. If you have broadband over power lines (BPL) in your home, it could also be a source of noise.
You would want a master electrician to check for, and make repairs, for code compliance as per the NEC (National Electrical Code).
IMO/IME the issue of proper ground and neutral connections is the most likely cause.
It would be interesting to know if your house had a router, other computer, or similar device plugged into the same circuit or located near by.
In my case, I had an electrician coming to fix where the electric wire to my house was touching a metal roof. I had previously checked the ground/neutral with a multimeter I had because of the noise with my guitar. I suspected an issue with my home's grounding.
He recommended replacing the meter to the house and the grounding to get things to code. Because he mentioned the grounding, I described my issue with the guitar. I remember he checked it out, but I honestly don't remember what they did other than the meter and grounding but my problem is fixed.
I would describe the problem you are having to them I imagine the wiring in an electric guitar and amp is pretty simple to a master electrician and even if they don't play guitar they will be able to diagnose the problem.
Most Electricians don’t know electronics, but they do know how to check to make sure the electrical system in your house is installed correctly.
I was just doing some (work) reading on surge protection and in an article on grounding/bonding they mentioned this when checking the building ground:
Safety is a primary concern when working on “live” electrical systems. Always use proper protection equipment. Remember, if you are in contact with the grounding system (particularly if the ground rod is disconnected) YOU are the ground for the system.
Being a hardcore DIY guy myself, I wanted to pass on the warning.
Safety is a primary concern when working on “live” electrical systems. Always use proper protection equipment. Remember, if you are in contact with the grounding system (particularly if the ground rod is disconnected) YOU are the ground for the system.
Being a hardcore DIY guy myself, I wanted to pass on the warning.
I have five Macs spread out on all three levels of my home. I have never had any interference from them and my bass amps.
Hooray you found the problem! As a bonus, fixing the ground in your house could also save your life, so that's nice.
So just a quick update for those who happen to stumble upon this thread with the same issue.
In my last reply to this thread, I concluded that the issue was related to an electrical issue in my home, because I could not reproduce the issue in another building.
Since then, I took the setup to 2 additional houses (lots of lugging equipment around!) and was able to replicate the issue both times. So, I ended up sending the iMac back to B&H, and I received a new one. Lo and behold, the awful cyclical clicking noise is gone! Hallelujah! So the issue was with the machine itself.
This new mac does produce a tiny bit of buzzing noise throughout the circuit, but it is only audible when my amps are CRANKED. And it isn't an awful clicking noise, it's a slight buzz that goes in and out depending on the usage of the computer. It isn't a dealbreaker, but I am going to try out the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] to see if I can clean up this last bit of noise. Not sure if this is a snake-oil-esque product, but I'll let you all know how it works out.
Thanks for the help everyone!
In my last reply to this thread, I concluded that the issue was related to an electrical issue in my home, because I could not reproduce the issue in another building.
Since then, I took the setup to 2 additional houses (lots of lugging equipment around!) and was able to replicate the issue both times. So, I ended up sending the iMac back to B&H, and I received a new one. Lo and behold, the awful cyclical clicking noise is gone! Hallelujah! So the issue was with the machine itself.
This new mac does produce a tiny bit of buzzing noise throughout the circuit, but it is only audible when my amps are CRANKED. And it isn't an awful clicking noise, it's a slight buzz that goes in and out depending on the usage of the computer. It isn't a dealbreaker, but I am going to try out the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] to see if I can clean up this last bit of noise. Not sure if this is a snake-oil-esque product, but I'll let you all know how it works out.
Thanks for the help everyone!
Last edited:
Snake oil
Amp noise, pickup noise, ... are to be expected and and low enough they don't show up in a mix.
Look at some noise reduction plugins like those from Izotope. They all also include some noise gates.
Amp noise, pickup noise, ... are to be expected and and low enough they don't show up in a mix.
Look at some noise reduction plugins like those from Izotope. They all also include some noise gates.
- Feb 12, 2006
- 61,051
- 5
- 221,019
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
Agreed, a form of snake oil but with no safety agency certification so it's even more dangerous than "genuine" snake oil.
Don't waste your money.
Don't waste your money.
Snake Oil Salesmen Were on to Something
“Chinese water-snake oil contains 20 percent eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), one of the two types of omega-3 fatty acids most readily used by our bodies. In comparison, the rattlesnakes had only 8.5 percent EPA. And salmon, one of the most popular food sources of omega-3's, contains a maximum of 18 percent EPA, lower than that of snake oil.
Research since the 1980s has demonstrated the necessity—and efficacy—of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids not only reduce inflammation, such as arthritis pain, but also improve cognitive function and reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and even depression.”
“Chinese water-snake oil contains 20 percent eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), one of the two types of omega-3 fatty acids most readily used by our bodies. In comparison, the rattlesnakes had only 8.5 percent EPA. And salmon, one of the most popular food sources of omega-3's, contains a maximum of 18 percent EPA, lower than that of snake oil.
Research since the 1980s has demonstrated the necessity—and efficacy—of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids not only reduce inflammation, such as arthritis pain, but also improve cognitive function and reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and even depression.”
