How to Resolve Ground Loop Issues (Hum or Buzzing Noises)
Ground loop issues can be caused by devices that introduce an electric potential to the ground connection. This includes:
Peripheral devices connected to your computer (e.g., monitors)
A low-quality power supply unit
Using multiple power outlets
Nearby electrical devices such as fridges, electrical heaters, elevators, fans, dimmer switches, etc.
The troubleshooting steps below can help narrow down the cause of the issue. Here are some of the most common solutions:
Disconnect Your Devices
To identify the source of the ground loop, disconnect all peripheral devices from your computer or laptop, except the Zen Go. If the noise disappears, then one of the peripherals is likely the source of the grounding noise.
To check if your amplifier or active monitors are causing the ground loop, listen to the audio signal through the headphone output of the Zen Go while the amplifier/monitors are disconnected.
If you identify the device introducing the ground loop, using a ground lift on the audio connection may resolve the issue. Never lift the ground of the power connection.
Power Supply
A low-quality power supply unit can cause ground loop noise, especially with laptops. Try disconnecting your computer from its power supply and running it on battery power to see if this eliminates the noise.
Shared Power Outlet
Always connect all devices to the same power outlet (e.g., using a multi-outlet power strip). Even if your laptop's power supply is disconnected, the setup may still be affected by another externally powered device.
All physically interconnected devices should share the same power outlet. In some cases, separating polarized plugs (two-prong) from grounded plugs (three-prong) by using separate circuits may help.
Check Direction of Power Connectors
It may help to flip the power cable connectors in their outlet sockets — reversing the orientation so that the live and neutral pins are swapped. When connecting multiple power cables to the same power outlet, try to insert them in the same direction. That is, ensure the hot and cold pins on each cable align consistently across devices. This can sometimes reduce or eliminate ground loop issues.
Nearby Electrical Devices
Eliminate potential sources of interference by disconnecting nearby electrical devices one at a time, to identify if any are responsible for the noise.
If you’re still unable to isolate the source, we recommend testing your setup in a different location (e.g., another house or studio) to determine whether the issue is location-specific.
Balanced Cables
Where possible, use balanced audio cables to connect the Zen Go to your speakers. In rare cases, using TS cables instead of TRS can help break the ground loop and resolve the issue.