Objective:

Create a foundation of theory and practical knowledge upon which the audio system user can draw, in order to deal quickly and effectively with hum, buzz and other noise problems in contemporary audio systems. Through a combination of lectures and demonstrations we will explore why systems have noise problems and how to tell where the problem originates. We will also “myth bust” fixes that have little or no effect on the problem.

Practical solutions will be offered for investigating and trouble-shooting noise and interference problems. We will present strategies and techniques to safely work around these problems.

We start at the beginning by covering the principles of physics and circuit theory with an eye towards understanding how physics - not voodoo or black art - controls what happens in our systems and equipment. There will be a quick run-through of the following:

- DC/AC Circuit Theory, Impedance, and Component Properties
- Magnetic and Electric Fields
- RF Fields, Wavelength, Antenna Effects, Parasitic Components

We will break down each part of the system and “peel the onion” to get to the actual causes of noise in our systems. Along the way we will use demonstrations to show principles of operation, and how to find specific types of problems using logical trouble-shooting methods to “divide and conquer”. These demos will cover topics like:

- Common-Impedance Coupling
- Leakage Currents
- The “Pin 1 Problem”
- Noise Reduction in dB
- Finding the Problem Interface
- Signal Ground Isolation

and many more...

Who should attend?

This course is for those who install or use audio systems
and want them to be quiet.

Workshop Dates:

July 12 -13, 2007 Salt Lake City, UT

Price: $ 750 (Register for both “EQ07” and “Hums, Buzzes and Things That Go ZAP!” for $ 1,500)

Register Here

Hotel Information

Workshop Outline:

- Grounding Sound systems must be grounded to be safe, but grounding can produce hum and buzz problems. Learn the reasons why and what to do about it.

- Interfaces Equipment must be connected together in order for systems to produce sound. How do these interfaces work? What is the difference between balanced and un-balanced interfaces? What do we mean by the term “balanced”? Cables, impedances, and termination will be examined in detail.

- Shielding What is a shield, what good is it, and when does it help us? We will examine where to connect it and why that is important.

- Power Systems We need power, sometimes lots of it, for our equipment. Find out what the electrician is supposed to be providing you and how it can affect the sound system.

- Troubleshooting the System Learn quick fixes and work-arounds that do not compromise safety for the most common sound system noise problems. Locate and characterize specific interface problems without instruments.

- Myths and Bogus Cures The “Myth Busters” will destroy common misconceptions and burst the bubble on cures that are ineffective because they don’t deal with the real problem. Explore lower cost solutions that provide the same benefits by addressing the true source of the noise.

- Tools of the Trade What test equipment is used to trace hums and buzzes? Learn about spectrum analyzers, the “hummer” (What’s that?), low cost sniffers and probes, and how to use them to solve problems.

Optional Class Planned For Workshop:

On Wednesday, July 11th at 7pm, the staff from the Hums Buzzes Workshop will offer a class that will review the fundamentals of basic physics and electronics. These fundamentals  will be used throughout the workshop to describe the various phenomena related to fields, networks, and interference.

The topics will begin with DC and AC circuit theory, we will progress through magnetic fields and what inductance is to how transformers work. Moving from intentional coupling to unintentional coupling, we will examine how magnetic shielding works, and investigate other methods used to prevent undesired coupling of magnetic fields.

Next we move on to electric fields and capacitive coupling, and look at methods to prevent unwanted coupling of these fields. Then, Impedance leads us to common-impedance coupling where with the addition of cables or circuit traces we find the basis for one aspect of the pin-1 problem. We round out the evening by looking at resonances, parasitic circuit elements and what causes active circuit elements to become demodulators of radio signals that then cause problems.

Although intended primarily as a refresher course, many will find the material covered here to bring new insight to those things we thought we understood well.

-- Workshop Instructors

Meet The Instructors:

	Neil Muncy, the president of Neil Muncy Associates, has studied Electrical Engineering, Physics and Business. He currently specializes in the development of solutions to acoustical and technical problems, with particular expertise in the elimination of grounding, EMI and RFI problems.
	Bruce Olson is the founding member of Olson Sound Design, a consulting firm specializing in acoustical and technical systems design. He also provides advanced training worldwide for manufacturers, acoustical consultants, and audio contractors for both EASE and EASERA.
	Bill Whitlock has designed pro audio and video electronics and systems for over 30 years. In 1989 he assumed presidency of Jensen Transformers and is a recognized expert on system interfacing issues through his writing and teaching.