Radio Frequency Interference and Electro Magnetic Interference
Any device that emits a high EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) or RFI (Radio Frequency
Interference) energy field should be treated with suspicion. EMI is considered any
unwanted signal which adversely affects the operation of the XTRAMIX X6 or the audio
system.
Stated simply, the undesirable effects of EMI may be perceived as a low frequency smooth
sounding 60Hz hum; a low frequency "edgy" sounding 120Hz buzz; or a higher frequency
"whine" caused by the timing circuits in microprocessor based devices.
Almost every electronic device generates some amount of EMI emissions. These emissions
can be transmitted as electromagnetic radiation or simply conducted though audio cables
and power cords. In the same respect, most electronic devices are also very susceptible to
the EMI emissions generated by other electronic devices.
There are natural and man made sources of EMI that you can't do anything about. These
sources include radio, TV, and radar transmitters, as well as motors, lights, and computers.
Even the Sun and atmospheric conditions can be contributors to noise that you experience
in your audio system.
There are generally 3 elements that must be present for EMI to exist. These include the
source of the EMI (conducted or radiated), the propagation medium by which EMI is
transmitted (directly on the cables or through the air), and the receptor that suffers the
adverse affects of EMI. If any of these 3 elements are eliminated or reduced, the EMI
interference will be eliminated or reduced.
Physical Placement of Adjacent Equipment
The more electronic equipment operating within a studio or equipment rack, the higher the
EMI emissions. The more audio cable and low level audio equipment that exists within the
same proximity, the greater possibility of unwanted noise. The result of EMI in an audio
system manifests itself as a buzz, hum, whine, or all three.
The occurrence of EMI and RFI in a contemporary studio system should be of great concern
and not overlooked when installing the Xtramix X6.
Electronic equipment such as power
amplifiers, power supplies (especially wall mount type), video monitors, computers, certain
synths and samplers must be located away from the X6 and its associated cables. It may be
necessary to alter the positions of certain equipment that you feel would cause buzzes or
hums in the mixer system.