Technical Ground (a.k.a. technical earth ground)

A specific “ground” reference point in a facility. The technical ground is generally the point where all audio equipment is grounded in a studio. This could be the standard AC service safety ground, but many times is not. In many large studios the standard AC safety ground is avoided for the audio equipment because of possible problems, which could include poor connection to ground, noise on the line from other equipment in the facility, and unpredictable ground loop problems. In those cases a separate Technical Ground is established specifically for the delicate audio equipment. This may involve a separate grounding rod (a copper rod driven deep into the earth, thus creating a ground “reference” for all the equipment). All audio equipment grounds are tied to this, which when done properly can help prevent ground loops and all but eliminate noise from entering equipment over its electrical cables.