There’s no way around it: if you’re playing onstage or if you have a studio, then you’re going to have to deal with AC power cords. Though they provide a conduit for the electrical lifeblood of our equipment, they can also cause noise problems. Some tips for taming AC noise and hum:
- Route analog signal cables so that they cross AC cables at 90-degree angles.
- Keep analog signal cables at least one foot (preferably more) from AC power cables.
- Be careful of big coils of AC cables – they can produce substantial noise and interference.
- Try to use AC cables that are just long enough for your application. Many pieces of gear use “IEC” power cables, which are removable. Replacement IEC cables are available in a variety of lengths and with “Y” adapters that will help you keep AC cable lengths to a minimum and will help prevent coils and piles of excess wire.
Your Sweetwater Sales Engineer will be happy to help explore the possibilities for getting power cables under control. It will be worth it!