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Post by justin on Dec 9, 2021 15:54:00 GMT
Hi All,
I power my analogue studio from the wall 120V. So far so good--seems though to be a noise peak on weekends mid-afternoon.
I know there are a number of ways to address this. To begin with, I want to preliminarily go back to ignoring things like Furman IT-1220 or Power Regenerators, discrete ac lines with higher amperage, etc and just start with an online UPS. I know experts don't agree on these things so I am just starting small in my experiment to get cleaner power.
Who can recommend a solid sub 1-thousand dollar Online UPS that will work well in a small home studio? I am hoping for a device that is standard 3-prong grounded IEC cable to the wall; (don't want to have to have a special form of outlet configured, i.e. like the schtucky or whatever that format is called.)
At present I run my small console (SC Delta w/linear power supply) HD24 and outboard gear off a Furman M-8lx. Could I put the UPS first toward the wall circuit? What I think I currently understand is that since consoles, outboard gear, and tape machines generally ARE NOT POWER AMPLIFIERS that the online UPS will work fine with them. I won't be running a guitar amp in this circuit. I would like to run my monitors which are small class a/b Tannoy GOLD 5's. Does anyone anticipate any obvious problems with distortion etc in this?
I'm probably misinformed about a lot of what I've said here, and I know that can draw fire from some. I'm up for it because I am dedicated to learning.
thanks,
Justin
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Post by rock on Dec 9, 2021 23:31:12 GMT
A UPS is great if your problem is power outages and brown-outs but if noise is the problem, you probably should try to identify the source. Depending on exactly what the problem is, a constant voltage transformer might be the answer if basic line noise supressors don't do the trick. www.grainger.com/product/5EU14?gucid=N:N:FPL:Free:GGL:CSM-1946:tew63h3:20501231One thing about these is that they work best at or near their wattage rating, so you need to add up all the devices you are running before you buy. If you do go this route, I recommend you contact Sola and talk to a sales engineer. Also, they do hum enough that you might not want it in your studio room so locate it in an equipment closet etc. Again, if you go this route, talk with Sola. BTW, any device that gives you clean power should not cause your gear to distort.
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Post by justin on Dec 9, 2021 23:52:14 GMT
okay thanks for that. Am I right to assume that a brown-out would be like a big yucky vaguely fuzzy noise seems to creep into my audio path while mixing? Because I have experienced that twice at mid-afternoon on weekends while mixing. Maybe that's another reason to call Sola?
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Post by rock on Dec 10, 2021 5:45:44 GMT
A brown-out is a sag or reduction in voltage from the normal power line voltage. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brownout_(electricity)If you have an AC voltmeter you can monitor the line voltage and read the exact voltage at any time. Most electrical devices will operate over a range of voltages and not be adversely affected by minor sags and surges, extremes beyond where you might have problems might be below 90VAC or over 130VAC (in the US). Some fluctuation is normal but it's obviously better if it's constantly the same or at least close. Noises, sags and surges can be caused by other appliances or devices in the building so finding out the source of the disturbance will help. Poor or incorrect grounding and installation of "house" wiring might cause certain problems too, especially when other appliances are running.
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Post by Hexspa on Dec 14, 2021 7:04:07 GMT
As far as an UPS is concerned, I have a CyberPower CP1500PCFLCD. While it might be one model up overkill, it's been invaluable for this unreliable power. I get one hour of battery with all my computer and audio stuff plugged into it. As far as I know, it can automatically shut down your computer after a certain time or according to other triggers. Replacement batteries are $50, I think, and need replacing every three years.
Similar to having three copies of every file, it's easy to neglect but you'll be glad that you have it.
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