Audio System Noise

Audio System Noise and the L1

Most L1 owners rarely experience audio system noise since a typical L1 setup is composed of a minimal number of electrical/electronic equipment. Nonetheless there is always a possibility of occasionally having noise issues arise unless an L1 owner only uses his/her system in a fixed controlled location.

Avoiding having to troubleshoot a noise problem (the easy way):

• Know your system
• Have a variety of spare cables
• Perform routine maintenance on your system
• Keep your setup as simple as possible
• Arrive early
• Avoid adding a new piece of equipment in the audio chain at a gig without having pretested the new setup
• Qualify the site's AC power
• Use proper protective bags and/or cases

Know your system

Read the owner's manual for every piece of equipment you use in your system. Understand each of the functions for each piece. Understand how best to interconnect the system. The better your understanding of each piece in your system the easier faults can be isolated should a problem arise.

Have a variety of spare cables

Cables are usually the most abused components in the audio chain, especially when the gigs are in different venues. Spare cables can bring piece of mind and allows for quick troubleshooting. Spare cables can be stored under the seat of the vehicle until they are called into action.

Perform routine maintenance on your system

Implementing a routine maintenance schedule for your equipment can go a long way in helping you avoid the dreaded last minute problems. Some tasks may be performed monthly while other would be well served on a yearly basis. Check the owner's manuals for manufacturer's recommended maintenance. Make yourself a list of your gear and itemize areas that may be most prone suffer from wear.

Inspect all your cables for wear and external damage. Treat the connectors with a premium contact oxidizer/enhancer. Inspect the connectors internal contact terminals (solder, crimp or screw). Learn to properly roll your cables. The over/under method is one of the best for longer cables.

Keep your setup as simple as possible

Fewer pieces of gear in an audio chain helps minimize eventual problems. If you need it and use it then keep it. Keep the cables as short as possible. Consider custom length cables. Consider different length cables for very different setups.

Arrive early

It can be very stressful to have to locate and eliminate the source of unwanted audio noise moments before the show is to start. Arriving early to setup for a gig whenever possible can help one keep a clear mind and to calmly follow basic troubleshooting steps.

Avoid adding a new piece of equipment in the audio chain at a gig without having pretested the new setup

Need we say more??

Qualify the site's AC power

It is important to ensure that your equipment is connected to good quality AC power of the correct voltage and properly wired. The use of a simple three light AC receptacle tester in conjunction with a basic AC voltmeter is an absolute minimum step that should be taken before connecting equipment to a power outlet. Ground, Hot and Neutral lines should be present and wired to their respective terminals. The AC receptacle tester can provide quick verification of this. For the USA and Canada, the voltages should be: 120VAC* between Hot and Neutral, 120VAC* between Hot and Ground and 0VAC between Ground and Neutral. If the power does not meet your requirements, find a different outlet.

* 120VAC is a nominal reading and can safely range from 115VAC to 125VAC 

Use proper protective bags and/or cases

Properly maintained gear will perform for many years longer when properly protected in transportation.