Static Noise through monitors when connecting external displays! Apollo Twin X TB Audio Interface...

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Static Noise through monitors when connecting external displays! Apollo Twin X TB Audio Interface...

I try to "repost" this, because nobody could solve my problem. I Also reported this to Yamaha and Universal Audio, maybe this try will give me any new ideas, suggestions...?

My configuration:

MB Pro 2020, M1, 16GB Ram, 1TB SSD
Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Audio Interface (connected with Thunderbolt3 : TRS->TRS->Yamaha HS80
Mokin USB C Hub 12 in 1 (connected with USB C to the MB): with Ethernet cable connected

At first I want you to know, that I didn't had the problem before with difficult configurations for ex.

MB Pro late 2011, 8GB, 256SSD and Focusrite Firewire Audio Interface or even with the MOTU 828es USB Audio Interface (both early configs without the Mokin hub)...

Every time I connect an external display, there's a static buzzing noise (more high frequencies, sometimes a little bit like the ole 56k internet modem sound or something like this..) coming out of the Yamaha HS-80. This is not happening through headphones, either they are connected to the interface or to the MB directly.. I also tried out different displays: Same problems with VGA, HDMI, DVI->HDMI, DVI-HDMI-USBc (also when I connect a display via USBC directly to the MB).

When I connect the Apple Power Adapter (I also tried the grounded AC cord with the adapter..) the noise is a tiny bit more quiet, but it is there.

All of my electrics are plugged into the same electrical outlet. Im very confused, because im using more high -end equipment than before, but I cannot use an external display!? Tried many things: Its always the same problem: With Amps, without amps, with or without ethernet cable connected to the hub. I also tried TRS -> XLR cables... I don't believe that Apollo and M1 don't like each other!?...

Looking forward to solve this problem soon..

greetings from Austria,

David

[Link Edited by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 12.5

Posted on Aug 28, 2022 2:48 PM

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Answer 1

HWTech

Level 9

68,636 points

Aug 28, 2022 4:35 PM in response to DavidLoim

Do you have the problem when the laptop is running on the battery? If the problem only occurs when the charger is connected to the laptop, then you may need to use the grounded AC Cord (aka Power Extension Cable) instead of the duckhead adapter which is not grounded (each region has their own version although I believe in some regions they do not have the third ground pin). Here is the link for the US version so you have an idea what to look for in your region.

Power Adapter Extension Cable - Apple

Otherwise either one of your devices has a grounding issue, or one of those devices is introducing noise into the system. It may be that the display you are using has a problem. Do you have more than one display to try? USB3 devices can produce interference as well.

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Answer 2

HWTech

Level 9

68,636 points

Aug 30, 2022 5:32 PM in response to DavidLoim

Is the display connected directly to the laptop? Also do not connect any of your other devices to the display since those connections are usually subpar.

Connect the display directly to the laptop. Then try connecting your audio devices to the other side of the laptop if possible. Connect any other external devices to another port different from the audio equipment preferably on the other side of the laptop if possible.

Since everything works fine without an external display connected, then I would say that the external displays are the source of the problem. Unfortunately the quality of displays are not that great these days.

I wonder if maybe you may be overloading the electrical circuit. Maybe check your home electrical wiring. The quick way would be to use a device like this to look for some common wiring issues:

https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/electrical-testers/receptacle-tester

Unfortunately troubleshooting something like this can be very difficult since you have some many different devices any combination of which may cause a problem. Are there any professional audio forums for this equipment which you can ask others with similar setups?

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Answer 3

DavidLoim Author

Level 1

10 points

Aug 29, 2022 1:58 AM in response to HWTech

Thanks for you answer.. I have the problem when running on battery and when the charger is connected. I also tried other displays, also newer ones and different connectors like HDMI, dvi to HDMI mini dvi and and and... I still have the problem when connecting a usb-c monitor directly to the MacBook and for me it doesn't sound like a grounding problem noise, because its much more higher than the typical 50hz ground humming...

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Answer 4

DavidLoim Author

Level 1

10 points

Aug 30, 2022 4:46 AM in response to DavidLoim

like I mentioned above I tried all:

"Every time I connect an external display, there's a static buzzing noise (more high frequencies, sometimes a little bit like the ole 56k internet modem sound or something like this..) coming out of the Yamaha HS-80. This is not happening through headphones, either they are connected to the interface or to the MB directly.. I also tried out different displays: Same problems with VGA, HDMI, DVI->HDMI, DVI-HDMI-USBc (also when I connect a display via USBC directly to the MB).

When I connect the Apple Power Adapter (I also tried the grounded AC cord with the adapter..) the noise is a tiny bit more quiet, but it is there.

All of my electrics are plugged into the same electrical outlet. Im very confused, because im using more high -end equipment than before, but I cannot use an external display!? Tried many things: Its always the same problem: With Amps, without amps, with or without ethernet cable connected to the hub. I also tried TRS -> XLR cables... "

Please can anybody help?

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Answer 5

DavidLoim Author

Level 1

10 points

Aug 31, 2022 12:34 PM in response to HWTech

"Is the display connected directly to the laptop?" - No, it's connected to a USB-C Hub (Mokin). I tried other hubs too, it's the same issue when the display is connected directly f.e. via usb-C to the Macbook.. also there are no devices connected directly to the display..

"Connect the display directly to the laptop. Then try connecting your audio devices to the other side of the laptop if possible." - tried every option it doesn't change anything..

"I wonder if maybe you may be overloading the electrical circuit. Maybe check your home electrical wiring." - it's all new and worked fine before with other devices (older MacBook and focus rite Interface, but same Yamaha Monitors..), its the same issue, when I just connect the interface and the display to the Macbook and the Yamahas to the interface...

but thanks for the answers.. greetings, David

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Static Noise through monitors when connecting external displays! Apollo Twin X TB Audio Interface...

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