An inSync reader sent the following insightful summation to our recent thread on wiring and shielding to prevent hums and noises (most recent TTOTD about this was 8/19/98).
“One of the most interesting art forms in electrical engineering, one that inspires a veritable cornucopia of black art solutions is the art of grounding and shielding. The manuals and “how to” bulletins that have emerged from various government organizations over the past fifty years would fill warehouses. For about 15 years, I contracted with government agencies and consulted with various companies concerning matters of this sort (1970-1985). It is therefore with interest that I have read various inputs to inSync.
Whatever works, do it. There are some guidelines, but the well-known monkey technique still works best. Cable ties, bulkhead shields, metal pipes, ferrite beads, common grounds are all well and good. However, I once fixed a persistent problem at a well-known computer company by pulling up three pieces of the flooring under the computer bays and kicking the cables.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: AMEN! Actually we will be covering some of these topics in more detail in the future. There are a few new innovations that can make a big difference in studio wiring. Stay tuned.