- Active 2-channel line converter, signal driver, and hum noise killer
- Eliminates hum at the source and amplifies the purified signal
- Ideal for transporting signals long distances while retaining clarity
- Accepts unbalanced RCA, balanced female XLR, and balanced TRS inputs
- Accepts unbalanced RCA, balanced male XLR, and balanced TRS outputs
- Adjustable input gain control
- Input selector switch
- Low noise, low distortion circuitry
- External 24V AC power supply included
Description
Earthquake HUM KLEANER 2-CHANNEL XLR/TRS/RCA LINE CONVERTER WITH ADJUSTABLE GAIN LEVEL
Hum Kleaner is an active 2-channel XLR/TRS/RCA line converter with adjustable gain level, designed to eliminate hum noise at the source while also amplifying the purified signal to extend over long wire runs. In addition to eliminating common hum issues, it is equally crucial that your amplifier receives the required signal voltage to maximize available performance. If your powered equipment is not receiving the required signal voltage, then it is impossible to perform at the level that the manufacturer intended. That is why the engineers at Earthquake Sound decided to integrate a pre-amplifier into the Hum Kleaner’s noise suppression circuitry. This device is not just a line converter; on board is an amplifier capable of boosting a signal to 9V (RCA) or 18V (TRS/XLR).
Features
Specifications
- Gain range on RCA out = 1V MAX 12dBV
- Gain range on XLR out = 0dBV MAX 18dBV
- Input Gain Limit = 5V AC with MAX out
- RCA = 9V AC
- XLR = 18V AC
- Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz ±2dB
- Gain Separation: 80dB @ 1000Hz
- Input Impedance: Balanced: 20 kOhms / Unbalanced: 100 kOhms
- Output Impedance: Balanced: 100 Ohms / Unbalanced: 300 Ohms
- Maximum Gain Limit: 5V AC
- Maximum Output
- RCA: 9V
- XLR: 18V
- TRS: 18V
- Output Gain: 18dBV
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 114dB @ full level
- THD: < .0003% @ 1kHz
Applications
- Home audio
- Professional
- Recording studios
- Live music
- DJ/PA
- Mixers
- Audio processors
- Laptop computers
- CD/DVD players
- Gaming consoles
- Powered monitors
- Digital workstations
Clean Up Your Audio System with the Hum Kleaner
The Earthquake Sound Hum Kleaner is a versatile 2-channel audio device engineered to eradicate the persistent and disruptive hum that can plague audio systems. This hum, often a result of ground loop issues, can manifest as a low-frequency buzz that mars your listening experience. The Hum Kleaner not only tackles this common problem but also serves as a pre-amplifier, boosting the audio signal to maintain its integrity over long cable distances.
At its core, the Hum Kleaner is a problem-solver for audio enthusiasts and professionals alike. It is equipped with a variety of input and output options, including XLR, TRS, and RCA connections, making it compatible with a wide array of audio equipment, from home theater systems and turntables to professional recording studio gear.
The Culprit: Understanding Ground Loop Hum
The primary reason to incorporate the Hum Kleaner into your audio setup is to eliminate ground loop hum. A ground loop occurs when your audio components are connected to different power outlets or strips, which may have minute differences in ground potentials. This difference creates a path for electrical current to flow through the shielding of your audio cables, inducing a 50Hz or 60Hz hum that corresponds to the frequency of the AC power. This unwanted noise can be particularly noticeable in systems with sensitive equipment or when using long cable runs.
Core Technology: Active, Transformer-Based Isolation
The Hum Kleaner is an active device that distinguishes itself from simple, inexpensive “barrel” style ground loop isolators by requiring external 24V AC power, which powers its signal amplification and high-quality internal circuitry. Its core function involves using transformers to isolate the audio signal, passing it magnetically while physically breaking the electrical ground connection to eliminate ground loop hum without degrading audio quality. Unlike passive isolators, which can reduce low-frequency response and produce thinner bass sounds, the Hum Kleaner’s active design with premium components ensures the full frequency response is maintained, preserving the impact and richness of the audio
Dual Functionality: More Than Just a Hum Eliminator
The true power of the Hum Kleaner lies in its two-in-one design. It excels at converting unbalanced signals, such as those from RCA cables, into balanced signals like XLR or TRS, which use three wires—a pair of signal wires with one inverted and a ground—allowing the receiver to reject noise through a process called “Common Mode Rejection,’ making audio more resilient to interference especially over long cable runs. Additionally, it functions as a line driver or preamplifier, boosting low-voltage signals that can degrade over distances of 15-20 feet. The adjustable gain knob can increase output to 9V for RCA and 18V for XLR/TRS, ensuring a strong, clean signal before long cable transmissions. Placing the Hum Kleaner near the source component, such as a mixer or AV receiver, helps maintain high-frequency detail and dynamic range by providing a high-voltage, noise-resistant signal to your amplifier or powered speakers.