Modulate This! - News, Tips and Links for Electronic Musicians and Producers

Remove Ground Loop Buzz with Hum X Exterminator

When I run run my laptop off AC and dock it so it's connected to my powered monitors (M-Audio StudioPhile SP-58s) via my USB sound card, I hear a buzz through sparkers when the heads on my hard disc seek. I hear this with both an M-Audio Fast Track Pro and my Novation NIO. By lifting the ground on the speakers using a two prong plug adapters I isolated the issue and determined it was in fact a ground loop issue.

The Hum X Exterminator on Musicians Friend claims to be a safe alternative lifting a ground with a two prong adapter.

According to the product description the Hum X "...removes unwanted voltage and current in the ground line that cause ground loop hum. This noise reduction adapter simultaneously maintains a solid, safe ground. You no longer have to run your audio signal through filtering that results in loss of volume, tone, or both. Some devices simply remove or float the ground, which is never safe! Hum X removes the ground loop while leaving the ground and your signal intact. Easy to use and completely effective!"

I've not used the product but think it sounds like an interesting idea. If you have one, leave on comment on this post and let other Modulate This readers know your opinion.

• The Hum X Exterminator on Musicians Friend - $69.99

Mark Mosher
www.modulatethis.com

Musician's Friend Deals

M-Audio New Products at Winter NAMM 2007

M-Audio has created a single web page with information on all the products they announced at Winter NAMM 2007. On this page they announced:
- Torq Xponent (DJ Control Surface)
- Studiophile™ AV 40 and AV 20 powered speakers - Virtual String Machine from GForce
- KikAxxe ARP Axxe synthesizer VST
- KeyRig 49 USB Keyboard
- Mobile Laptop Studio Bag
- MicroPack

Palm turns 10!

In 10 years, Palm has sold over 33 million mobile-computing devices.

I swear by my Palm powered device. I use it to help me keep track of my schedule, take notes, keep my contact list, store and show pictures and videos,  sync to  outlook, to download rss new feeds, as an mp3 player, and more...

To celebrate the 10th anniverseray, Palm is offering FREE shipping on everything at Palm.com.

 

M-Audio MicroTrack 24/96 - Mobile digital recorder for musicians, sound designers, podcasters - Save $99.66

Get the M-Audio MicroTrack 24/96 2-Channel Mobile Digital Recorder on Musicians Friend and save SAVE $99.96.

Whether you are a musician,  sound designer, or podcaster - one of the most important features to consider when buying a portable digital recorder is audio quality. Consumer level voice recorders and devices (such as mp3 players and PDAs) are fine for note taking, but they don't have the audio quality, or the support for pro mics that are required for pro results.

The M-Audio's Micro Track 24/69 is a high-fidelity 2-channel digital recorder that is a great choice for musicians on the go, those into podcasting, and sound designer who want to grab sounds at remote locations, then import the recordings into their digital audio editing software. Check out these features:

 

M-Audio MicroTrack 24/96 2-Channel Mobile Digital Recorder Features:

 

• 2-channel WAV and MP3 recording and playback
• Storage via convenient CompactFlash or microdrives
• Drag-and-drop file transfer to PC and Mac via USB 2.0
• Separate left and right input level controls with signal and peak indicators
• Professional balanced 1/4" TRS inputs with mic/line switch
• Dual microphone preamps with phantom power for studio microphones
• 1/8" TRS input with 5V power for use with stereo electret microphone (microphone included)
• S/PDIF coaxial input for digital transfers
• Monitoring via RCA line outputs or 1/8" stereo headphone output
• Stereo output level control
• LCD screen
• Navigation, record, hold, pause, delete, menu, and power buttons
• Software for editing and file format conversion
• 64MB CompactFlash card included
• Powered via USB, rechargeable lithium-ion battery or power supply (both included)

M-Audio MicroTrack 24/96 2-Channel Mobile Digital Recorder Specifications:

• MP3 recording: 96 to 320kbps at 32, 44.1 or 48kHz
• PCM recording: 16 or 24-bit at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96kHz
• Battery life before recharge: 7 hours playback; 4-5 hours recording via line in or dynamic mic; 3 hours recording with phantom power engaged
• Compatibility: WAV, MP3
• PC requirements: Windows 2000, XP; USB 1.1 or 2.0 port
• Mac requirements: Mac OS X 10.3.9 or greater; USB 1.1 or 2.0 port
• 2-7/16"W x 4-1/3"H x 1-1/8"D
• 4-13/16 oz. without card; 5-1/4 oz. with card

Mark
www.newecho.com

 

Behringer BCF2000 - a control surface with motorized faders for under $200

Want a control surface with motorized faders but don't have a lot of cash? Check out the Behringer BCF2000 B-Control Fader (click the image on the left to see a larger view).

It allows you to control your synth, mixer, effects, or signal processor with real controls? It has 8 ultraprecise, 100mm motorized faders for the ultimate control of virtual mixers, organ-drawbars, synths, and samplers. Best of all you can pick this up for $199 - wow!!!

Looking for music production gear and software?

Newecho Productions has affiliate relationships with with various vendors who offer innovative digital music and audio products. Many vendors offer deals for online shoppers. Visit our Gear List  page to find gear for your latest project.

Interesting software to help you transfer audio from records and tapes to CD and iPod

If you've been following my blog, you know I produced an oral history audio book called WWII Aviator: Always Fasten Your Seatbelt. While I used a professional studio to produce the book, I'm always on the lookout for innovative consumer level products that are quite powerful yet won't break the bank.

This product called Spin It Again by Acoustica is an easy way to transfer audio from old records or tapes onto CD or an iPod. Best of all it's only $34.95 and they offer a trial version. Buy Spin It Again |Check out Acoustica's entire catalog of software.

Below is Acoustica's marketing info on the product. I'll be giving this product a test drive and will comment on it in future posts.

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Transfer your old 45's and 33's to CD or to your new MP3 player or iPod(tm)! This dedicated record and tape conversion software makes it child's play to record and edit your old albums. The wizard driven process guides you through connecting your hardware, getting the correct recording level, and splitting your recording into multiple tracks. The software automatically removes clicks and pops and that unwanted tape hum and hiss. Convert your recordings to MP3s or burn them on to an audio CD! Spin It Again is a dedicated LP and tape recording conversion software application designed to make the process as simple as possible.

Deal on iPod Nano

The iPod nano is all the rage! You know you want one :^). Just saw this deal at PC mall.