Noise interference on Move

When Move is connected with other devices, in some cases you might hear a background noise, hum or buzzing sound.

In setups with multiple devices – for example, when connecting your computer with both an audio interface and Move – each device has its own electronic circuits that draw power. Ideally, the ground connection acts as a steady reference point, allowing signals to flow cleanly among all devices.

In practice, however, each device draws power in its own way, which can cause fluctuations in the ground potential across the system, often at high frequencies matching the power demands of the circuits. This shifting ground potential creates small voltage differences between devices, causing currents to flow through the ground connectors of each device. When these currents move through the cables linking your devices, they interfere with the existing audio signals, resulting in unwanted noise. This phenomenon is known as a ground loop.

You can follow the tips in this guide to learn how to troubleshoot and solve noise interference when using Move.

Setups that can result in noise interference
Ground loop noise
Solutions to ground loop noise

USB isolator
USB splitter cable and isolator
Audio transformer

Setups that can result in noise interference

Noise interference can occur whether Move is connected to a power supply or running on battery power. In the following configurations, you may notice noise interference:

Move is connected to a computer via USB-C, to control Ableton Live and/or to charge Move’s battery.
Move’s unbalanced audio line outputs are connected to the line inputs of an audio interface.
An audio interface is connected via USB to the same computer as Move.
Headphones or speakers are connected to your audio interface.
An external USB hub is used to connect Move along with other USB devices to one host computer.

Ground loop noise

Ground loops typically cause interference that can be heard as a noise or other disturbance. They build up when individual grounds of separate devices form a loop, due to multiple connections between them. The following diagrams and images demonstrate common setups that can cause ground loops while an audio interface and Move are connected to a computer via USB, with or without a USB hub.

Solutions to ground loop noise

Breaking the ground loop can prevent a noisy audio signal. Listed below are several tested solutions you can use to eliminate ground loop noise from your setup:

USB isolator

A USB isolator is designed to ensure a clean audio signal by isolating system components on the digital signal path from each other.

The following USB isolators have been tested with Move:

Important: Not all USB isolators deliver sufficient power to charge Move and establish a USB data connection at the same time. Some isolators offer the option to connect an external power supply. Before buying, refer to the manufacturers’ device specifications for power supply capabilities.

USB splitter cable and isolator

The USB splitter cable for Ableton devices allows you to power Move with the power supply and connect to your computer simultaneously while using an USB isolator. You can buy the USB cable for Ableton devices in the Ableton Merchandise Shop.

Audio transformer

Audio transformers isolate system components on the analog signal path from each other.

The following audio transformers have been tested with Move:

Note: Not all audio isolators offer the same performance regarding the signal quality. Less expensive audio transformers may negatively affect signal level, signal frequency-response or phase-response, distortion, and shielding.

Audio transformer tests

Measurement Conditions and Variables:

Source Output Impedance: 20Ohm
Load Input Impedance: 100kOhm
Source Output Level: +11dBu (= maximum RMS output level of Move)
The chassis of the transformer is connected to ground
THD+N measurement @ 1kHz sine, bandwidth DC-22kHz, A-weighted
SNR measurement @ bandwidth DC-20kHz, A-weighted

	Monacor FGA-40HQ	Jensen ISO-MAX CI-2RR	FeinTech ATG00101
Gain(dB)	-0.17	-0.35	-0.03
THD+N	-83.3	-103.3	-70.3
THD Ratio	-115.9	-103.3	-70.3
Noise Ratio	-115.9	-116.4	-117.3
Frequency Response Deviation(20Hz-20kHz)	+/- 0.65	+/- 0.34	+/– 7.82
SNR	129.6	129.6	130.7
Crosstalk @10kHz	-84.8	-74.5	-78.3
Phase Deviation @1kHz	0.02	0.02	0.01
IMD (SMPTE: 60Hz, 7kHz, 4:1)	-68.1	-101.4	-5.1