USB causes Hum Noise - TB 3 - Aira

USB causes Hum Noise - TB 3

2 Jan 2015, 16:45

I feel like I read about and maybe even discussed this problem on here, but couldn't find the post anywhere. I've been using my TB 3 with the Audio outputs for a long time with no problems. I recently reorganized my setup and where I would like the TB 3 placed, it can't use the midi ports because there are other things in the way.

So I've been sending the Midi through USB. Problem is now I hear a bunch of hum coming from it when I do this. I tried powering it with USB and having the power adapter unplugged from the unit, using just the USB for audio and midi, and random combinations of plugging things in and out with no luck.

I know it's some sort of grounding issue, and I tried with 3 different USB cables and 4 different audio cables with the same results. The TB 3 is the only device that has this problem I own. Any ideas on how to get rid of the noise? Thanks for the help.

Re: USB causes Hum Noise - TB 3

3 Jan 2015, 09:09

Wow that stinks. I have not tried connecting the TB-3 to a computer via USB.
Hope you get it sorted.

Re: USB causes Hum Noise - TB 3

3 Jan 2015, 11:33

Mine does this too. If you are using the analog outs, usb power, a usb ground loop occurs. Either plug it in with the ac adaptor or use usb audio.

Hope this helps.

Re: USB causes Hum Noise - TB 3

3 Jan 2015, 12:03

Works perfectly totty! I don't know how I failed to try this option. I think I must have been trying to keep my power strip free of the bulky source. Well, here we have it then- Use a power adapter along with the usb connection.

Strange Roland didn't find this issue in testing? I feel like using it with only a usb cable is a big feature here.

Thanks for being so helpful!

Re: USB causes Hum Noise - TB 3

3 Jan 2015, 19:41

Well it fixed it for about an hour and then it randomly went noisy again... Hmmm I'll have to isolate the problem better.

Re: USB causes Hum Noise - TB 3

4 Jan 2015, 06:01

Oh dear. It can be a bit of a minefield with grounding. I had the same idea to save a power connection. At the moment I'm using via USB only on my Mac, as an aggregate device with my RME interface. I appreciate that most people don't want to do it this way but I've found since upgrading to Yosemite and the new Roland driver that I can sync this up in Logic nicely. The only thing I've had to change is to untick playback pre-roll in Logic.

Not sure what computer you are on so this may/may not be of use.
Try changing the power adapter location on your power strip.

Re: USB causes Hum Noise - TB 3

6 Jan 2015, 10:58

Thanks for all of your help Totty. I'll be experimenting with it in the next few days and will post my results.

Re: USB causes Hum Noise - TB 3

12 Jan 2015, 06:03

you can eliminate the problem using a galvanic USB isolator, there are on Amazon or Ebay ;)

Re: USB causes Hum Noise - TB 3

12 Jan 2015, 09:45

Thank you I am looking into that cable now, lucky me I got an Amazon gift card for Christmas :)