Vinyl records have made a comeback in recent years, offering audiophiles and music lovers a chance to experience music in its original analog form.
However, with the resurgence of turntables comes the issue of humming noise that can be frustrating for any listener. Whether you’re a seasoned vinyl collector or a newcomer to the world of turntables, dealing with humming noise can be a daunting task.
But fear not, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of turntable humming and provide you with practical solutions to help you enjoy your vinyl records without any annoying background noise.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of turntables and humming noise.
How Do I Stop My Turntable Humming
The first step to fixing a turntable hum is to check if your turntable has a ground wire. If it does, connect it to the grounding terminal on the back of your turntable and tighten the nut down on the cable connector. Repeat these steps on the grounding terminal of your amplifier or speakers.
If your turntable doesn’t have a ground wire, locate a metal screw on the turntable (usually underneath the table) and try connecting a piece of speaker wire to another metal screw on the receiver. You want to get a good metal-to-metal connection from the turntable to the receiver to get rid of the hum noise.
Another method is to tape a metal wire from your receiver to the turntable using gaffe tape. This will also create a good metal-to-metal connection and eliminate any hum noise.
If you have an external phono preamp, turn it off and see if the noise stops. If it does, try turning down the gain on the preamp or volume if applicable. If the howling/squealing goes away when turning down the preamp volume, it could mean your preamp is way too loud.
If you’re hearing squealing, there’s a good chance your turntable is too close to the speakers. The proximity to speakers and the volume of the speakers both play a role in feedback. If you move your turntable further from the speakers and the squeal stops, proximity was likely the issue.
Lastly, check all cables on your turntable to ensure they are connected securely. Check the RCA cables that plug into your amp/preamp, tonearm wires, and especially cartridge connections. Often they can be loose. You can further troubleshoot cartridge wires by connecting the + and – wires together using an alligator clip. This should eliminate any hum noise. If it does not, then the wires need replacing.
Understanding The Causes Of Turntable Humming
Turntable humming is a common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the most common causes of turntable humming is a ground loop. This occurs when there is more than one path to ground, causing an electrical current to flow through the ground wire and create a humming sound.
Another cause of turntable humming is a poorly grounded turntable. If your turntable does not have a ground wire, or if the ground wire is not connected properly, it can cause humming. In addition, if your turntable is too close to your speakers, it can cause feedback and humming.
Other factors that can cause turntable humming include faulty cables, a faulty cartridge, or a faulty preamp. If you suspect that any of these components are faulty, it’s important to troubleshoot them to determine the root cause of the problem.
Identifying The Source Of The Humming Noise
Humming noise is a common issue that can arise when playing vinyl records on a turntable. Identifying the source of the humming noise is crucial in order to fix the problem. The most common cause of humming noise is a ground loop, which is caused by an electrical current flowing through a ground wire that creates a loop between the turntable and the amplifier or speakers.
One way to identify the source of the humming noise is to check if it is coming from the turntable itself or from the amplifier/speakers. If the noise stops when you turn off the turntable, then the issue is likely with the turntable. If the noise persists even when the turntable is turned off, then it’s likely an issue with the amplifier or speakers.
Another way to identify the source of the humming noise is to check if it’s coming from one specific input on your amplifier. If you only hear humming noise when using one input, then there may be an issue with that input or with the device connected to it.
If you have an external phono preamp, turn it off and see if the noise stops. If it does, try turning down the gain on the preamp or volume if applicable. If the howling/squealing goes away when turning down the preamp volume, it could mean your preamp is way too loud.
A worn or old stylus can also cause humming noise. In this case, you may have to connect your system directly to the wall outlet.
Lastly, check all cables on your turntable to ensure they are connected securely. Check the RCA cables that plug into your amp/preamp, tonearm wires, and especially cartridge connections. Often they can be loose. You can further troubleshoot cartridge wires by connecting the + and – wires together using an alligator clip. This should eliminate any hum noise. If it does not, then the wires need replacing.
Practical Solutions To Stop Turntable Humming
If you’re still experiencing turntable humming after trying the above steps, there are some additional practical solutions you can try.
Firstly, make sure that your turntable, preamp (if you have one), and amplifier are all plugged into the same power board. This can help prevent any ground loop issues.
If you have a built-in preamp on your turntable, you may not need to ground the table to a receiver. Look for a switch on the back of the unit that says Phono or Line to determine if you have a built-in preamp.
Another solution is to play around with the positioning of your turntable. Try moving it as far away as possible from the rest of your equipment. This may require a less aesthetically pleasing positioning of your turntable, but can often fix the annoying turntable hum problem.
If none of these solutions work, it’s possible that there is an issue with your cartridge. Magnetic field interference can mess with particular cartridges. In this case, consider replacing the cartridge or seeking professional assistance.
Maintaining Your Turntable To Prevent Humming In The Future
To prevent turntable humming in the future, it’s important to properly maintain your turntable. One of the most important steps is to regularly clean the stylus and record. A dirty stylus or record can cause unwanted noise and affect the overall sound quality. Use a stylus cleaning brush or a microfiber cloth to gently clean the stylus after each use. For records, use a record cleaning brush or a record cleaning solution to remove any dust or debris.
It’s also important to keep your turntable away from any sources of electromagnetic interference, such as speakers or other electronic devices. Positioning your turntable as far away as possible from other equipment can help reduce interference and prevent humming.
Regularly checking and tightening all cables and connections is also crucial. Loose connections can cause humming and affect the overall sound quality. Make sure all cables are securely plugged in and tightened down.
Lastly, it’s important to store your turntable properly when not in use. Keep it covered with a dust cover or in a protective case to prevent dust and debris from accumulating on the stylus and record.
By following these tips and properly maintaining your turntable, you can help prevent humming in the future and ensure optimal sound quality for years to come.
