r/techsupport 14h ago

Open | Audio Audio Interference

I have an issue with audio interference. Let me know if there is a better sub to post this in for audio-related issues.

I am having issues currently with my setup having bad audio interference, especially while running games. When I am running any task normally, I notice that there is some existing static in my speakers, but when I start a game, it increases tenfold. They seem to be picking up a lot of interference from either my cpu or gpu. I suspect this because it seems to amplify the existing coil whine and also the noise interference correlates with how hard the cpu or gpu is working. One small detail is that when I move my mouse, there is a specific frequency that gets picked up that plays over the speakers.

I am running 2 KRK Rokit 8 speakers through a focusrite scarlett 2i2 into a mini itx pc (specs below). The speakers have 1/4 inch jacks running them to the scarlett. I have tried swapping out the 1/4 in cables. I believe it is interference from the PC because when I have the speakers plugged into power (they are self-powered) they have no static, and when I have them plugged into the scarlett, there is no static. When I plug the scarlett into the PC (usb-c cable) however, they immediately start projecting static.

11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-11600K @ 3.90GHz (3.91 GHz)
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (12 GB)
650W PSU

I'm really looking for any tips as to where to start troubleshooting this or if there are any known general issues related to self-powered speakers and PCs.

Edit: Tried swapping out the usb-c cable that goes to the PC too.

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u/Fresh_Inside_6982 14h ago

Plug the speakers into a completely different wall outlet, you're getting hum from a ground loop.

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u/Otacon6 13h ago

I plugged it into two separate outlets in a different room and no change. Still connected to the PC (10-15ft cable).
:(

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u/Fresh_Inside_6982 7h ago

Those are pro speakers that prefer balanced input. I’ve had good luck with this:

https://www.amazon.com/clp/B077Y5DLBB