{"id":10139,"date":"2023-04-30T20:36:48","date_gmt":"2023-05-01T00:36:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/?p=10139"},"modified":"2023-07-04T01:40:59","modified_gmt":"2023-07-04T05:40:59","slug":"what-is-hum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/techniques-and-performance\/what-is-hum\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Hum in Audio? Understanding and Solving Audio Hum Issues"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Have you ever been laying down a sick beat and suddenly noticed an annoying buzz messing with your groove? That’s likely a hum in audio<\/strong>! In this blog post, we’ll break down the causes of audio hum and how ground loops and electrical interference play their part. And don’t worry; we’ll also show you how to identify the source of the hum and share some dope techniques to reduce it. Let’s kick off this hum-dinger of a journey!<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is hum in audio?<\/strong> Hum in audio refers to a persistent, low-frequency noise or buzz often caused by electrical interference, ground loops, or issues with cables and audio equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The causes of hum in audio can be attributed to various factors. One major cause is ground loops, which occur when multiple devices in an audio setup are connected to different grounding points, leading to an imbalance in the electrical current and consequently creating a low-frequency hum. Ground loops are especially common when video equipment, such as cable TV connections, is involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another cause of audio hum is the noise introduced through digital-to-analog converters used in computer outputs, which may produce hum, hiss, or other types of noise<\/strong>. Upgrading the sound card or installing a PCI or PCIe card may help reduce or eliminate this noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, hum in audio can manifest as a steady-state bass noise at 60 Hz without significant harmonics, often sounding like a low B-flat on the bass guitar with all the treble turned off. On the other hand, a more irritating buzz, which includes harmonic overtones, can be caused by ground loops and typically emanates from loudspeakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following table illustrates the common frequencies associated with audio hums and their potential causes. It’s crucial to understand the frequency of the hum to diagnose and solve the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) can also be to blame for the annoying hum. Picture EMI as a party crasher that messes with your audio signals using electrical and magnetic fields. Similarly, RFI is like a mischievous radio wave hijacking your sound system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s a scenario: You’re in your studio recording vocals, and suddenly there’s a hum that just won’t quit. You realize the microphone is placed near a fluorescent light. Well, that light’s electrical field is interfering with your microphone’s signal, resulting in that unwanted hum. So, what can you do? Simple! Move the microphone away from the light or use shielded cables to block the interference.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat causes hum in audio?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How do unseen fields interfere with your sound?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n