Hum Kleaner Active Line Converter

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 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.

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

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 speaker