iDefender3.0

iFi audio iDefender

Tired of doing battle with buzz, hum and hiss?

Our iDefender3.0 is for those struggling with noisy audio due to unwanted ground loops in their audio chain.

Bah humbuzz!

Annoyed by hum and buzz invading your listening?

Using multiple plugs means separate earth points. These multiple earth or ground points cause earth/ground loops and create an unwanted chain of noise, buzz and distortion.

iFi audio iDefender

Break the earth loop

The iDefender3.0 plugs into your computer USB port and auto-detects if there is more than one earth and will ‘intelligently’ disconnect the computer earth for cleaner sound.

Using a USB DAC?

If your DAC is USB powered, the iDefender3.0 requires an external 5 volts to break the earth.

It works pretty well with our 5-volt iPower (just saying!). Injecting clean power will ensure you get the maximum out of your USB audio.

Ground Loops

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.

Kills USB power noise by ‘breaking’ the earth/ground loops in the correct way.

It significantly reduces the system noise floor and makes for better dynamic contrast, warmth and resolution.

iFi audio iDefender

So, why USB3.0? USB3.0 allows for a greater amount of audio transfer due to the better wiring specification. It is still backwards compatible with USB2.0.

Inject 5 volts of clean power clean via the ‘separate’ micro port. This disconnects the USB power from the PC and replaces it with clean external power. For ultra-low noise, use our 5-volt iPower X.

Adding the separate 5 volts to the unit is necessary to ‘break’ the earth/ground on USB-powered DACs. This is not required for DACs with an internally-powered USB section.

Retailer

Apos Inc.

California
Distributor

iFi audio USA (West Coast)

California
Retailer

ListenUp

Colorado
Retailer

ListenUp

Colorado
Retailer

ListenUp

Colorado
Retailer

Music Direct

Illinois
Retailer

Gramophone

Maryland
Retailer

Gramophone

Maryland
Retailer

Gramophone

Maryland
Retailer

Gramophone

Maryland
Retailer

Gramophone

Maryland
Retailer

Audio Advisor

Michigan
Retailer

Bloom Audio

New Jersey
Retailer

High Definition Tape Transfers

New Jersey
Retailer

ListenUp

New Mexico
Retailer

Turntable Lab NY Storefront

New York
Retailer

Audio 46

New York
Retailer

Moon Audio

North Carolina
Retailer

AudioAdvice

North Carolina
Retailer

AudioAdvice

North Carolina
Retailer

Headphones.com

Oregon
Retailer

World Wide Stereo

Pennsylvania
Retailer

World Wide Stereo

Pennsylvania
Retailer

HIDEF Lifestyle

Pennsylvania
Distributor

iFi audio USA (East Coast)

Virginia
Retailer

USA-Audio Exchange

Virginia
USBSuper-Speed USB3.0 (and USB2.0 backwards compatible)
Connec­­torsUSB3.0 gold-plated connectors
Dimensions48 (l) x 18 (w) x 8 mm (h)
Weight6.5g (0.23oz)
Warranty period12 months
iSilencer3.0 iDefender3.0
Primary useHomeHome
Who is it for? Generalist-for reduced USB port noiseSpecialist-for breaking Ground loops
Also inject clean 5v via additional iPOWER
(External power supply needed for iDef3.0 to break the Ground when USB-powered DAC is used. Not required if USB is internally-powered by DAC.)
USB standard (max)USB3.0 Super-speed 5GbpsUSB3.0 Super-speed 5Gbps
Active Noie CancellationYes-
REBalanceYes-
Reduced jitter Yes-
IsoEarth (auto)-Yes
Inject 5v for clean power (iPOWER rec. )-Yes
Dimensions48 (l) x 18 (w) x 8 mm (h)48 (l) x 18 (w) x 8 mm (h)
Weight6.3g (0.22 lbs)6.5g (0.23 lbs)

No more noise / ground loop

In my home studio I had ground loop problems by connecting my guitar preamp / audio interface (line6 hx stomp) to my PC via USB and then to my monitoring speakers via jack, with an infernal noise. I tried in vain all the advice of the guides: quality power strip with IRF filter, quality balanced XLR cables, ferrite rings on all cables. The noise still present.

Then I found this miraculous device that connects between the PC and the audio interface, creates a new ground for the USB device and thus eliminates the loop and noise. It saved my sanity, I highly recommend if you have the same type of problem. It is compatible with high speed USB devices.

Amazon

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Protects gear and sounds crystal clear

This thing is a must have if you run your audio trough any USB device!
I had a set of monitors busy before I used this and I wish I had known that this would be the fix.
Protect your gear and keep your sound crystal clear!

Amazon

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Awesome product to remove usb hum noise!!!

Awesome product! I used this product to eliminate hum noise coming from my interface through usb. The hum was reduced significantly and it improved the sonic performance of the interface.

Amazon

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It Works

Dang! Fully expected to return this Defender 3.0 as I had been completely frustrated by trying to eliminate hum/buss from a Lenovo g580 laptop USB to my expensive external DAC. Tried everything from isolation, ferrite beads galore, cable upgrades, power strip manipulation and nothing worked. Was about to replace the 580 as my other laptop had no USB hum problems but ordered the Defender as a last resort.

The ifi Defender 3.0 works. Eliminated the buzz/hum. Funny item though is that putting the ifi Silencer behind the Defender made the SQ worse. Good work ifi.

Amazon

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Love it

Perfect !!! Got rid of my graphic card coil wine when using the power adaptor!!!!

Amazon

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Solves EMI/RFI generated by PC motherboard

I’d been plagued with a low level digital static noise coming from my studio monitors for some time now. Mainboard is a Gigabyte Designare, audio interface is a Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd gen), speakers are Yamaha HS80m. I had taken all other measures to reduce noise and interference, including trying different USB ports, USB cables with a ferrite core choke on each end, installing ferrite core chokes on all power cables, making sure everything is on the same power circuit, and disconnecting all unnecessary devices that might introduce noise. The digital static noise coming from the speakers was not affected by the volume on the audio interface, only increased with the volume control on the speakers.

In this case, the noise increased during network activity such as when multiple browser windows were active. I’ve had this type of problem in the past related to HDD activity. I would even hear the PC’s EMI/RFI noise when the audio interface was turned off, USB cable connected, and speakers on. Installing the iDefender 3.0 absolutely solved the problem. Now there is no trace of the PC’s digital noise in my audio chain.

Amazon

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Incredibly effective.

In optimal conditions (Roon (a super app to which I have not found an equivalent) running on a dedicated laptop + external SSD, DAC Audio-Gd based on pcm1704K), this small accessory transformed the rendering of the rest of my channel (Marantz, Kef, Nordost etc). 

First, an extra dimension: depth. But also the ultra-precise spatialization, wider still, the incredible attacks (even those of silence), a capacity of resolution much higher still even on styles of loaded and dense music. The brand new “organic” side, free of any digital harshness. 

The crosstalk, in enormous progression, the timbres and the richness of the instruments (guitars, basses, winds, percussions etc …); the gain is immediately palpable and shocking. A natural never heard in voices, guitar saturations, playing drums. All these details inaudible before … And all in the same plane, we gain a half-dimension in my case. 

A superb surprise for my listening pleasure. I rediscover everything! Even old or medium masterings benefit from it …
A faultless for me, only for my pleasure.
I can not judge the “neutrality” may I e …… Nothing matters more than the pleasure of listening.
A must, eyes closed and ears wide open.
(USB dongle WITH silent power supply)

Amazon

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iFi iDefender 3.0 & SPDIF iPurifier Reviews | Clean up Your Sources

“The iFi iDefender 3.0 and SPDIF iPurifier are two dongle offers from iFi that are out to clean up your source gear; one for USB, one for SPDIF. Both of these actually do their job quite well, and the iDefender is making its way into my personal setup.”

YouTube

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Goodbye to noise in music devices

Incredible, goodbye to the noise through the USB cable, I have connected a Roland boutique that transmits data and charges through the USB cable and the computer sent me a lot of ground noise and in the device that is most noticeable is in the ju06a, I just of connecting it through the ifi and no fly is heard. It is perfect! Surely buy more being so effective

Amazon

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Works!

Truth be told, I was unconvinced and sure this would get back to amazon, but having tried a couple of cheaper solutions I had to give this a chance. I’ve put this little thing between the USB extension and the sound card (Zoom U24) and turned on my pc.

Like other usb “silencer” I heard no noise, but in this case my recognised the soundcard.. This silencer works, it really does, no other sound than music, I’m quite impressed!

Amazon

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Worth it

After a long process, I finally figured out I had lots of groundloop noise coming through my PC’s USB port to my Focusrite 8i6 audio interface. I used balanced cables between my 8i6 and My speakers, I changed the my power strip to Furman SS-6B, what finally did it was this little USB ground loop eliminator. It works miracles! Worth the money hands down.

Amazon

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It works

It successfuly isolates the interference from computer motherboard. Some fancier motherboards have special USB ports that are unpowered for the same purpose.

Amazon

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Amazed and delighted that this works

I didn’t expect this to work but it did! I have a pair of Yamaha HS7 speakers connected to a Steinberg UR22 and my PC. The speakers were picking up noise and when playing games it was quite loud and made them unusable.

I tried everything, balanced XLR cables, passing through guitar pedals (lol) to filter it out, using the line out from my pc into the Steinberg, all continued to have the buzz. This usb gizmo got rid of most of it, then using the power adapter completely fixed it. Highly recommended, and if you’re reading this, avoid Yamaha speakers!

Amazon

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Perfect for intended use

Worked as advertised. Took out the ground loop from a usb powered SMSL m300 dac. I think a lot of the bad reviews are from people who are using it for the wrong use or are using it the wrong way. If your looking to break the ground loop of a usb powered device connected to your pc and ac power supply, look no further.

Amazon

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It really works. Pricey but…

I love this thing, it fixed my problem as well. I see people say is pricey which I’m in agreement with but if you buy the usb adapter itself without the power adapter and just use your own that outputs 5V/2.5A you should be good.

And yes you do need it to be externally powered, by itself it does something but if you’re looking into something like this because the noise is driving you crazy then your gonna want to power it externally.

Amazon

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Ground noise be gone!

I had a ground loop buzz on my Steinberg UR824. This little puppy did the trick. No more buzz. Crystal clear.

Amazon

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It works wonderfully

I had bought Yamaha HS5’s and upon attaching them to my computer I realized my PC’s USB port is extremely noisy. I could hear the computer CPU through the speakers when it calculates. This product with its USB power supply solved it. I rarely leave reviews but this is a product well worth it.

Yes, it is expensive, but it is worth it if you already have an expensive setup.

Amazon

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Worked for me

This thing worked for me. I have a RME Babyface Pro which I have connected to a new MacBook Pro. I was having some problems with some noise from the computer. I could hear a pretty audible interference when I moved the mouse or moved windows around on the screen.

I tore my setup apart and re-wired things a number of times. I tried different surge protectors and line conditioners, I even swapped out USB hubs and all the connectors and power adapters. Nothing could get rid of the interference. It was driving me nuts.

Finally, I got this thing, along with the recommended power supply. I plugged it in and was happy to find that it worked. This thing is a bit pricey for what it is, but I’m really happy the problem is solved.

Amazon

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Silenced my JBL LSR305 monitors and Focusrite Scarlett Solo DAC!

I recently built a new Ryzen-based PC with a 2080Ti GPU and found that as soon as the GPU was utilized, I would get horrible interference from my JBL powered monitors. I narrowed it down to USB devices, as plugging headphones into my front-panel or rear IO ports resulted in clean audio.

Put this between my Focusrite DAC and my PC and my setup is back to being silent! Wish this product were a little more affordable, but it’s cheaper than finding a replacement DAC and/or studio monitors.

Amazon

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Fixed my PC Speakers

My desktop PC USB speakers were whining. I couldn’t stand it, and had to keep them turned off, which was annoying. None of my USB plugs, whether it be front, back or hub, would stop the noise. Finally took the plunge and got the iDefender and the noise stopped! Now I can keep my speakers on without going nuts.

Amazon

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Fixed my issues!

This fixed the problem I was having with my focus rite Scarlett making buzzing in the headphones whenever playing 3d games. I didn’t need to use an external power source to fix it. I love this thing. I think it’s probably a little over priced but I blame myself for getting a cheap x470 motherboard and at least I can take it to future motherboards that have this issue. Still 5 stars.

Amazon

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Fixed my issues

On my laptop I didnt notice any unwanted noise in my studio monitors but when I built a desktop pc I had terrible noise in one of my monitors. I tried a few things with no luck. This fixed my issue completely. I plugged my usb interface into this and then into my pc and it completely eliminated the noise. Very happy with this unit. Highly recommend

Amazon

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This actually works….

Not much more to say. You pay for it but it does exactly what it says. Absolutely no hiss or buzz anymore on my usb DAC

Amazon

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Worked perfectly

Cleaned up the ground hum perfectly! Great Product!

Amazon

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Fixed my noise problem between Presonus Studio 2/6 and new HP Laptop

After getting a new HP laptop computer, I noticed some noise in my studio monitors that are connected to my laptop. I tried using a USB cable with chokes on each end, but that didn’t help.

So, I ordered one of these. You have to supply the 5v through a micro USB connection on the device. I just used an Apple iPad charger that was laying around and a USB B to USB micro cable that I also had laying around. Hooked it up and BOOM, no noise.

Evidently the USB power supply from my new laptop was noisier that the one from my old laptop. But, at any rate, for $49 plus some other parts I already had, I am back in business.

Amazon

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IFI AUDIO ISILENCER3.0 AND THE IDEFENDER3.0 USB AUDIO PURIFIERS

There is an endless array of DACs and Amps and DAC/AMP combos, headphones/speakers and, of course, high end audio cables. High fidelity audio does come at a hefty price, especially if you’re looking for an endgame headphone setup.

If you can’t imagine spending hundreds or thousands on multiple variations of audio components, you actually don’t have to. If you already own a decent DAC, tube amplifier and audiophile quality headphones, a USB audio purifier might be all you need to improve your listening pleasure!

Gadget Explained

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Works!

Very happy with this purchase. I just built a new computer and when I start playing a game my graphics was putting out a lot of noise to my JBL monitor speakers. Once I hooked this device into my Dragon Fly black DAC there was no more noise. Very thankful because that buzzing sound was driving me nuts.

Amazon

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This did the trick~

I had to deal with a “hum” in our live recording. Tried so many wiring configurations but when I installed this device, hum was eliminated. PERFECT!

Amazon

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Fixes noise with PC power supply powered sound cards (USB or internal)

Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth it? YES!

It took me years to find out why I was getting noise through my speakers on my computer. I tried different sound cards, ground loop isolators, ect.. turns out that the noise was coming from USB 5v from my computer.

If you have noise and your sound card is powered by your PCs power supply (usb or internal), this could fix your issue!

Amazon

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Actually Works! Not Snake Oil

Wow. I had ground loop issues that I couldn’t solve with anything else. I thought this product would just be snake oil, but it actually works! Super impressed.

Amazon

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Wow! This actually works great for my ground loop USB audio issue on my DAC setup!

I’ve had major buzzy/clicky noise with my Desktop PC to Chord Mojo DAC to Schiit Lyr 3 tube amp to Audeze LCD-2C. I’ve since found out that it’s a ground loop audio issue.

So I bought the Audioquest Jitterbug and the iFi iDefender 3.0. Sadly, the Audioquest Jitterbug didn’t fix anything BUT the iDefender 3.0 instantly removed the ground loop noise! I can turn the volume on the Lyr 3 to its maximum and it’s dead silent/near dead silent. No more static hum noise!

With my DAC, since it’s powered by a separate USB cable/AC adapter, I didn’t have to add extra micro USB for external power to the iDefender.

So yes, if you experience ground loop noise issue, get this!

Amazon

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Does the job

It eliminated the ground loop hum that was annoying me.

Amazon

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Helped my Creative G6

Neatly solved a ground loop with my Creative G6, without affecting operation otherwise.

Amazon

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Clean Power, Low Noise.

Quick delivery, great product.

Amazon

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A must buy.

Works perfectly.

Amazon

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Noisy USB Mixer Finally Fixed

When my A&H Zed 14 is plugged into my PC via usb, I get a nasty 1000hz tone through my monitors and headphones. It doesn’t show up on recordings but it has been driving me INSANE. I have tried so many different things to fix this…ferrite chokes, usb 1.0, 2, 3.0, thicker cables, active cables, different brands of cables at price points including a 70 fricken dollar tether tools cable I borrowed from a friend. I even changed circuits twice just to make sure I’m not insane. Nothing has worked.

I was looking at a picking up something like a hum x but I found this little guy instead. I added iFi to the usb chain and still had the hum. Hmm I grabbed a micro usb cable and powered it. That’s when I noticed a significant cut in overall noise. It’s still there but I have to crank my monitor amp well past where I would ever use it to hear it.

I was super skeptical of this thing doing anything at all. I was fully expecting to get it and immediately open a return but I’m keeping it. Even if I change my setup, this this is super handy to throw in your live sound bag if you ever need to get a second USB dac on a PC or a noisy chromecast up for live sound or something. This seems to “decrapyify” the signal pretty well.

If you’re sure your ground is good and you’re still getting something other than that low 60 hz hum, I’d say it’s at least worth a shot.

The only negative thing i can say about it is the micro usb placement on the iFi itself. This thing is pretty small and I’m sure it was really the only place they had room for it on the device but it does get in the way. I plan on getting right or left angle (i need to check) usb cable to minimize it’s footprint OR throw a small usb extension in the chain to get it away from the back of my PC.

Amazon

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Does the job!

I had a terrible buzz introduced into my audio system by a usb midi output from a Casio keyboard. After connecting the iDefender3 there is no buzz. Does the job!

Amazon

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Midi hum gone

Works great for midi ground loop hum elimination.

Amazon

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Works like a charm

I had a ground loop problem with my Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB audio device and this little thing (when powered) fixed it. It’s a little pricey, but it’s very nice to no longer hear obnoxious CPU/GPU noise through my speakers.

Amazon

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Simple and elegant fix: plug and play

I noticed I was getting a LOT of digital noise on my analog audio path, and narrowed it down to coming from my Yamaha MODX7 keyboard. If I potted it down on the mixer, the noise disappeared. However I didn’t hear it if I plugged headphones directly into the MODX, so I was suspecting a ground loop. Turned out it was exactly that – and the offending item was the USB wire on the MODX. The mixer was connected to the PC via USB (I use my mixer as an audio interface, it has A/D and D/A built in), the MODX was connected to the mixer via analog connection, and the MODX was connected to the PC via USB (for MIDI and USB audio). When I disconnected the MODX USB connector from the PC, the noise disappeared.

I researched USB ground loop isolators, and found quite a few that supported USB2.0 only, or required external power adapters, or caused other problems. This one cost a bit more than the others, but it supported USB3.0, and had good reviews. I plugged it in on the MODX USB wire, and like magic, the noise disappeared. The MIDI and USB audio connection is completely unaffected, everything works normally.

Amazon

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Fixed Ground Loop

Bought a pair of JBL 308p MkII powered monitors and hooked them up to a Topping DX3 Pro connected to my desktop. Had awful ground loop noise especially in games. Put this between the DX3 Pro and the computer and the noise was gone. Excellent

Amazon

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GPU ground-loop noise solved.

I’m exceptionally impressed by this product. This little thing singlehandedly solved the aggravating and conspicuous noise coming from my under load GTX 1080Ti. I can crack the volume to 100% on my headphone amp, even flipping from low to high gain switch in the back and no longer a trace of this noise being apparent.

Amazon

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Powerful Tool!

Stop static in my line, while recording. Small, but powerful/effective tool. Went thru all other avenues and check-offs. Thankfully, found this vs buying a new mic, when it wasnt warranted.

Amazon

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Overview of iFi Audio accessories and filters – does filtering matter?

This article was born in my head a long time ago, mainly due to repeated questions from time to time, whether I had contact with filtering devices like iSilencer, Jitterbug etc. But since I run my humble blog, I’ve probably got used to most people to a few maxims, which I am guided in total not only in the field of audio equipment, but generally in life…

AUDIOFANATYK

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Works, significant noise reduction

Does actually reduce the level of the line hum and digital buzz noises. I had a ground loop caused by USB cables connected to the computer / music keyboards. Even when the keyboards were off, it caused a loud noise in my interface and other connected gear. This reduced the noise. The alternative is to never use USB, but that was not an option at the time.

Amazon

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simply works

out of the blue I was getting frequency buzz group loop buzz yeah a bit pricey but how much is silence worth great product

Amazon

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Purchased to fix GPU whine in amp.

This little wonder cut the buzzing caused by my computer’s GPU’s performance elevating by easily 95%. It’s still there, but it’s only noticeable if I turned all sounds off.

Amazon

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Works great for GPU ground loop

I bought this because I was hearing awful ground loop noise through an external dac/amp whenever my GPU did any kind of work.

Using it just by itself, it only reduced the noise a little. But with a DC power supply, I am pleased to say that this completely eliminated the noise! I didn’t buy the iPower 5v adapter they recommend. I just used an extra micro-usb adapter I had lying around, and it works great!

Amazon

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The sound of silence!

This product solved my ground loop noise issue the second I plugged it into my CPU. I’ve been frustrated with unwanted line noise from my Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 for a number of years now.

The Focusrite has a power supply so I didn’t buy the extra power supply for the idefender which saved me some money.

The background noise had become more pronounced when using VST plugin instruments as well as games the call the GPU. Long story short, my problem is solved with the product and I couldn’t be happier!

Amazon

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Works

Worked at removing whine and noise for USB device. But did not work on all computer/USB set ups. But worth the purchase for trouble shooting and working through issues.

Amazon

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Eliminates Ground Hum

Only thing that eliminated ground hum absolutely and completely when fed external power. Just have a usb cable running directly from my surge protector into the unit.

Amazon

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USB Audio Ground loops are gone.

I bought two for my external, powered recording studio devices. They work – they remove ground hum like the old hum isolator boxes for inline audio feeds worked – they don’t alter the bits or pseudo-magically improve the imaging or sound staging or clarity. They remove ground hum. They don’t remove broadband hiss or improve signal-noise ratio. They just remove ground hum.

Which is exactly what I needed.

I wasn’t excited about the cost. But hey they worked and I can throw the boxes away now because I’m keeping two of them. No one else makes these as far as I can tell.

Amazon

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It’s worth it

I noticed a much cleaner sound coming from my Mac Mini to my DAC really lowered the noise going to my DAC

Amazon

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Fixed the hiss in audio

In the house I’m renting, something was causing my audio recorder to have a hiss whenever I was plugged into power. When I added this in between the mixer and the USB adapter connected to my Mac, it fixed the issue. I have the MacBook Pro with Touchbar, which has USB-C, and this worked between a USB to USB-C adapter.

Amazon

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It actually works!

I was fully prepared for this to be utter Snake Oil, but it actually works! Really Well! Well packaged and feels reasonable quality, I would have preferred the 5v input not to be on the side of the dongle.

The USB on my Mac Pro had always been very noisy, no matter what external DAC I used I could still hear hard drive and data chatter in the background. This device totally solved this problem instantly.

I think it basically just cuts the 5v line and injects a clean 5v supply, I haven’t tried any other 5v supply but the one in this kit certainly seems to be doing the job in powering my Topping D10 DAC very nicely.

Probably over priced for what it actually is, and I suspect I could have achieved the same results by cutting up a few USB cables and connecting things together, but this is a very neat package that actually does that it says and removes ground loop problems from 5v voltage rail on USB interfaces. I don’t think it does anything more than that, the data lines appear to be straight through.

Amazon

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Objective Improvements

This is my favorite kind of audiophile product: Something you can objectively test. I had a ground loop issue with my system. I tried changing USB ports, unplugging anything that wasn’t necessary, swapping where my power was coming from, etc. I noticed that unplugging the USB cable to my DAC eliminated the hum I was getting (really annoying crackling hum that changed pitch as I dragged windows around on my monitor).

I bought one of these hoping it would fix the ground loop, and it did! That wildly annoying hum is gone, and I can go back to enjoying the music.

Amazon

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Clean power, Clean sound

It works quite well. Before I had it I had a lot of noise from the power coming through the USB port on my motherboard, but once I put this in it went silent. I’m glad I picked this up and would again if I ever need another one.

Amazon

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It works!

Ok, this thing works. I have a Focusrite 6i6 and this took away all that annoying buzzing. If your sound card has its own power supply this will fix your issue. If your sound card is powered by the USB connection you will need to by the AC adapter that was also mentioned in one of the other reviews.

Amazon

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Needed external power, but completely fixed my static+noise! Using Focusrite Solo

I have been running into an issue for over a year now where I can hear noise/static generated from my PC – it was low enough that it wasn’t too critical, but it was driving me nuts! I could literally hear the computer’s sounds as I would browse the web, with the scroll wheel generating this awful (but faint) buzz.

After doing my research, I determined that the cause of this was a ground loop and, after eliminating all other options, determined it was the USB from my PC to my Focusrite Solo that was generating this noise. I tried various cables and nothing would change, and eventually I stumbled upon this guy – was a little pricey, but I figured worst case scenario I’d return it.

I’m happy to say that this completely fixed the constant computer noise that was coming through my USB cable to my Focusrite Solo and I am now sitting in blissful silence for the first time in forever! Note that, out of the box, just the USB adapter didn’t fix my issue (in fact, it made it /slightly/ worse) but, after attaching external power to the iDefender all noise was and is now completely eliminated. The company recommends you use their own branded 5v adapter, but I ended up using an old iPhone USB brick + a spare Micro USB cable I had and it works PERFECTLY, though YMMV.

My setup is:
Windows PC -> USB 3.0 port + iDefender -> USB B Cable -> Focusrite Solo -> RCA to 1/4″ to my HS7s.

Incredible, so glad this fixed my problem, thanks iFi!

Amazon

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Good

Worked. 90 percent.

Amazon

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Finally fixed my audio issues

For years I would get a huge amount of static from my studio monitors whenever my 1080 Ti video card would run at over 5% usage. I went so far as to install a 2nd low power video card and physically swap my monitor cable every time I wanted to use my recording software. And forget playing games and using the good speakers….I was relegated to headphones or switching to the built-in sound on my computer monitor.

I’d also tried multiple power conditioners and combinations of outlets in my house. This is the only thing that worked. Now I can shake the entire house with my studio monitors and subwoofer. I haven’t been this excited about sound in video games since I hooked up my guitar amplifier to my computer in 1996 to hear shotgun blasts in Doom at a convincingly real volume level.

Amazon

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Perfect for what I needed

I do mobile DJ work and I’ve always gotten a high-frequency noise from my speakers. Using this has completely eliminated the noise which is exactly what I needed. Powered it using a Samsung phone charger. Manufacturer was responsive to questions and very helpful.

Amazon

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It is cheap and good.

It is cheap and good.
Works well after installation and is satisfied.

Amazon

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Works like magic

Plugged it in – obvious and annoyig hissing/crackling in my line 6 Helix when hooked to PC stopped.

Haven’t thought about it since.

Amazon Customer

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Excellent sound quality

I use this for my stereo setup, where a computer delivers sound to a DAC. I also have a AudioQuest JitterBug, but this is far better, according to me, on my setup. Compared to the JitterBug I got better: Dynamics, bass, high frequency, 3D placement of instruments and the ground floor for silence. I think it is worth every penny.

Amazon Customer

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Amazing product

It works, it lessen the static noise on my steelseries dac. I have to had the power connection that I purchased separately and it’s amazing.

Amazon Customer

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This truly DOES work!

I was half-skeptical this product would magically fix my motherboard signal bleed issue – but it 100% DID. I was getting faint, but absolutely unacceptable high frequency “ticking” from my speakers during CPU idle and when I moved my mouse. This thing totally eliminated it as advertised. Total lifesaver.

Amazon Customer

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Actually Works…!

was getting a lot of noise (fan from gpu when gaming, squeaking from my psu, and weird buzzing noises while scrolling through websites) from my headphones. long story short, i tried replacing a lot of things and wasted a lot of money when i should have just bought this thing in the first place…. all the noise is gone except when i use my mic/audio splitter with my mic plugged into my motherboard and my headphones plugged into my headphone amplifier off an external dac. with that plugged in, the crazy noises become worse than when not using this device. not sure how to fix that other than buying a usb mic, but i couldn’t be happier now that all that annoying, unbearable noise is gone. so don’t be like me folks, try this as one of your first troubleshooting steps if you’re getting freakish noise from your speakers or headphones.

Amazon User

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Perfect

I would get a ground loop buzz in the analog outputs of my BEHRINGER UMC404HD with the USB cable plugged in. This fixed it. Does what’s advertised.

Amazon User

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Perfect

Stopped my coil whine and interference coming from my pc and have noticed improved sound quality. Perfect. Using with a Scarlett 2i2 audio interface and presonus studio monitors.

Amazon User

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It works

I’m a journalist and voiceover artist. I use an SL150 mic into a Macbook and was increasingly frustrated by RF noise on my recordings, which I had to remove in post.

Without 5v power the iFi Defender didn’t make any difference, but plugged into the mains my recordings are now clean and interference free, It solved the problem so is well worth the expense.

Amazon User

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Thought it didn’t work then hooked up power…MAGIC!

Make sure you go into the same power source as the computer and BOOM! I’d say 97% of the noise is gone! Amazing! My ears thank this product for relieving me of such an annoyance for so long! It’s only audible to me because I am an audio engineer and I have to listen to this kind of stuff all day but nobody else hears it anymore at all haha. Thank you thank you THANK YOU!!! Amazing product!!!

Amazon User

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ifi iDefender 3.0 Review & Demo: Breaking a GPU Noise Ground Loop

It solves an issue with a ground-loop or GPU noise which I’m sure a lot of people might have.

lachlanlikesathing

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iDSD Nano LE, iDefender 3.0 & iPower 5v all put to the test

I wonder what will come of all this. Very interesting…….we are going to test it in the way that so far no one has tested it……..I listened to this immediately after the release, immediately after the first IFI Audio products in Poland.

 

Antoni Wozniak, hd-opinie.pl and iFi:Poland

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Does exactly what it’s supposed to do

Does exactly what it’s supposed to do. I had a ground loop issue over USB. My options were to remove the ground on my amp (which is unsafe) or to get a USB ground isolator. This worked! Plus, it came SUPER fast directly from the manufacturer with a nice little note, too.

denti alligtor

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iDefender USB 3.0 is reviewed on Stereoikolorowo

The iDefender 3.0 task is to eliminate loop-related perturbations and interruptions on the USB bus rails…It amplifies the sound, clarify and distil it like an advanced turbid filter, deepen and tone the tones, bring total peace and harmony.

Stereoikolorowo and Camax (iFi:Poland)

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John H. Darko gets the gist of the new accessory releases whilst at RMAF 2016!

iEMatch: “The first is for headphone listeners. The iEMatch is an inline attenuator that reduces headroom and re-introduces the listener to the potential for a wider dynamic range”iDefender 3.0: “a single purpose device that will stop ground loops in their tracks in the most obvious way possible: pulling the plug on USB power itself. Data will still pass freely.”

iSilencer 3.0: “ an accessory designed to cauterise electrically noisy USB feeds”

John H. Darko

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