USB Power and Noise Sensitive CV Devices

dannyboygetsgreentea

From most of my gear that is USB powered I get high frequency noise/humming into my modular system. That’s why I started to prefer devices that have a dedicated power cable. Such devices usually then also have some internal circuitry that does not cause noise or current leaking through CV patch cables.

The OXI One is USB C powered. Was there special care taken to such issues?

Since there are various symptoms and reasons related to ground loops/humming/noise etc I would like to share this paper: https://www.jensen-transformers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/generic-seminar.pdf It may help within this discussion to talk about some specific kind of issues.

Manuel

Hey Danny , thanks for your post and the article.
I’ve spent quite a bit of time reviewing this issue. The noise generated by ground loops with the OXI can be a bit annoying in certain setups (very big loops), but in most use cases is not a problem like it really is with other gear.
All the videos in Youtube where we are using modular gear, the OXI One is connected to a computer and the modular is being recorded by a soundcard and Ableton running on the same one.

In any case I aim to improve even more in the last hardware revision.

You can for sure use an external USB charger or USB power splitter to completely removing the humming.

SoundRider

Manuel You can for sure use an external USB charger or USB power splitter to completely removing the humming.

IMO this is a decent “workaround”, if it works.

Just for the record … my Beat Step Pro comes with a dedicated split-cable for use with a computer. It has an USB port to supply power by a “quiet” source and an USB Port for data, to be connected to the computer. It’s a bit more cables on the desk, but it works fine, at least for me 😉 .

Manuel

SoundRider I am aware. The BSP is a bit too noisy btw, and it is not a problem of the source but the hw design. But since they provide an easy solution, there’s nothing to worry about 🙂