USB and EMI/RFI

[cdrakejr]

On another board we are having a discussion about the M-Audio Sonica, an external USB "sound card": myurl

The question is about eliminating or reducing the possibility of RFI/EMI interference from the computer. Would connecting the Sonica to an external self-powered hub (I have mine connected to the UPS) isolate the Sonica from interference? One concern is that, since the hub does not have a three-prong plug for grounding, it still would be subject to any interference from the computer.
Any insights will be greatly appreciated.

 

[tronester]

Originally posted by: cdrakejr
On another board we are having a discussion about the M-Audio Sonica, an external USB "sound card": myurl

The question is about eliminating or reducing the possibility of RFI/EMI interference from the computer. Would connecting the Sonica to an external self-powered hub (I have mine connected to the UPS) isolate the Sonica from interference? One concern is that, since the hub does not have a three-prong plug for grounding, it still would be subject to any interference from the computer.
Any insights will be greatly appreciated.

Well, since the usb cable passes an entirely digital signal, any interferenece would either allow for a transmission or no transmission. You could still pick up interference, but it would have to be between the external soundcard and your amplifier.