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USB Audio Static

L

lsweet

n00b
Joined
Apr 21, 2009
Messages
12
I've done a search on this particular issue, but I can't seem to find anyone who has had similar symptoms as I am with this current issue.

To start, I had a system build that was working perfectly fine, but I needed more room for a video card upgrade. I picked up a new case, Lian-Li A70F along with a 80+ Gold 1000W PSU as I knew I'd be going with a crossfire build and a slow build into water cooling.

After the build was complete with the new case and PSU, I was getting terrible delayed/distorted static through my USB headset plugged into my front header. Try as I might, I couldn't remedy the static.

I pulled the system apart, checked the seating on all the connections, everything was fine. The only change I did here was connect a previously disconnected HD Audio connection to my Sound Blaster X-Fi card. I don't use the front audio connections so I didn't bother using this in the past -- as it was never an issue in the past.

This ultimately resolved my issue.

I purchased my new video cards, opting for two 6870's in crossfire, but this resulted in me having to abandon the sound card. I plugged the HD Audio header into the mother board and as you can guess, I'm back to audio static.

I've verified the headset working on a different PC, so I've eliminated that as the possible issue.

I've unplugged every connection from the front panel, less the power/reset/hdd cables as they're all two wire and not likely adding any noise. I've plugged the USB cable into the back of my case and there was some popping during quiet moments of a particular song, it was fine.

Assuming that popping would cascade and get worse, I added each front panel cable back in and the issue kept getting worse (font connection or back). I've even tried this headset on a USB hub and it still has issues.

Now; I'm confident the issue is a grounding issue as a result of the front header, the problem is that I don't want to lose access to it if I don't have to.

Outside taking the header unit out and inspecting the wiring to see if there are any exposed/poorly connected wires, are there any quick and dirty ways to correct this grounding issue? Would an external USB sound card isolate itself and remove this issue? Is it even a grounding issue -- perhaps something I've overlooked putting the system back together?

Thanks in advance.
 
If you can find/afford a USB DAC that takes data through USB and gets power through it's own power supply/wall outlet, you shouldn't have this problem. I've experienced (or also knew people who have experienced) problems similar to what you describe with onboard sound as well as outboard units that draw their power through USB, but never with units that take only data through the USB cord. These problems were not in every situation (some have indeed had USB powered USB DACs with no noticeable noise, some have used their onboard with minimal/no noise). I'm not a computer or electrical engineer so I do not know the reasons for this, but that's the experience I have so maybe these comments will be helpful to you?

Good luck singling out the causes and finding an acceptable solution.
 
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