The ‘touch’ test
When you touch your device, does the hum/buzz noise decrease? When you let go, does it increase again?
If so, this is likely to be caused by a missing earth/ground connection. This connection normally shields your system from such interference and drains away the noise. In this instance, you need the Groundhog+.
If, when you touch it, the hum or buzz does NOT decrease, then this means you have a ground loop caused by multiple earths. The most effective solution for this is our iDefender3.0.
Adaptable
The Groundhog+ has a variety of adapters and works with every device on the market:
- RCA base cable – for any audio system with an unused RCA socket.
- USB converter – for computer audio systems.
- Spade converter – for power supplies with a DC barrel connector.
- 3.5mm Y-converter – for portable devices with an unused 3.5mm connection.
Hit noise harder
The Groundhog+ now works with our AC iPurifier for a dual attack on noisy power.
The AC iPurifier will rid your system of electromagnetic or radio-frequency interference. The Groundhog+ comes with a banana / RCA (male cable) for grounding with the AC iPurifier to your equipment. Attach the banana connector to the AC iPurifier and the RCA connector to your amplifier.
Not only have you added back the shielding provided by the Groundhog+, but you’ve also stopped outside interference as well.
RCA base cable For any audio system with an unused RCA socket
USB converter For computer audio systems
Spade converter For power supplies with a DC barrel connector
3.5mm Y-converter For portable devices with an unused 3.5mm connection
Banana / RCA (male cable) For grounding with AC iPurifier to equipment
In an electrical system, a ground or earth loop occurs when two points of an audio system both have a ground reference which causes a ‘potential voltage difference’ between them. Ground loops are a major cause of the noise, hum, and interference in audio, video, and computer systems.
A missing ground means these loops occur and interference does not ‘drain’ away.
EMI is a type of interference caused by errant and unwanted electromagnetic waves that are received and amplified by an audio system. They cause some of the annoying ‘audio gremlins’ we often talk about.
Radio-frequency interference (RFI) is very similar to electromagnetic interference (EMI) but is found in the radio frequency spectrum. It is another source of irritating, unwanted noise often talked about as an ‘audio gremlin’.
Top tip: just don’t add water.
