Need Hum Eliminator/DI recommendations

[Infusion]

My DAW has mostly balanced gear and a few unbalanced pieces (RNCs, Mackie LM-3204) aswell. I assume, therefore that EVERYTHING cannot be ground to the chassis. It's my understanding that Hum Eliminators are the next best thing. Are Hum eliminators and Direct Boxes the same thing? Will they affect my signal and which ones come highly recommended?

[where02190]

Are you having noise problems? If you keep the unbalanced gear cabling lengths short (under 20') and away from AC, wall warts, CRT's, etc., you should not have any problems. Plug your gear in one piece at a time, starting with your CR mointors, and check your noise levels. adding gear to cut down noise is not the approach, find the source of the noise, and then work on a solution. Also, make sure you are not using the same AC source as any motors, compressors (AC units, refridgerators, etc) and if possible have a dedicated service (not just outlets/breakers) for your studio electronics. A good Power conditinior and UPS(uninteruptable power supply) is also recommended. Expensive, but worth it if your power is not clean. Hope this is helpful.

[Infusion]

That's good advice. Thanks :thu:

[Chaz]

Nick...when you say power conditioner are you referring to a balanced power conditioner (i.e., Equi=Tech, etc.) or something else? Also....what quality are the cables being used? They can be a source of the hum also, as well as the equipment chain order being used. A balanced power unit would also be the way to go. We have an Equi=Tech for powering the equipment in the studio. The DAW, of course, is on a seperate AC source. BTW Nick...I was always told that it is best to keep -10 cables under 10' instead of 20', so that is what I have always practiced for the last 27 or so years. Of course, I realize there are always exceptions to that rule. :cool: