Cassette Player "Hum"

Jeff Strouse · Post by **Jeff Strouse** » 30 Nov 2004 6:08 pm

I have my stereo hooked up to my computer, and I notice a "hum" through my speakers when the cassette player is playing (the music pretty much masks the hum, but it can still be heard during the pause between tracks, or during low volume segments).

I don't notice this hum if I play a record (turntable), or the radio (tuner)...it's only when a cassette is played. I understand the "hiss" that comes with cassettes, but is a "hum" 'normal' as well? My deck is a Sony TC-KE500S and is only about 2-3 years old.

Will Holtz · Post by **Will Holtz** » 30 Nov 2004 7:20 pm

Are the amplifier and tape deck plugged into the same outlet? If not you might have a ground loop. Do you still get the hum if the tape is stopped, but the tape input is selected?

Bob Markison · Post by **Bob Markison** » 30 Nov 2004 8:13 pm

What Will said. And also try using two outlets with 2 separate surge protectors (which will help cut down radio frequency interference), and try to maximize physical separation between the audio gear and the computer (in case feedback is a factor. - Bob

Jeff Strouse · Post by **Jeff Strouse** » 30 Nov 2004 9:06 pm

The tape deck and the receiver are both plugged into the same surge protector multi outlet stick. And, I don't hear the hum when the tape is stopped, even with the input still selected as tape. I notice that some cassettes have a more noticable hum than others.

Could the source recording (the recording itself) also play a factor? The pre-recorded audio cassettes aren't really that bad. I can hear it a little hum, but it's very faint. But some of the "home made" cassettes are worse...makes me think it could be the equipment originally used in recording the tape? Also, could the tape quality (Type 1 or 2) play a factor?

I've been trying to get rid of it with an audio clean up program, but I'm not having any luck (I use Sony EZ Audio). <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Jeff Strouse on 30 November 2004 at 09:07 PM.]</p></FONT>

Will Holtz · Post by **Will Holtz** » 30 Nov 2004 11:39 pm

Sometimes the electromagnetic fields generated by the amplifier can induce hum in a tape deck. Try turning off the amplifier and any other near by electronics, and then listen to a tape through the headphone jack on the tape deck. If this reduces the hum, you should trying putting some distance between the tape deck and the amplifier.