6 Common Audio Issues Fixed Using ART Solution Boxes
Whether you're a DJ, musician, or audio engineer, managing sound quality is crucial to your job. From ground loop hum to signal interference and connectivity issues, ART pro audio solution boxes offer practical, affordable fixes to common audio problems.
What Are Solution Boxes?
Solution boxes are a broad category of pro audio equipment, including DI boxes, mic preamps, level converters, power supplies, and more. Solution boxes are designed to help solve audio-related problems. These problems include:
- Ground loop noise (hum/buzz)
- Unbalanced signal interference
- Weak phono signal output
- Lack of phantom power
- Personal monitoring needs
- Simple audio mixing
In this guide, we’ll discuss the most common sound problems above and recommend popular ART pro audio products that can improve your setup and address your sound issues.
What is ART Pro Audio?
ART (Applied Research and Technology) is a Pro Audio company that started in the 1980s. Over the years, ART has expanded to create various solution boxes, amplifiers, mic preamps, mixers, and signal processors for the pro audio industry.
In 1999, ART joined the Yorkville Sound family, where today product development is headquartered east of Toronto, Canada. 40 Years later, ART continues to make great-sounding musical equipment that solves the audio issues we will address in this guide.
Issue 1: Fixing Ground Loop Noise with Hum Eliminators
One prominent yet difficult-to-understand problem is ground loop noise, also known as hum, buzz, or interference. This can occur when two or more devices are connected to the ground through different audio signal paths, such as in a recording studio, which causes unwanted noise.
For instance, this commonly occurs when connecting a pedalboard to a guitar amp. The pedalboard's power supply and the guitar amp's power cord are connected to different power outlets. The ground signal flow returns to its origin, creating ground loop noise.
Two ART boxes can address the ground loop issue. These solution boxes interrupt the ground loop using high-performance transformers and isolators to separate input and output signals.
Solution 1: ART CleanBox II - Hum Eliminator
The ART CleanBox II Hum Eliminator solution box has two ¼-inch inputs and two ¼-inch outputs, making it ideal for guitar, bass, or stereo signals from keyboards, synthesizers, or electric drums. If we take the previous example, connecting a pedalboard to the Hum Eliminator input and going out from the box into the guitar amp will defeat the ground loop while maintaining signal quality.
Solution 2: DTI- Dual Transformer Isolator
The Dual Transformer Isolator is similar to the CleanBox II but with additional connections for added versatility. It features XLR, ¼-inch, and RCA phono connections. Another vital solution box that controls noise throughout a signal chain is the CleanBox Pro. It does so by converting an unbalanced signal to a balanced signal.
Issue 2: Convert Unbalanced Signals to Balanced
An unbalanced signal can easily induce electrical interference because it only uses two wires—a signal and a ground. An RCA or instrument patch cable is an example of an unbalanced cable.
Balanced cables, on the other hand, use three wires – a positive signal, a negative signal, and ground. This allows any noise to cancel itself out because of opposite polarities. XLR or ¼-inch TRS are examples of balanced cables.
Additionally, long cable runs of unbalanced cables are highly susceptible to external noise or interference. This is less of an issue when using balanced cables.
Solution: The CLEANBoxPRO - Unbalanced-to-Balanced Level Converter
Let’s say you are a DJ, and the output on your DJ controller is an unbalanced RCA connection (red and white). If the house speakers only accept XLR connections and are at a distance from the DJ booth, you need to convert that connection.
The Clean Box Pro is the perfect solution for converting your unbalanced RCA connection to a balanced XLR connection across the venue. This box also includes a handy volume knob to ensure proper gain staging.
Issue 3: Boosting Your Turntable Signal
Another issue that a DJ may encounter is how to amplify an old turntable. The turntable's phono level is too weak and needs to be amplified.
Solution: The DJ Pre-2 Phono Preamp
The DJ Pre-2 Phono Preamp provides a solution by converting the phono to a line-level input, making it easy to connect to a mixer or audio interface.
It includes a 100pF and 200pF switch, a low-cut filter to optimize your phono cartridge’s response and remove low-pitched noise, and a gain-trim knob to adjust the volume of your audio.
Issue 4: Getting 48V Phantom Power Anywhere
ART offers other solution boxes related to phantom or 48-volt power. Many condenser microphones require phantom power to function, but not all gears provide it. ART Pro Audio offers two models that provide ample phantom power to fill the gap. The choice is between a single-channel and a dual-channel power supply.
Solution: Phantom I or Plantom II - Single & Dual Channel
As the name implies, the Phantom I Single Channel allows the connection of up to one condenser microphone. The Phantom II Pro provides two channels of phantom power, connecting up to two condenser microphones. It enables a 9-volt battery, handy for outdoor gigs or mobile setups where power outlets are inaccessible.
Phantom 1 Single Channel
Phantom II Pro Dual Channel
Issue 5: Simple Audio Mixing with ART MacroMix
Sometimes, you only need a basic way to switch between audio sources or create a quick mix without a full mixer. For instance, a restaurant owner only needs to switch the audio between background music and audio from the TV. In this case, you could use a mixing console.
Solution: MacroMix 4-Channel Line Mixer
The MacroMix 4-Channel Line Mixer provides a practical solution for the individual who doesn’t need a large mixer. This device includes two 1/4-inch inputs, allowing an individual to connect electric drums, synthesizers, or an electric guitar to practice with backing tracks. Additionally, this mixer comes with a headphone output, allowing you to practice without disturbing your neighbours.
Issue 6: Controlling Your Monitor Mix
Monitoring yourself clearly during performance or practice can be challenging, especially if you're alone without a designated sound engineer. That’s where this practical little mixer comes in handy.
Solution: My Monitor II - Personal Monitor Mixer
The My Monitor II is a convenient personal monitor mixer that allows you to mix your microphone, music instrument, and a stereo signal, such as a click track or reference background music from your phone or laptop.
This will give you more control over your monitor mix without needing a sound engineer. It includes an instrument and microphone to send a copy of the mix to your guitar amp or the front of your house.
Furthermore, it has a 1/8-inch or 1/4-inch jack allowing it to work with a variety of headphones without the need for an adapter. It also works with a 9-volt battery for added portability and reliability.
Which ART Solution Box Should You Buy?
The solution box you need will depend on your specific problems and needs. Regardless, a solution box like a mic preamp or a direct passive box can solve the common audio issues most mixers experience. For example, the ground noise loop, a critical problem in a recording studio, can be fixed for an affordable price and is worth the investment.
Whether you're troubleshooting ground loops, converting signals, or need mobile phantom power, ART solution boxes provide reliable audio solutions. You can find ART pro audio, mic preamps, DI boxes and more at any Long & McQuade retail store.
