New PC build causing interference with monitor speakers

Hello all

I thank anyone in advance for any help and advise suggested.

I recently decided it was time for a new PC. My old one was almost 7 years old and was struggling with certain instruments and projects.

A friend helped put the new build together but there is a bizarre issue with noise interference through my KRK Rokit 8s. The noise is a kind of squealchy crackle, almost like a processing noise. It is not affected by volume and does not come through my headphones. I tried to upload a MP3 using the Upload a File button but it says it has the wrong extension.

We have tried to find a solution online but so far nothing. We even tried a different mobo, CPU cooler and power supply. My friends PC has a similar spec to mine so we set that up in my home studio and got the same result.

I do not have this issue with my old PC so I'm sure anyone reading this will understand the frustration.

Below is the full spec of the PC and my studio set up.

Intel Core i9-10900K CPU @ 3.70GHz 3.70 GHz
Kingston 32GB (2x16GB) HX432C16FB4K2/32 HyperX Fury 3200MHz DDR4 RAM
Asus TUF Gaming Z490-Plus LGA 1200 ATX Motherboard
MSI MAG CoreLiquid 240R AIO Liquid CPU Cooler
Samsung 2TB 870 QVO 2.5in SATA SSD x 2
Asus Phoenix GeForce GTX 1650 OC 4GB GDDR6 Graphics Card
EVGA 700w GQ80+ Gold Power Supply
Thermaltake Level 20 MT ARGB Mid Tower Chassis
Samsung 24” LED SR350 75Hz FHD Monitor x 2

Steinberg UR22 mkII Audio Interface

KRK Rokit 8 Studio Monitor Speakers x 2

Mark

 

What kind of Cables are you using to hook up the UR22 to the monitors and how close to the Tower is the Ur22 and/or the Cables used to connect to the KRKs?

If you don't already have some, I would get some High Quality Balanced TRS to XLR cables (I recommend Monster Cables). make sure to move the cables as well as the UR22 as far away from the computer as practical

There is also a troubleshooting section in the KRK manual that discusses "Hum or other loud noise" might want to give that a look see... what version of the Rokits G -1,2,3 or 4

 

I originally had the PC next to my desk on a stand but moved it underneath the desk to see if that made a difference but it didn't.

I'm using just the TRS cables but was wondering if I should try something different. I've also tried moving the cables and the UR22 as far away as possible with no result.

Thanks for your suggestions. I will certainly look into them.

 

As Blindeddie mentioned: Well shielded cables might be relevant as well. I reduced noise by using these ones:
https://www.thomannmusic.com/sommer_cable_stage_22_sg04_0100_sw.htm

 

Is 700W power supply suffitient? i9 is very power hungry.

Also is your PC, audio interface and monitors connected to the same outlet? If not, there might be problem with grounding.....

 

It's probably more an issue with grounding. From what I can see, that interface is completely USB powered with no separate power supply therefore the ground of the system will be through your computer and if it isn't a good path to ground then much of the interference signal that is normally grounded will now go through your cables and through to ground via your monitors, in that case no manner of expensive cable will be suitable.

One test you can do is the interface has 2 USB ports with a switch that selects what to power from. If you are using the mini USB to connect to your PC, try get a USB charger plug and a TypeB cable to connect from the interface as well to the USB charger and switch it to power from that. You may find that just connecting it is enough to offer a better ground path. May do nothing at all but worth a try.

 

Thanks for the input guys, it is really appreciated and I am looking into all suggestions.

One thing I noticed was when I was playing around with a tune in Reason, when I saved my progress, the noise stopped completely while the project was saving. Anyone have any thoughts on that?

 

Yeah the noise is CPU or GPU interference which halts when saving a file so it’s related to grounding. Also just make sure your audio candles are TRS and not just TS, should be 3 contact bands and 2 black lines on the plugs.

 

I have thought of a grounding problem but wasn't sure where to start so thanks for the suggestion.
I've never used the USB B connection so have it a try. I flicked switch but the unit did not have any power, no lights, nothing. I used 2 different USB chargers but no go. I'll look into this further though...

 

Something else I'd not thought of. I've been using the same cables for ages...don't recall if the came with the monitors or the interface... But...they are not TRS.
I guess I've not noticed that because I've never had this problem before
So I guess I'll get TRS to XLR cables and try that.
Cheers
Mark

 

So I got the 5v DC power working but I still have the noise. Since we are all in lockdown and my local music store is closed I'll order the TRS to XLR cables online and see how that goes when they arrive.

 

TRS or XLR might help. I have experienced one set of my monitors did not like TR cables. TRS were just fine. Others worked fine with TR in the same setup of the rest of chain (PC, audio interface, ...)

 

A couple of other things I noticed yesterday evening. .
When exporting a project to audio the noise changed. It definitely sounded like something was processing.
And when I shut the PC down the noise continued as a whine until I turned off the PC completely with the switch on the rear.

 

It will be eiher. TR-TRS thing, or defective audio cable, or problem with grounds, or interference from PC power source or circuitry on motherboard (insuffitient amount of condensers).

Again, do you have PC, audio interface and monitors plugged into the same wall outlet? If not it may create grounding problem under certain circumstances.

I guess, TRS cables might solve the problem.

 

Thanks for the response Kubrak.

I've put the audio interface and speakers on a separate power outlet but no change. I've ordered some quality TRS to XLRM cables online and hope they arrive early next week.
If the cables don't work I'm really not sure where to go from there. I've actually tried 2 different motherboards as from the research my friend and I did the mobo may have been the issue. I returned it but it could not be faulted. We have also replaced the CPU coller with a liquid cooled one and replaced the power supply.
When you say above about grounds and interference from power or circuitry and insufficient condensors, is this something that can be fixed?

 

Hi, I remember that some motherboards / firmware provide a sort of switch to reduce their "electronic smog".

 

Mi Mark,

am looking forward to you resolving it. I have the same problem here.

My standard audio adapter is a Steinberg UR242, which has separate power supplies. Zero noise.

Got a Behringer UAC204 (or so) to test. It has no separate power supply. Has crackling noise on the studio monitors like you described it.

All the other equipment is the same. Cabling is TRS/XLR.

Tried all things as suggested above, and more. "Same Power Outlet", unplugging other cables or USB-Devices, inserting powered USB-Hubs etc. to see (hear !), whether anything changes. Tried even a USB-Decoupler. No success.

The interesting thing is, that a headphone connected to the UAC204 does not have the noise while the (active) monitors do. Maybe you can check this for you too.

I think, it is either kind of a ground loop introduced by the active monitors and its own power connection - or, as somebody mentioned above - the power supply of the PC adds some unwanted noise onto the 5V for the USB power. Too poor or inadequate condensers being used. And the UR22 cannot deal with it.

Edit: Your observation (quiet while saving) and comments from Jester are also an indication to a potential source of the issue. If the graphics adapter is electronically not well designed or shielded, it may happen that noise is coupled back (fed back) into the 5V of the PC USB power.

LG, Juergi

 

It should be all in one outlet, not two separate.

I hope TRS cable solves the problems. Keep the finger crossed.

Condensers are on motherboard. Better MBs have more of them and so they are able to face peaks of CPU/GPU consumption better than cheaper MBs. You cannot do anything about it, but replace the MB. Or you probably may setup power limits for CPU in motherboard BIOS...

I am not sure, but it seems to me 700 W powersource might not be suffitient, i9 is rather hungry.... And graphic card also I guess. But it is just my feeling, I haven't looked into techspec.

 

Hello all

I have news. It seems a combination of the TRS to XLR cables and the 5v power on the interface has resolved the issue. Everything is back on the same power outlet too.

Thanks for all the help and advice.

Mark

 

I was having the same issue and this saved my life! Got it at Home Depot and the crackles and hiss are gone. Hope this helps you!