Umair Gaines
Electrical noise can be a huge problem when recording, especially in a home studio. Every device connected to the power grid in your area can cause distortions in the electricity you use, which can manifest as audible clicks, pops, hissing, or buzzing. To reduce electrical noise when recording, you can use a passive power conditioner to filter out electrical line noise, properly shield your electronic devices, cables, and power cords, use a high-pass filter, and reduce the distance between the subject and microphone.
How to reduce electrical noise when recording
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use a passive power conditioner | Filters out noise from AC power |
| Use a high-end isolation transformer | To power your equipment |
| Use a ground-loop isolator | To eliminate ground loop noise |
| Use a Hum Bug 50/60 Hz Noise Eliminator | Recognises noise harmonics and eliminates them in real-time |
| Use a high-pass filter | Removes unnecessary noise from recordings |
| Use a windscreen on microphones | Reduces wind noise |
| Reduce the distance between the subject and microphone | Increases the speech-to-noise ratio |
| Shielding of electronic devices, audio cables, and power cords | Blocks or attenuates EMI/RFI affecting components and wiring in the audio path |
| Use balanced cables | Designed to eliminate external noise from entering the signal |
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What You'll Learn
- Use a passive power conditioner to filter out electrical noise
- Shield cables and devices to block electromagnetic interference
- Reduce room acoustics impact with mic placement and acoustic treatments
- Eliminate electrical noise sources like ground loops and bad cables
- Use a Hum Bug or ground loop isolator to eliminate ground loop noise
Use a passive power conditioner to filter out electrical noise
One way to minimise or eliminate electrical line noise is to use a passive power conditioner. This device filters out electrical noise from the AC power before it reaches your equipment and becomes part of your recording.
Passive power conditioners are devices that don't contain any powered electronic circuitry. They include isolation transformers, surge protectors, and resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) type conditioners. Power regenerators and UPS systems, on the other hand, are considered active devices.
A power conditioner, also known as a line conditioner or power line conditioner, improves the quality of power delivered to electrical load equipment. They work to smooth the sinusoidal AC waveform and maintain a constant voltage over varying loads. This is especially useful in home or office settings, where they provide surge protection and noise filtering.
Small power conditioners are rated in volt-amperes (V·A), while larger units are rated in kilovolt-amperes (kV·A). The ideal power feed would have a sine wave with amplitude and frequency as per national standards or system specifications, but in reality, deviations occur. These deviations can include "swells", which are temporary increases in voltage, and "sags" or "dips", which are temporary decreases in voltage.
Passive power conditioners are a cost-effective solution for reducing electrical noise in recordings. They are simple to use and do not interfere with the recording process.
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Shield cables and devices to block electromagnetic interference
Shielded cables are designed to safeguard electrical signals from disruptive electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). They are widely used in diverse industries where signal integrity and noise reduction are critical. These cables consist of one or more insulated conductors wrapped in a conductive layer, known as the shield. The shield acts as a barrier, preventing external electromagnetic fields from disrupting the signals.
In audio systems, shielded speaker wires are essential for high-fidelity sound reproduction. They minimise EMI, ensuring clear and undistorted sound. In professional audio setups, such as concerts, recording studios, and live performances, shielded wires are crucial for delivering seamless and accurate audio experiences.
Shielding can be achieved through various methods, including the use of conductive or magnetic materials, such as foil, braided shields, or a combination of both. Foil shielding, for example, uses an aluminium/polyester or aluminium/Kapton foil shield with 100% coverage. It reflects signal interference and conducts noise to the ground, protecting the cable.
Additionally, twisted pair cables (STP) offer enhanced protection against EMI by twisting the cable pairs to cancel out electromagnetic interference, thus improving signal integrity. Ferrite beads or chokes can also be placed around the cable to absorb high-frequency interference, further reducing EMI and improving performance.
In some cases, active shielding may be employed, where a field created by electromagnets cancels out the ambient field. This is particularly useful for static or low-frequency fields.
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Reduce room acoustics impact with mic placement and acoustic treatments
The influence of room acoustics on recordings can be reduced with careful mic placement and the use of acoustic treatments.
Mic Placement Techniques
The angle and distance between the microphone and the sound source can significantly impact the amount of room noise that enters the recording. One technique is off-axis placement, where the microphone is positioned slightly off to the side of the sound source, reducing reflections and softening harsh reverb. For example, when recording vocals in an untreated room, angling the microphone slightly to the side can prevent reflections from nearby walls from bouncing back into the microphone. Similarly, when recording acoustic guitars, direct sound can be captured while reducing ambient room noise.
Another technique is to experiment with the height of the microphone. If the room produces a lot of low-end reverb, raising the microphone away from the floor may reduce these reflections. Conversely, if the ceiling is very bright or reflective, lowering the microphone might produce a cleaner sound.
Acoustic Treatments
Acoustic treatments involve using materials such as sound-absorbing panels, diffusers, and bass traps to control the acoustic properties of a room. These treatments can be commercially procured or fabricated at home using materials like foam panels or thick blankets.
When strategically placed, these materials can absorb or diffuse sound waves, reducing unwanted reflections and creating a more controlled recording environment. For example, hanging blankets or foam behind the performer can prevent sound waves from reflecting back toward the microphone.
Combining Mic Placement and Acoustic Treatments
By combining thoughtful mic placement with portable acoustic treatments, you can significantly improve your recording quality even in acoustically challenging rooms. For instance, attaching a microphone to a portable reflection filter can effectively absorb and diffuse room reflections, ensuring a clearer sound from the source.
Additionally, high-pass filters can be useful in removing unnecessary low-frequency noise from your recordings, such as passing vehicles or slamming doors.
Other Considerations
While this answer focuses on mic placement and acoustic treatments, it is important to note that other factors can contribute to electrical noise in recordings. These include ground loops, improper studio lighting, bad cables and connections, and improper cable positioning. Proper shielding of electronic devices, audio cables, and power cords is essential to blocking or attenuating electromagnetic interference.
Furthermore, each room has unique acoustic characteristics, and it is impossible to provide a one-size-fits-all guide to acoustic treatment. Understanding the outcome you want to achieve is crucial, as acoustic treatment should not kill all reverberation or cover a room entirely with foam tiles. Instead, it should aim to create a balanced and neutral sound environment.
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Eliminate electrical noise sources like ground loops and bad cables
Electrical noise can be caused by ground loops, bad cables, and connections or improper cable positioning. Ground loops occur when two points of a circuit are intended to have the same ground reference potential but instead have a different potential between them. This results in noise, hum, and interference in audio, video, and computer systems. To eliminate ground loop noise, you can inspect the devices, rearrange your setup, or use a ground loop isolator to eliminate interference. It is important to note that breaking the ground on a device can increase the risk of electrical shock and should be avoided.
To prevent issues with bad cables, it is important to use high-quality, properly shielded cables. Quality audio cables feature conductor windings designed to reject unwanted noise and a layer of shielding around the conductors. Unbalanced cables are more vulnerable to noise interference and should be kept relatively short (less than 10 feet) if necessary. Balanced cables, on the other hand, carry a signal with a ground wire and two reversed polarity signal wires, helping to cancel out noise. Properly shielded unbalanced cables can be used over short distances in a studio setting.
In addition to using high-quality cables, proper cable positioning is important. Cables should be properly spaced and only used when necessary to reduce the risk of interference. It is also important to inspect cables for any damage, as abused cables with compromised internal shielding can act as an antenna for ambient electromagnetic energy. Knowing how to solder can save time and money when repairing damaged cables.
Another way to reduce electrical noise is to use a passive power conditioner, which filters out noise from the AC power before it reaches your recording gear. This is a cost-effective solution that does not interfere with the recording process. By addressing these issues, you can effectively eliminate electrical noise sources like ground loops and bad cables, improving the quality of your recordings.
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Use a Hum Bug or ground loop isolator to eliminate ground loop noise
Electrical noise can be caused by ground loops, which occur when two or more devices are connected to a common ground through different paths. This can cause unwanted noise voltage in the circuit paths, resulting in clicks, pops, hissing, or buzzing sounds in your recordings. To eliminate ground loop noise, you can use a Hum Bug or a ground loop isolator.
A Hum Bug is a type of ground loop noise eliminator that is designed to eradicate ground loop noise at its origin. It filters out unwanted voltages on the ground line. When using a Hum Bug or any ground loop noise eliminator, it is recommended to use one per individual piece of gear. These eliminators are typically equipped with a three-pin gauge plug that must be inserted into a grounded bar plug. It's important to note that these eliminators are not designed to eliminate cable-related or guitar pickup-related noise. They also cannot eliminate noise caused by the signal source wire, the inherent bottom noise of the equipment, or the noise originating from the surrounding environment of the equipment.
Ground loop isolators are another effective way to eliminate ground loop noise. They are a type of noise filter used to prevent electrical noise or hum picked up by audio signal cables along the ground conductor path. They work with line-level audio signals and can be used with RCA or 3.5mm connectors. While ground loop isolators can be a quick solution to ground loop issues, they may cause small signal loss that could compromise audio/video quality. Additionally, cheaper units may hurt sound quality.
Before attempting to eliminate ground loop noise, it is important to identify the source of the problem. You can do this by unplugging everything in the signal chain and then adding things back in one by one until the noise reappears. Once you've identified the offending piece of gear, you can then use a Hum Bug or a ground loop isolator to eliminate the noise.
In addition to using a Hum Bug or a ground loop isolator, there are other ways to reduce electrical noise when recording. You can use a passive power conditioner to filter out noise from the AC power before it reaches your recording gear. Proper shielding of electronic devices, audio cables, and power cords can also help block or attenuate electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI).
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Frequently asked questions
Electrical noise is caused by ground loops, improper studio lighting, bad cables and connections, or improper cable positioning.
A ground loop occurs when one or more pieces of your entertainment system are plugged into your home's AC supply at different locations and then connected together by electrical (rather than optical) signal cables.
To reduce electrical noise, you can use a passive power conditioner, a ground loop isolator, or a high-end isolation transformer. You can also try to eliminate acoustical noise sources before recording, such as turning off nearby devices or moving to a quieter location.
A passive power conditioner filters out noise from the AC power before it reaches your recording gear. It does not restrict current draw or choke dynamics like some power conditioners that use transformers.
Wind noise can be reduced by using effective windscreens on microphones, especially when outdoors. When recording, it is also important to consider the microphone placement and the signal-to-noise ratio.
