Contents Product Info Back Issues Subscribe Sound Advice Online News E-Newsletter Classifieds Advertising Link To Us Feedback Events Bookstore		Grounding, Shielding, Hums, Buzzes, & Things That Go Zap! In Your Sound System - Issue: April 2007 Grounding, Shielding, Hums, Buzzes, & Things That Go Zap! In Your Sound System by Neil A. Muncy Noise susceptibility (or the lack thereof) in audio systems is a function of two principal factors: shielding, and the “pin-1 problem.” The endless conversations concerning this matter inevitably involve earth “grounding,” a subject which has been around for so long (200+ years) that it has devolved into a sea of confusion, misinformation, and mythology, even though it is completely dictated by easily understandable basic physics. Conventional grounding mythology would have one believe that electronic systems of all kinds must be robustly connected to earth ground in order to properly function – audio signal processing systems in particular. The grounding reality is that airplanes, motor vehicles, laptop computers, blasters, etc. seem to work just fine without connections to earth ground. Nevertheless, A/V systems of all kinds are considered exempt. According to the conventional mythologists, “noise in audio systems must have something to do with grounding, what else could it be?” The bad news is that the short answer to this question would fill up this entire issue many times over. The good news is that on the Professional Sound website www.professional-sound.com, a long list of reference material will be found. In addition, the June 1995 issue of the Journal of the Audio Engineering Society, entitled “Shields and Grounds,” includes seven papers which directly address this matter. Go to www.aes.org, and look up “Special Publications.” It’s available as freeware to anyone for $15 US, less if you’re an AES Member … it may also be downloadable. It won’t take you long to realize that the conventional mythologitsts just might be wrong! Neil Muncy has been around since the days when recorded sound was analog mono and vacuum tubes ruled the audio landscape. He has been a consultant in the audio field for many years, and can be contacted by email at: nmuncy@allstream.net. Turn That Amp UP! Capturing The Natural Sound Of A 300 Year Old Cello Part 1 Less Is Best When Recording Tracks - Issue: June 2010 Mastering in the 21st Century Louder Than God Intended - Issue: June 2010 Controlling Feedback Onstage Using Phase To Your Advantage Part 2: The Interaction Between Speakers - Issue: April 2010 It’s All In The Ears - Issue: February 2010 Controlling Feedback Onstage Using Phase To Your Advantage: Part 1- Issue: February 2010 Something New Or The Same Old Thing? - Issue: December 2009 Some Tips For Working Efficiently With The House Tech - Issue: October 2009 Affordable Gear, Big-Budget Sound - Issue: October 2009 Miking The Audience During Remote Recording - Issue: August 2009 Using The “Import Session Data” Function In Pro Tools - Issue: August 2009 Miking Techniques For Recording Grand Piano - Issue: June 2009 Using A Phazer On Live Bass Guitar - Issue: June 2009 Four Key Tips For Mixing An Outdoor Festival - Issue: December 2008 Location CD Recording: Miking & Mixing Techniques – Part 2 - Issue: December 2008 In-Ear Monitors: Tips & Tricks – Part 2 - Issue: October 2008 Location CD Recording: Miking Techniques – Part 1 - Issue: October 2008 Mastering Pet Peeves - Issue: April 2009 Accurately Measuring Distortion - Issue: April 2009 Professional Sound News Archives Search our News Gifts For Audio Professionals at Music Books Plus
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