Studio Monitors / Radio Interference, radio incoming thru my studio monitors Options

[fishboisfo]

Has anyone experienced this and know a solution to this ?

Recently we moved to a new house, and apparently ( now ) we are in a relatively close proximity to a radio tower. I frequently get the radio station to play through one of my monitors.

Is there any way I can shield for this ?? It is driving me NUTS !!

Thanks !

[azkid]

Has anyone experienced this and know a solution to this ?

Recently we moved to a new house, and apparently ( now ) we are in a relatively close proximity to a radio tower. I frequently get the radio station to play through one of my monitors.

Is there any way I can shield for this ?? It is driving me NUTS !!

Thanks !

Sorry no one has gotten back to you on this. This radio frequency interference is coming into your system by either the power mains supply or your computer/monitor equipment and cables. The radio signal is being attracted by "something" that's acting like an antenna. And yes, shielding and grounding properly, and also adding an RFI filter as a last resort, can get rid of it.

Does this happen only when your computer is on, or can you pick up the radio station with just your monitors on? (I assume they're active, powered monitors, and no amplifier is needed?)

Check your home electrical outlets for having a good ground. A simple plug in tester costs about $10. If the ground test proves good, it could STILL be the source of the problem, but let's do the easy, inexpensive things first. If you don't have a good ground on the wall electrical outlets, it's time to hire an electrician.

The cables to your monitors? Are they in good shape, quality, and shielded? If not, maybe replace them? You say that only one of the monitors is picking up the RFI? Try moving that one monitor around. You say that you "frequently" have this problem? Is it during certain times of the day or night? Radio stations often turn up their signal power at night. Can you hear the station well enough to discern the "call" letters, and the actual frequency? Is it AM or FM? Knowing which frequency of the source RFI can help you choose the right filter if that is what it takes to get rid of the radio signal. Here's a link that shows a ferrite filter or suppressor.

http://www.ce-mag.com/archive/02/11/may.html

These clamp on rings are fairly inexpensive. (Keep in mind, that some folks have cured RFI problems with aluminum foil wrapped around their cords and equipment!.... not pretty, but it can work.)

Another link to a discussion board about RFI and ferrite suppressors, take a look at the 3rd post-

http://www.velocityreviews.com/forums/t199...terference.html

If all this doesn't work, a RFI power conditioner which has an isolation transformer in it, may be the best. But they can cost anywhere from $80 to a whole bunch! Make SURE that it is an RFI filter, not just a power spike or surge conditioner. The Furman line is well reputed as good quality.

I hope this helps! Let us know when you get it fixed or if you have questions.
Judy

[azkid]

You say that only one of the monitors is picking up the RFI? Try moving that one monitor around.

And after thinking (for a w h i l e! ) about just one monitor having the problem.... and IF they're powered monitors,... I'd bet that this one monitor is the one that has the transformer hooked into it for power? The transformer may be the cause? Is it the original one that came with your monitors? Maybe find a replacement one of the same voltage and current specs.

What else is connected to your 'puter? When you're experiencing the unwanted radio, try unplugging things one at a time to see if there's something else bringing this signal in. (It could even be the keyboard!)

And always, keep your cable runs as short as possible, not wound up in loops... separate audio or signal cables from the power cords as much as you can. Clean the connectors, jacks and plugs too.

Again I wish you luck and relief!