RE-201, Laptop and Interference

WWBJD · Post by **WWBJD** » Thu Oct 05, 2006 9:24 am

I've got an issue..

Right now my RE-201 sits relatively close to my laptop, which I use for recording. The RE-201 is picking up a TON of interference from the laptop (and producing some rather strange echoes whenever the laptop boots up or I move my mouse around).

Would there be any solution to the interference issue other than moving the RE-201 as far away as possible from the laptop? Shielding something or other? Ground the RE-201 in some fashion? Buy a macbook? Etc..

Driving me somewhat crazy.

MissionBrown · Post by **MissionBrown** » Thu Oct 05, 2006 10:12 am

Laptops are inherently poorly shielded to keep the wieght down
basically the processor is a bit like a microwave transmitter
Also you'll get a bit of powersupply feedback through your mains.
You could try running on batteries only or using a power conditioner but basically your easiest solution will
be to move them far apart, unless you want to mount the space echo in a copper box.

WWBJD · Post by **WWBJD** » Thu Oct 05, 2006 4:16 pm

The copper box would look pretty cool with my tin-foil hat.

Thanks!

WWBJD · Post by **WWBJD** » Fri Oct 06, 2006 6:49 am

Just wanted to add a note on here.. that after experimenting this evening. Which involved unplugging and plugging in many things as well as moving equipment around my room..

It turns out that if the power supply is not connected to the laptop, then everything runs perfectly with zero interference. As soon as the power supply is connected, major interference abounds.

Currently the RE-201 is roughly 8 feet away from the laptop and I'm hearing my mouse movements echo.

So, lesson learned. Run everything off of batteries! Ugh.

MissionBrown · Post by **MissionBrown** » Fri Oct 06, 2006 7:36 am

yeah I hear ya
I had similar problems with laptop bleed.
Can you run it on anothyer circuit in the house?

WWBJD · Post by **WWBJD** » Sun Oct 08, 2006 10:51 am

Just an update.. an another plea for help

So.. after more fiddling, installing a different computer, moving some things around (again), I got rid of the mouse/computer-innards noise in the RE-201.

It's still quite buzzy, but now in a different way that I can control.

If I insert the audio jack from the RE-201, going into my external soundcard (Firebox), but do not insert it all the way, it sounds just like I expect it to. If I plug it all the way in, I get a ton of buzz.

Thoughts? Not sure what that would be. Also, that's with balanced and unbalanced cables, same thing.

Post by **Stab Frenzy** » Sun Oct 08, 2006 11:32 am

You need to put a DI with ground lift between the space echo and the interface.

WWBJD · Post by **WWBJD** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 4:24 pm

Stab Frenzy wrote:You need to put a DI with ground lift between the space echo and the interface.

That did the trick. Picked up a Radial (?) DI interface and now it's clear as it can possibly be.

Thanks so much for the info!

Post by **Stab Frenzy** » Tue Oct 10, 2006 2:10 am

Glad it helped. Those Radial DIs are nice, good choice.