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AndyB_Suffolk

Joined: 22/02/10
Posts: 5

Switch mode PSU causing huge radio interference
#990431 - 30/05/12 02:17 PM

I recently discovered that the source of a huge amount of radio interference (and lots of broadband line dropouts) was the PSU for my M-Audio Project Mix audio interface. Before I order a new one, is this an expected side effect of switch mode PSUs and is the new one likely to cause the same issue?

To give you an idea of the interference, the PSU was situated in a back bedroom but would cause my car radio (when tuned to Radio 5 live) to buzz loudly as I parked the car at the front of the house. My DSL line would also lose sync when the audio interface was switched on.

Sorry for the distinctly non-technical description!

Thanks,
Andy

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Martin Walker
Watcher Of The Skies

Joined: 28/02/01
Posts: 16381
Loc: Cornwall, UK

Re: Switch mode PSU causing huge radio interference new

[Re: AndyB_Suffolk]
#990460 - 30/05/12 04:01 PM

Hi Andy!

No, although Switched-mode power supplies have a bad reputation for spewing out radio interference not all of them so it.

As usual, it comes down to good design, so a really cheap model might be an offender whereas others are quietness personified

I'd be surprised if M Audio would use any PSU that would involve them in multiple complaints from customers though - why not get in touch with their tech support to explain your problem, and they might help you out.

Martin

--------------------
YewTreeMagic

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AndyB_Suffolk

Joined: 22/02/10
Posts: 5

Re: Switch mode PSU causing huge radio interference new

[Re: Martin Walker]
#990465 - 30/05/12 04:18 PM

Thanks Martin - yes I'm speaking to them too but they aren't the quickest and I need my interface back up and running asap. I also can't find a UK supplier for it so it $85 inc. postage! grrr

Thanks,
Andy

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Folderol

Joined: 15/11/08
Posts: 2551
Loc: Rochester, UK

Re: Switch mode PSU causing huge radio interference new

[Re: AndyB_Suffolk]
#990472 - 30/05/12 04:51 PM

For it to chuck out that amount of rubbish there must be a real problem with it. There is no way it'd pass CE compliance otherwise.

If it still works 'normally' then it must be dodgy filters, or something stupid like a screen becoming disconnected from earth.

--------------------
It wasn't me!
(Well, actually, it probably was)

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James Perrett

Joined: 10/09/01
Posts: 9654
Loc: The wilds of Hampshire

Re: Switch mode PSU causing huge radio interference new

[Re: AndyB_Suffolk]
#990593 - 31/05/12 11:38 AM

If you are prepared to void any warranty, you could order a third party 12V power supply from somewhere like CPC for quite a bit less.

James.

--------------------
JRP Music - Audio Mastering and Restoration.
http://www.jrpmusic.net

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The Red Bladder

Joined: 05/06/07
Posts: 2068
Loc: . ...

Re: Switch mode PSU causing huge radio interference new

[Re: Folderol]
#990594 - 31/05/12 11:42 AM

Quote Folderol:

If it still works 'normally' then it must be dodgy filters, or something stupid like a screen becoming disconnected from earth.

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