Powered monitor question - patch vs. speaker cable

Lutraphobe · Post by **Lutraphobe** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 4:59 am

Hi! I have a trusty pair of Event TR-5 powered monitors that I've been using for a long time. Ever since I moved into my new space, in an old building in NYC, I haven't been able to use them-- they've been very, very buzzy.

At first I thought this was due to questionable ancient electrics in my building (and it probably does have something to do with it), but if I move the cables around behind the speakers the buzz changes its tonal quality and occasionally drops out completely. So I suppose my real question is this:

I've been using decent-quality TS speaker cable for the monitors. But since they're powered and the cables are therefore really carrying line-level signal, should I actually be using standard patch cable? And honestly, is there any difference?

Sorry this is such a mess of a question; any help you can give would be greatly appreciated!

jasedee · Post by **jasedee** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 7:14 am

You should try switching to a balanced cable. XLR or TRS connections should be fine. It may fix the problem.

Windreaper · Post by **Windreaper** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 10:12 am

The unbalanced connection is likely to be the problem as mentioned by jasedee. This is especially true if the cables are very long and/or pass by electrical wiring or strong magnetic fields. Try balancing the cable run and see if it helps. Quality microphone cable (I've heard Mogami is good and pretty cheap over there) with Neutrik or Switchcraft connectors should do the trick.

Post by **Cruel Hoax** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 3:28 pm

Technically, speaker cables and unbalanced 1/4" cables are both 2-lead connections. But, in general, speaker cables will consist of heavy conductor and much less shielding, while your line connections will tend to be shielded well.

If your audio source offers balanced outputs, you will be best served by balanced (three-conductor) connection. Two-conductor shielded cable is your next choice

Change your cabling and rejoice!.

-Hoax

Lutraphobe · Post by **Lutraphobe** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 3:46 am

Thanks for the tips, everyone!

I've connected the monitors with TRS cable, and the buzz has definitely been cut in half. Now, here's where it gets dodgy-- they're still buzzing, and this is a buzz that persists whether or not I have any cables plugged into the monitors at all. I would be tempted to chalk it up to some kind if malfunction in the amp itself, except that both speakers buzz the same amount at the same volume.

So if it's a power issue, which it seems like it must be, would something like a Furman rack unit solve my problems?

Thanks for your help!

jasedee · Post by **jasedee** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 4:09 am

I'm not saying this will work, but have you tried changing where the monitors are plugged in to the power outlet? Try using a different powerboard, or a different power outlet. Worth trying before shelling out crazy money for the Furman conditioner

Lutraphobe · Post by **Lutraphobe** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 12:42 am

Thanks for the suggestion. Tried changing outlets, but the monitors still buzz. I think I'm going to pick up an Alesis Powertrip and see how that works....

Post by **Cruel Hoax** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 7:35 am

Or just snap off the grounding pins of the AC cables.

Do not do this! I didn't say that! You will die in a fire if you do!

But it works.

Don't listen to me! For the love of God, man, save yourself!

-Hoax

daddio · Post by **daddio** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 9:06 am

Is there, perchance, a light dimmer switch in the room?
Turn it off. See if that helps.
Is all you stuff on one circuit? Use only 1 wall outlet. See if the noise goes away.

Powered monitor question - patch vs. speaker cable

Powered monitor question - patch vs. speaker cable

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