How To Avoid Ground Loops; Try To Eliminate The Loop - Native Instruments AUDIO KONTROL 1 Operation Manual

8.4. How to avoid Ground Loops

Ground loops are a common problem within any environment where multiple electri-
cal devices are connected to the same power circuit. In complex setups the cause(s)
of the noise can be difficult to find. 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
connected 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 vulner-
able to ground noise from an external device with its own power supply.) The cause
can also be any other device (such as a television) connected to the same mixer.
The reason why this noise is present at the monitor speakers input has to do with
a loop in the setup of electrical and audio cable connections in your studio. 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:

8.4.1. Try to eliminate the loop

Assuming that you have connected the AUDIO KONTROL 1 to a mixer, a first
troubleshooting step is to disconnect all devices from your mixer that you are not
currently using. This applies also to other peripheral devices you may have con-
nected to your computer (external data storage, CD burners).
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