Cracking noise coming through studio monitors (RCA)

[melodies5]

Hello,

I've recently got a new PC and when I plug in my Pioneer DJ controller and turn the monitors on there is a cracking white noise which does not happen at all when I do the same on my old laptop. I can still use the speakers but can hear the noise in the background.

I am assuming it is because I am using RCA from the controller to RCA (unbalanced) on the speakers, but because it happens on my PC and not my laptop I was wondering what the difference here is?

The controller only has RCA connections but the speakers have XLR (balanced), TRS (balanced), and RCA (unbalanced). If the problem is the unbalanced cables would I need to get a new 2 RCA to 2 XLR/TRS or would I be able to use the existing 2 RCA cable and just get a couple of TRS adapter plugs for example to plug in the the speakers?

Also when I have the speakers plugged into my PC with unbalanced 2 RCA to 1 AUX there is no problem at all.

Hope this is clear enough, and thank you in advance.

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

No, it’s not very clear. But I’ll give it a shot anyway, driving in the dark with no equipment model numbers or links to manuals.

If the controller has RCA outputs and the speakers have RCA inputs, it should work fine. Perhaps you are sending too hot a signal from the controller to the speakers and you’re clipping their inputs. Try turning down the output level on the controller, and increase the gain on the speakers, assuming they have that provision.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[melodies5]

Hey cheers for the reply. The monitors are Behringer NEKKST K6 and the controller is a Pioneer DDJ SB which I plug into my PC with a USB.

It doesn't seem to be anything to do with the output as that can be turned down to zero and it doesn't affect the noise. Then if I switch the controller with the same settings to my old laptop they were perfect. The speakers also work completely fine just plugged into my PC with an AUX. I have also tried multiple USB ports and cables as well as older drivers and firmware for the controller but no luck.

So basically on my old laptop - everything works as it should.

On my new PC - hiss and cracking noise regardless of the volume.

Cheers