Crackle noise while computer is working

Discussion in 'Computer Hardware' started by Thomas DeColita, Jun 15, 2018.

  1. Thomas DeColita

    Thomas DeColita Noisemaker

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    I have the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd Gen setup and I recently formatted my computer. To my surprise, whenever I load a library, install something, unrar something - whatever makes my computer and/or hdd's to work -- there's crackles coming out of my monitors -- and NOT my headphones(?)
    I am clueless.. It's so annoying!

    Does anyone have any tips or suggestions? I changed the usb port from usb3 to usb2 - I doubt it has anything to say but why in the world is my monitors crackling?

    Appreciate any help I can get! <3

    Specs
    Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd Gen
    Dynaudio Acoustics BM5A Studio Monitors
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-6700 CPU @ 3.40GHz
    ASUS Z170-A Motherboard
    32GB Corsair RAM
    WINDOWS 10 PRO


     
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  3. philkizer

    philkizer Ultrasonic

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    If you have your phone connected to PC via USB, disconnect it. I had a similar issue. I world have my phone connected to transfer files and whenever i was doing anything on my PC that was not producing sound out of my monitors, i would get a crackling noise. I hope that helps.
     
  4. Baxter

    Baxter Audiosexual

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  5. boomoperator

    boomoperator Rock Star

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    Can you make a recording of that noise and post it?
     
  6. Thomas DeColita

    Thomas DeColita Noisemaker

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    Of course, I'll record it asap for you
     
  7. dbmuzik

    dbmuzik Platinum Record

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    It's probably RFI. Usually a mouse, usb network device, nearby modem, cellphone, or the computer itself can be the cause. 9 times out of 10 it's because your monitors are too close to one or more of those devices.

    If you get crackling only when adjusting the monitor volume on your Scarlett interface (they are known to have this problem).. make sure no audio is playing.. and turn the monitor volume knob rapidly back and forth working your way up to 10.. then back down to 1.
     
    Last edited: Jun 16, 2018
  8. Zenarcist

    Zenarcist Audiosexual

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    May I use the recording on my new industrial album?
     
  9. Thomas DeColita

    Thomas DeColita Noisemaker

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    Sure thing
     
  10. xoso

    xoso Kapellmeister

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    imminent hard drive failure. Could be wrong, but not first time I've heard this. Not saying if it is the harddrive its going to die tomarrow it could work for another 6 months but yeah... Oh well hope I'm wrong
     
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  11. xoso

    xoso Kapellmeister

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    OR, its your UAD. and it's starting to go bad. Audio interfaces die like lemmings. They have a very short working life. It could always be that you have a chord that has a cut or break in the shielding and when its sending larger amounts of data its causing interference which is causing the speakers to pick up the noise.
     
  12. farao

    farao Rock Star

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    :chilling::invision::chilling::invision::chilling::invision:
     
  13. Recoil

    Recoil Guest

    @xoso materials used to build the audio interface have a short life span, in particular capacitors :trolls:
     
  14. bluerover

    bluerover Audiosexual

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    Try using a different USB cable. Plug PC into different outlet.
     
  15. Swap out computers first to see if it is the interface or computer.
     
  16. Paul Pi

    Paul Pi Audiosexual

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    Best Answer
    Assuming you've checked the focusrite site for the very latest drivers, i notice that you didn't mention whether your pre-formatted PC was running the same version of windows... If, for example, you reformatted your system drive as part of an upgrade from 7/8/8.1 to 10, it's certainly possible that the USB drivers that microsoft automatically installed for Win 10 are NOT actually the correct/latest for the USB chipsets on your particular motherboard.

    According to focusrite: "...it’s possible to get clicks and pops if streaming audio when also sending/receiving large amounts of MIDI data when the interface is connected to a USB 2.0 port on an AMD-based machine. Intel machines and computers with USB 3.0 ports are unaffected.", which is ironic 'cos on one of my Intel PCs the USB3 really messed with stability on the scarlet 2i4 i purchased for it.

    You also didn't say whether your system rebuild also included a studio layout redesign... if it did then I might also experiment with the location of the Scarlett/audio cables/BM5As etc in relation to the PC - the further away from unnecessary EM disturbance the better!
     
    Last edited: Jun 16, 2018
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  17. Baxter

    Baxter Audiosexual

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    Hmm! That sounds so much like a simple vinyl noise (AKA bacon) sample. If I didn't know better I would ask you if you have a demo-version of a synth or effect placed somewhere in the chain?
     
  18. mcclaine

    mcclaine Ultrasonic

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    Among the various issues i'm having with my new PC, this is one of them.
    I've installed Windows 10, and i'm also getting crackling noises in my speakers.

    In the old computer running Windows 7, the same speakers, with the same Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 works just fine, no noises or crackling.

    But in the new one, with Windows 10, at the moment i plug the RCA cables to the speakers, i've get crackling noises. And that happens both with Focusrite Scarlett and also with the onboard sound card. Tried disabling the onboard card from the BIOS, and using the Scarlett and the noises are the same.

    Also tried changes USB and RCA cables, and plugging the power supply to another outlet.

    Could this be a Windows 10 thing? or the motherboard?
     
  19. Is something running in the background and spiking the cpu?
     
  20. Thomas DeColita

    Thomas DeColita Noisemaker

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    No, but I noticed that it probably have to do with my USB-hub — so I'll get another USB3-hub instead, perhaps.

    Thank you for replying though c",)
     
  21. TonyG

    TonyG Guest

    A USB Hub? The rule of thumb is to connect your A/D Converter directly to the USB port. Indeed, that is exactly what Focusrite recommends. Focusrite further recommends to use its own cable. In other words, stay away from those USB cables that come with or are sold for printers. Not all cables are made with EMI/RFI isolation in mind. Lastly, you mentioned that the noise only comes out of your monitors. If that is the case, I would concentrate on that end. If there was a problem with the USB you will get noise from the headphone as well as from the monitors.
    I will make sure that there is no EMI/RFI affecting the monitors without being connected to the unit. Just disconnect the monitors from the unit and turn their volume up. Do you hear the noise? If you do take them to another outlet. Preferably one on a different circuit breaker, and where there are no fluorescent lights or fans in operation. Is the noise still audible? If it is you could be having "dirty electrical lines" and that can be solved with a power line conditioner. On the other hand, the noise could be the result of your monitors circuitry going bad. One way to find out is to try the "experiment" in a different location. If there is no noise at all it could be EMI/RFI interference and you need to look at your monitor placement and the cables you are using. Lastly, it could be your A/D Converter circuitry going bad.

    Edit: One thing that has not been mentioned is your cable/internet/wifi router. Some of them need to be FAR AWAY from your monitors and other audio and computer equipment.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 19, 2018
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