Grounding Techniques

We also recommend that you use balanced audio cabling and connectors wherever possible. The MIXPAD provides electronically balanced inputs for mono line channel inputs and for its main outputs. The wiring diagram in the “Connecting The MIXPAD” section of this manual (on page 19) shows how 1/4" TRS (Tip/Ring/Sleeve) connectors should be wired for use with these inputs and outputs.

In addition, you can minimize possible interference by planning your audio, electrical, and computer cable runs so that they are as far apart from one another as possible and so they don’t run parallel to one another. If they have to cross, try to ensure that they do so at a 90° angle (that is, perpendicular to one another). In particular, try to keep audio cabling away from external AC/DC adapters.

Another, less common problem you may encounter is that of oscillation (a ringing tone), which, apart from being annoying, is potentially dangerous to your speakers. This is generally caused either by poor outside wiring or by returning a signal out of phase (most commonly from an outboard signal processor). If audible oscillation occurs, try isolating each input signal by turning down all other inputs. If one signal alone is causing the problem, you should be able to eliminate the oscillation by reversing that signal’s phase (many signal processors have a switch that allows you to do this).