Community: Message List - Annoying hum and hiss on Line Outs when USB cable is plugged into HD500.

Re: Annoying hum and hiss on Line Outs when USB cable is plugged into HD500.

support@line6.com — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 08:27:12 GMT

I have similar hum, but I play only on headphones. Only thing that helps is taking away computer power cable. I guess it is because my computer isn't grounded. Sometimes it is really annoying:(

Re: Annoying hum and hiss on Line Outs when USB cable is plugged into HD500.

support@line6.com — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 13:28:58 GMT

I too get this and Ground Loop Hum as stated previously is a very common issue and not one that is Line 6 Specific.

That said, the extra noise I get is actually quite quiet, but not ideal for recording and so when I'm recording I use my headphones instead, which I prefer anyway.

Anytime I have to play through an amp using the 1/4" jacks I just unplug the USB.

Done and done.

Re: Annoying hum and hiss on Line Outs when USB cable is plugged into HD500.

support@line6.com — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 09:23:34 GMT

An alternatvie is to rig a custom USB cable. May be worth trying if you have a spare ...

One suggestion I read was that you cut the cables

GND (black) and
+5V (red)

to totally decouple the soundcard power connection. The two data lines are enough to communicate.

Personally I would just try the black one first and see how you get on.

I suggest this because in some cases ground lift adapters on the power are not really safe. The ground channel is what stops the current going through you when there is a fault in the equipment. Not all gear needs it but if in doubt, I would avoid. Definitely avoid with tube amps !

Re: Annoying hum and hiss on Line Outs when USB cable is plugged into HD500.

support@line6.com — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 19:21:57 GMT

Fallofparadise,

Thank you so much. I cannot believe how well that worked. There is ZERO hum/buzz on any of the inputs and outputs.

Unbelievable!

Re: Annoying hum and hiss on Line Outs when USB cable is plugged into HD500.

support@line6.com — Mon, 14 May 2012 01:25:53 GMT

Yup. I absolutely, 100% have exactly this same issue. It hums when plugged into ANY outboard amplifier from the 1/4" outs on the HD500, whilst the USB cable is attached.

HOWEVER. I do have ONE amp, which causes zero hum to happen. It's an older, CBS, Paul Rivera designed, Fender 'Studio Lead' - with a (by design) 2 prong power plug.

Which supports the notion that the hum is from a ground loop. To help you, I realize this, is not much use, if you don't have such an ungrounded by design amp!

For what it worth, anyhow

Good Luck! (I bought mine used off craigslist for $90)

Power amp in on the back of the amp, sounds amazing.

Of course Guitar Center adds $200 to the price... Bastards!!

http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Store-Used-USED-FENDER-STUDIO-LEAD-USA-MADE-COMBO-107342102-i2314040.gc

http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Store-Used-USED-FENDER-STUDIO-LEAD-50W-GTR-AMP--USA-MADE--042312-107679984-i2489078.gc?source=4WFRWXX&CAWELAID=1343580061

Re: Annoying hum and hiss on Line Outs when USB cable is plugged into HD500.

support@line6.com — Wed, 09 May 2012 05:41:07 GMT

I know this sounds silly as hell but it works! I had the same issue and someone on the forum helped me with this. All you have to do is go to Walmart or something and but a couple of ground adapters...you know the three prong into two prong wall adapters. It got rid of all of the noise for me with anything I used through usb while using monitors. They sell these special ones for like 60 dollars but the basic ones for a few dollars work just as well...

Re: Annoying hum and hiss on Line Outs when USB cable is plugged into HD500.

support@line6.com — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:14:33 GMT

Hello,

sorry for not re-visiting this thread. I proceeded as has been suggested by unplugging the USB when actually recording. So far, this is the only working fix.

I've tried different USB-cables and I'm not sure, it might be better with one of four I've tried but only slightly.

Thanks for the input, guys.

Re: Annoying hum and hiss on Line Outs when USB cable is plugged into HD500.

support@line6.com — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:45:47 GMT

It could be the cable, I suppose. Any chance you're (the original poster) using a USB cable without a filter choke (the little barrel piece near the end of the cable) on it?

Re: Annoying hum and hiss on Line Outs when USB cable is plugged into HD500.

support@line6.com — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:24:06 GMT

But he still gets hum when the cable is disconnected from the computer.

Id have to initially hope its the USB cable.

Re: Annoying hum and hiss on Line Outs when USB cable is plugged into HD500.

support@line6.com — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:09:56 GMT

It's a ground loop caused from connecting the 1/4" outs on the HD500 to the M-Audio interface. It's pretty common when you have a USB connection and an analog connection in use at the same time. Sometimes unplugging the power cord from the laptop will help, but not always. This noise happens when people try to connect the HD500 to a computer and amp at a same time usually, too.

I guess the simplest workaround is to just disconnect the USB cable when you're actually recording. Or another thing you could try is using the S/PDIF output on the HD500 to go into the 1814.