Background 'hum' with 2.6 and Wharfedale 15s.

I recently updated to Traktor 2.6 (ASUS NJ61 running unbloated Windows 7) and have since developed an issue with my personal set-up. I run a pair of (self-powered) Wharfedale 15s directly from the BALANCED output of the S4 (TRS jack to TRS jack) and now notice a faint 'hum' on start up. The noise stays at low level with increased output on both 'sotware' and 'main outputs' - I keep both at around 12 o' clock. I am assuming that it is related to the speakers in some way, as I run a studio set-up with KRK 6s and a 10" KRK subwoofer (balanced output to subwoofer, balanced outputs to monitors) without any issues. Any ideas?
Thank you.

what happen if you run your laptop only from it's battery? If the hum disappear and your power supply se 3 pins in the AC outlet, you may want to change it for a 2 pin model.

OR you may try to lift the ground pin of your TRS cables (yeas both channel) .. no it doesn't hurt ... it's not the AC ground.

Some will also use some sort of passive direct box (aka hum eliminator) between the speaker and the S4.

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Originally Posted by DJKeyWee

what happen if you run your laptop only from it's battery? If the hum disappear and your power supply se 3 pins in the AC outlet, you may want to change it for a 2 pin model.OR you may try to lift the ground pin of your TRS cables (yeas both channel) .. no it doesn't hurt ... it's not the AC ground.
Some will also use some sort of passive direct box (aka hum eliminator) between the speaker and the S4.

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Thank you KW - heard about the 'eliminator' - ANOTHER box :cursing:. Gonna try your other suggestions.

A good friend of mine always had a 'hum' when plugging his s4 into his Wharfdales. Drove us crazy. Eventually resided at the fact that it was something that would always be there. When her changed his set up to A10, mixer and 2 X1's the hum disappeared. I know this is of no help. Just more of an observation! ;)

Ground Loop maybe?

http://www.virtualdj.com/wiki/Ground%20Loops.html

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Originally Posted by sarasin

Ground Loop maybe?
http://www.virtualdj.com/wiki/Ground%20Loops.html

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Yup - go to battery - no hum. Guess the isolator is the way to go. Removing earth seems dicey.

I removed the Earth....and its fine.

You are basically making it a 2 prong plug.

I just cut the Earth Wire in my laptop power plug and now I have only 2 wires in my 3 prong plug.

Totally safe and does the trick.

;)

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Originally Posted by Sarasin

I removed the Earth....and its fine.

You are basically making it a 2 prong plug.

I just cut the Earth Wire in my laptop power plug and now I have only 2 wires in my 3 prong plug.

Totally safe and does the trick.

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You are crazy.

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Originally Posted by Patch

You are crazy.

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Seems to be the general concensus.

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Originally Posted by Patch

You are crazy.

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What about the round two-prong power cable that comes with some laptops - is THAT earthed?

Thats the one I cut off and replaced with a 3 prong, like we generally use in SA.

I have that plugged into a power strip....which is Earthed....so all good.

Me Crazy?

Well..I have been Hum Free for the last 4 years.....and have had nothing happen to my lappy.
Play Outdoors often....off Generators...from Club power...no issues.

Up to you whether you want to do it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sarasin

Thats the one I cut off and replaced with a 3 prong, like we generally use in SA.
I have that plugged into a power strip....which is Earthed....so all good.
Me Crazy?
Well..I have been Hum Free for the last 4 years.....and have had nothing happen to my lappy.
Play Outdoors often....off Generators...from Club power...no issues.
Up to you whether you want to do it.

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My point Adrian - those round jobs drive me NUTS - and they are NOT earthed. Always do the SA thing and replace with a standard 15amp plug. I ALWAYS plug into an earthed power strip with surge protection. Way to go. Dankie.

Lekker Boet!

:)