VP4 noisy with USB connection

[Knaggster]

Just got a VP4 and plan on using it in front of, or as an insert with, my FM3/FM9. Sounds great of course, but is very noisy with drives engaged when the VP4 is connected to my Mac via USB. The manual mentions the fact that the computer can create a ground loop when using an amp - I assume it is no different when using another Fractal unit instead. I have tried a USB noise filter and plugging the VP4 into a separate (from the computer) circuit, but it makes no difference to the noise. Unplugging from the computer removes the hum/hiss. Any other suggestions for a fix would be welcome!

 

[Greg Ferguson]

Any other suggestions for a fix would be welcome!

Just make sure the Mac and the amp/modeler are on the same power circuit. Using a common power-strip is always my first step.

 

[pima1234]

I can hear noise interference with my VP4 connected to the editor. I think that's normal. I should probably look into those magnetic filters.

 

[Knaggster]

Just make sure the Mac and the amp/modeler are on the same power circuit. Using a common power-strip is always my first step.

Thanks for the suggestion Greg. Unfortunately, it made no difference to the noise.

 

[TheTrueZoltan!]

iFi Audio iDefender+ worked like a charm when I had the same problem with an HX Stomp.

 

[Knaggster]

iFi Audio iDefender+ worked like a charm when I had the same problem with an HX Stomp.

I bought this one - did nothing. Not sure how different it is to the one you mentioned. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084BV6G5C?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

 

[TheTrueZoltan!]

I bought this one - did nothing. Not sure how different it is to the one you mentioned. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084BV6G5C?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

The one you bought is not supposed to help with ground loop issues. You need the iDefender+.

 

[Knaggster]

The one you bought is not supposed to help with ground loop issues. You need the iDefender+.

Ahh. Many thanks. I will return it and get that one then.

 

[TheTrueZoltan!]

When you get the iDefender, make sure to connect an external 5V power supply to it. This way it disconnects the USB power from the Mac. If you have a cheap mobile phone charger to spare, that's perfectly adequate.

 

[Knaggster]

When you get the iDefender, make sure to connect an external 5V power supply to it. This way it disconnects the USB power from the Mac. If you have a cheap mobile phone charger to spare, that's perfectly adequate.

Perfect - many thanks for your help!!

 

[pima1234]

Cool device. Very nice to know about that.

 

[Knaggster]

Cool device. Very nice to know about that.

Be even nicer if it didn't need it . . . However, I ordered the iDefender and will report back when it arrives.

 

[KFF]

Be even nicer if it didn't need it . . . However, I ordered the iDefender and will report back when it arrives.

Please do. I've no need for it at the moment, but would be good to know if it works... just in case I ever come across a need somewhere.

Not cheap... so snakeoil will not do!

 

[pima1234]

Be even nicer if it didn't need it . . . However, I ordered the iDefender and will report back when it arrives.

I am thankful that I haven't needed it so far.

 

[Joe Rogers]

If your computer does not utilize a grounded power supply, like many of the MacBooks, then no isolation is required. All of this is a function of the usb. We have tested the following iFi product, and it reduces ground noise significantly:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0849JGL93?th=1

 

[Knaggster]

If your computer does not utilize a grounded power supply, like many of the MacBooks, then no isolation is required. All of this is a function of the usb. We have tested the following iFi product, and it reduces ground noise significantly:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0849JGL93?th=1

Thanks Joe. I ordered that one. Hopefully it will solve the issue.

 

[KFF]

We have tested the following iFi product, and it reduces ground noise significantly:

Thanks for the insight and recommendation, Joe. Straight from Fractal is a big plus.

 

[Dave Merrill]

Just to get us all on the same page, folks talking about "noise" here really mean 60 cycle hum, not hiss or other broadband gain-induced noise, right?

Those two kinds of noise generally have different causes and hopeful cures, so it's important to be intentional with the words you use.

 

[Knaggster]

Just to get us all on the same page, folks talking about "noise" here really mean 60 cycle hum, not hiss or other broadband gain-induced noise, right?

Those two kinds of noise generally have different causes and hopeful cures, so it's important to be intentional with the words you use.

For me, the problem was excessive hiss, especially associated with drives, when the VP4 was connected via USB to the computer.

 

[Dave Merrill]

For me, the problem was excessive hiss, especially associated with drives, when the VP4 was connected via USB to the computer.

So more hiss when connected to the computer, with nothing else changed?
Not doubting that that's what happened, but it's unusual.
Do you have a ground lift gizmo to see if it helps that sort of noise?