Question / Help High Pitched Whine with Audio Setup. Need help Please :(

[bezerker]

Hello all,

I've recently switched to a capture card second pc based stream setup and I'm running into issues with my audio setup.

Here is my current audio setup:

The entire setup has been functioning from a single PC pov for awhile. (USB to game PC for both input/output). Had no hums or high pitched noises or anything. Introduce the second PC and I've tried several assorted methods of connecting it up. I've tried going directly from the mixer into the onboard sound (terrible via chipset), and also to a behringer UCA200. I prefer the UCA200 for sound quality and latency, but no matter what I am getting a very high pitched and "rhythmic" noise on the stream PC recording input from the main outs (also tried sub outs. both cause the issue) when connected. It's faint, but enough to be annoying. It appears "cyclic" which makes me think some kind of electrical interference or ground issue.

What concerns me is I appear to be able to "eq it out" on the mixer which makes no sense. If it was the cabling causing the noise, I wouldn't expect to be able to eq it out on the mixer. I would expect it to appear no matter what on the stream PC. USB connection (gaming pc) does not receive this noise. It ONLY occurs when connecting to the stream PC. If I route the audio over the HDMI cable to the stream PC it functions but this is messy and I'd like to separate it into two sound sources.

So I've thus been able to deduce the following:

1. It does not appear to be related to anything from my original single PC setup.
2. It does not appear to be related specifically to the cabling between the mixer and the streaming PC's audio interface since I can use the EQ to "adjust it" on the mixer.
3. I only receive this on the input to the stream pc. Output does not offer this sound. I've tried swapping cables thinking they are bad etc.
4. I'm trying to keep everything on the same ground and powerstrip, but there may be something on a different power strip. Should all end up on the same outlet however.

I suspect a ground loop isolator MAY be helpful here. I'm not sure however. I'm suspicious because of fact it seems to be "eqable". As mentioned I've tried different cables and I've also tried different connection points on the stream pc. I've also Tried the sub outputs from the mixer with same results. I do NOT experience any whine or pitch from the stream pc output INTO the mixer or from the mixer control room to speakers. (I haven't tested main out to speakers. Going to test that later tonight.)

I'm at a loss other than thinking it is somehow interference related and a loop isolator may help, but can anyone else suggest anything?

Thanks,
Bez.

 

[ZagatoMKR]

I also use a two PC setup and I also had audio problems. My problems (noticeable static and I tried different audio cables that promised to be well isolated) were because of on board integrated audio. I ended up just throwing audio to stream PC through HDMI. On stream PC I separate voise_comms/audio_player/stream_audio/etc. with Virtual Audio Cable.

Cheers.

 

[bezerker]

Hrm. I can't reliably do that since it's an avermedia C985. Sound just "magically appears" from the default audio device. It doesn't show as an audio device in settings.

I've tried turning monitors off (didnt unplug them though). Tried turning off some things. Need to test turning each PC off.

I did plug it into my speakers and did not hear the sound though. I was using different cables to do the test, so next step is to try those but I suspect the sound will remain.

Here is a very short clip of the sound: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/51725022/wtf.wav

 

[dping]

Hrm. I can't reliably do that since it's an avermedia C985. Sound just "magically appears" from the default audio device. It doesn't show as an audio device in settings.

I've tried turning monitors off (didnt unplug them though). Tried turning off some things. Need to test turning each PC off.

I did plug it into my speakers and did not hear the sound though. I was using different cables to do the test, so next step is to try those but I suspect the sound will remain.

Here is a very short clip of the sound: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/51725022/wtf.wav

if you aren't overclocking. Make sure spread spectrum is enabled in the bios. you're experiencing EMI. A ground loop isolator would help but you'd need to play with the location if it. Lastly ensure all power chords are separate from data cables and florescent lights.

 

[bezerker]

if you aren't overclocking. Make sure spread spectrum is enabled in the bios. you're experiencing EMI. A ground loop isolator would help but you'd need to play with the location if it. Lastly ensure all power chords are separate from data cables and florescent lights.

Hrm. I am not overclocking on either machine, so that would be a good test. EMI would make sense as the audio cables basically go from my mixer on the left side of the desk to the pcs on the right side of the desk. That goes over the two power strips covering the power for the setups. I'll also look into the spread spectrum setting.

Would upgrading to better cables assist with shielding from this as well? I've tested turning off fluorescent lights in the room and the surrounding room. No change.

 

[bezerker]

It's probably also worth mentioning I've successfully tried the following now:

1. Testing sound from output of stream pc back into mixer using the same cable? No interference sound.
2. Testing main outs from mixer into speakers directly using different cables. No interference.
3. Disconnecting cables from mixer appears to make the sound go away as well on recording from stream pc. (Cable still runs over power strips but disconnected it goes away.)

I am struggling to understand why this interference exists only when recording on the stream pc. opposite direction does not exhibit this no matter which cable used.

 

[Flatliner TV]

Havin the same issue, exact same sound. Let me know if u find a solution Berzerker

 

[dping]

It's probably also worth mentioning I've successfully tried the following now:

1. Testing sound from output of stream pc back into mixer using the same cable? No interference sound.
2. Testing main outs from mixer into speakers directly using different cables. No interference.
3. Disconnecting cables from mixer appears to make the sound go away as well on recording from stream pc. (Cable still runs over power strips but disconnected it goes away.)

I am struggling to understand why this interference exists only when recording on the stream pc. opposite direction does not exhibit this no matter which cable used.

could you try setting up the mixer on a different power source? just curious. seems that the mixer inputs are being the issue. you can buy a ground loop isolator for 3.5mm headphone jack and also ensure that your ground on your power cable is properly grounded to the house. unplug the power strip from the wall and if you have a continuity tester, test the ground on the plug to the ground on the mixer (if one). If you dont hear a tone from the tester then maybe you need a new power strip?

Just giving you ideas.

 

[Flatliner TV]

I had the very exact noise coming from my streaming computer. I bought a ground isolator and it fixed everything.
So for me it's now Solved.