Karaoke Scene's Karaoke Forums :: External Soundcard

If I get an external usb soundcard for my notebook, connect it to my amp via 1/8" to 2 1/4" or 2 rca outs to 2 1/4" in, is there a possiblity that i can eliminate a ground issue I've been having due to the power supply of the notebook?

I wish my amp had digital audio in

well I am currently using a ground isolator from radio shack.. thing about the item is... I don't think it's using the higher quality cable. I figured if I get an external soundcard I can probably have a much cleaner connection from the out compare to my stock notebook's. Not to mention then I can use cables other then the ground isolator ones to connect into the amp.

I think I'll try the EBTECH HUMX... looks like a safe and cost effective way to get rid of the hum without cutting out the sound signals.

Dropping the ground - will eliminate the hum, but is also a very dangerous way around it - not only to the equipment, but possibly your life. Yeah yeah yeah, I know people will come on & claim, I'VE been doing it for years & never had anything happen.
It only takes one time!

Lonman @ Tue Apr 10, 2007 5:09 pm wrote:

Ok, I am one who has not had any problem by lifting the ground on my laptop power supply and the HUM was eliminated by doing that, BUT...I am willing to be shown a better and safer method and I have only the highest respect for Lonman's opinions.....Lonman has convinced me there is a better and safer method and I just ordered a Ebtech Hum X adapter.
Thanks Lonman, for sharing and teaching, you are a true asset to this forum.

Lonman, I'm a convert. :)

Author:	philli1025 [ Tue Apr 10, 2007 1:19 pm ]
Post subject:	External Soundcard
If I get an external usb soundcard for my notebook, connect it to my amp via 1/8" to 2 1/4" or 2 rca outs to 2 1/4" in, is there a possiblity that i can eliminate a ground issue I've been having due to the power supply of the notebook? I wish my amp had digital audio in

Author:	RLC [ Tue Apr 10, 2007 1:31 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: External Soundcard
philli1025 @ Tue Apr 10, 2007 3:19 pm wrote: If I get an external usb soundcard for my notebook, connect it to my amp via 1/8" to 2 1/4" or 2 rca outs to 2 1/4" in, is there a possiblity that i can eliminate a ground issue I've been having due to the power supply of the notebook? I wish my amp had digital audio in If you are refering to the "HUM" the easiest and cheapest way is to go to a 3 prong to 2 prong adapter for your power supply. If you don't already have one laying around they are about $1.29 at the hardware store. Some on here will probably not agree with lifting the ground like this but I and others have used this method without any problems for some time now. Admittedly there are other ways to get rid of the hum but they also cost more.

Author:	philli1025 [ Tue Apr 10, 2007 2:03 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: External Soundcard
well I am currently using a ground isolator from radio shack.. thing about the item is... I don't think it's using the higher quality cable. I figured if I get an external soundcard I can probably have a much cleaner connection from the out compare to my stock notebook's. Not to mention then I can use cables other then the ground isolator ones to connect into the amp.

Author:	Lonman [ Tue Apr 10, 2007 3:09 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: External Soundcard
philli1025 @ Tue Apr 10, 2007 2:03 pm wrote: well I am currently using a ground isolator from radio shack.. thing about the item is... I don't think it's using the higher quality cable. I figured if I get an external soundcard I can probably have a much cleaner connection from the out compare to my stock notebook's. Not to mention then I can use cables other then the ground isolator ones to connect into the amp. I honestly wouldn't worry about it personally. It's for home use - correct? You aren't going pro with this set-up I believe you stated. Just get the RCA to 1/4" plug adapters & continue using the ground isolator. Dropping the ground - will eliminate the hum, but is also a very dangerous way around it - not only to the equipment, but possibly your life. Yeah yeah yeah, I know people will come on & claim, I'VE been doing it for years & never had anything happen. It only takes one time!

Author:	Karaoke Kelley [ Wed Apr 11, 2007 6:36 am ]
Post subject:	Re: External Soundcard
Ok without getting TOO technical b/c hubby is the tech guy here, we have a laptop to a powered mixer & had a hum, we bought a 99.00 M-Audio interface (we went in asking for an external sound card & this is what the guy at Guitar Center explained we would be happy with seeing I record at the pc too) & our hum went away..we were even having where the words change color we could hear it & it got rid of that . Plus it made the overall sound of the music much better. I hope this helps in some way.

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Author:	philli1025 [ Wed Apr 11, 2007 6:43 am ]
Post subject:	Re: External Soundcard
Hmmm interesting.. actually i bought the soundblaster live 24! soundcard yesterday... (external) for like 35 bucks (the compusa is going out of business aroudn the area) It didn't get rid of the hum.... but it does have an optical out for movies so I can't really complain. Yea I was thinking about those audio interface... maybe it acts as a ground isolator without filtering the actual sound... which is what I think my 17 bucks ground isolator from radio shcak is doing. I think I'll try the EBTECH HUMX... looks like a safe and cost effective way to get rid of the hum without cutting out the sound signals.

Author:	Lonman [ Wed Apr 11, 2007 7:45 am ]
Post subject:	Re: External Soundcard
philli1025 @ Wed Apr 11, 2007 6:43 am wrote: I think I'll try the EBTECH HUMX... looks like a safe and cost effective way to get rid of the hum without cutting out the sound signals. Ebtech makes the best & safest hum eliminators & ground loop isolators.

Author:	RLC [ Sat Apr 14, 2007 4:18 am ]
Post subject:	Re: External Soundcard
Lonman @ Tue Apr 10, 2007 5:09 pm wrote: Dropping the ground - will eliminate the hum, but is also a very dangerous way around it - not only to the equipment, but possibly your life. Yeah yeah yeah, I know people will come on & claim, I'VE been doing it for years & never had anything happen. It only takes one time! Ok, I am one who has not had any problem by lifting the ground on my laptop power supply and the HUM was eliminated by doing that, BUT...I am willing to be shown a better and safer method and I have only the highest respect for Lonman's opinions.....Lonman has convinced me there is a better and safer method and I just ordered a Ebtech Hum X adapter. Thanks Lonman, for sharing and teaching, you are a true asset to this forum.

Author:	MorganLeFey [ Sat Apr 14, 2007 4:42 am ]
Post subject:	Re: External Soundcard
he sure is, heck he even agrees wiv the witch from time to time...well ok it was once...but it was memorable for me

Author:	philli1025 [ Sun Apr 15, 2007 11:19 am ]
Post subject:	Re: External Soundcard
RLC @ Sat Apr 14, 2007 7:18 am wrote: Lonman @ Tue Apr 10, 2007 5:09 pm wrote: Dropping the ground - will eliminate the hum, but is also a very dangerous way around it - not only to the equipment, but possibly your life. Yeah yeah yeah, I know people will come on & claim, I'VE been doing it for years & never had anything happen. It only takes one time! Ok, I am one who has not had any problem by lifting the ground on my laptop power supply and the HUM was eliminated by doing that, BUT...I am willing to be shown a better and safer method and I have only the highest respect for Lonman's opinions.....Lonman has convinced me there is a better and safer method and I just ordered a Ebtech Hum X adapter. Thanks Lonman, for sharing and teaching, you are a true asset to this forum. RLC hey once you get the HUMX would you mind sharing how it goes? THanks!

Author:	RLC [ Sun Apr 15, 2007 4:45 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: External Soundcard
[/quote]RLC hey once you get the HUMX would you mind sharing how it goes? THanks![/quote] Yep, I sure will. :)

Author:	RLC [ Tue Apr 17, 2007 3:44 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: External Soundcard
Ok, the Ebtech Hum X came today. Laptop 3 prong power cord plugged in normally - correct & safe, but bad Hum Laptop 3 prong power cord plugged into a 2 prong adapter (Lifting the ground) -uncorrect & unsafe, but no Hum Laptop 3 prong power cord plugged into a Ebtech Hum X - correct & safe, NO HUM It is a little pricey (around $50) but considering what it will be protecting I decided to try it. Lonman, I'm a convert. :)

Author:	philli1025 [ Tue Apr 17, 2007 6:18 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: External Soundcard
nice... i will be purchasing it.... before my next gathering Thanks for the response

Author:	Lonman [ Wed Apr 18, 2007 1:29 am ]
Post subject:	Re: External Soundcard
RLC @ Tue Apr 17, 2007 3:44 pm wrote: Lonman, I'm a convert. :) Wish everyone could be so safe. Yes, i've used the ground lift trick in a new club if the hum is there but got the ebtech for the next show. I have a few on hand now.

Author:	Lonnie [ Fri May 04, 2007 8:03 am ]
Post subject:	Re: External Soundcard
I have a Mobile Pre USB by M-Audio for an external sound card for my laptop. I do experience humming noise even though the outlet in my house is two prong. Any time I unplug my external sound card to go to a gig..I have to re- upload and configure it again when I get to my gig. The actual sound quality of the music is good. Also, I have one firewire connection on my lap top. Could I get a splitter and run a soundcard with firewire connections on it along with my external hard drive? What do you guys recommend I do or buy?

Author:	hamsamich [ Sat May 05, 2007 5:42 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: External Soundcard
another thing to buy now that lonman has spoken. thanks lon. jim

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Author:	Sandshark [ Sun May 06, 2007 1:50 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: External Soundcard
My laptop for my home set-up has only a two-prong cord, and I still had hum. Discovered the source of the ground loop was the TV cable (disconnecting it caused the hum to disappear), but I really wasn't into disconnecting the cable every time I wanted to do karaoke. I tried a ground isolator in the cable, but that blocked too much of the digital cable box command channel. Ultimately ran a small wire from the third prong of the power srtip the TV is on to the chassis of my laptop and the hum was diminished to the bearable level. When I later upgraded the sound to an Edirol USB sound card, I was pleasantly surprized that the hum was also eliminated (even removing my extra ground wire). Another advantage of the external card (at least using WinAmp) is that you can direct the music through the external and system sounds through the internal. And lastly, it does a great job of recording performances (using Audacity).