X-FI Noise when booting

**Dramey** · 03-28-2008, 08:21 PM

I just replaced my USB sound card with an X-FI. When the PC is booting I get a noise that sounds a lot like alternator whine but as soon as windows comes up, it's dead quiet again. Other than that it sounds great. It's not a deal breaker, just wondering if there is an easy solution.

**ronjon228** · 03-28-2008, 11:23 PM

I'm wondering if there is any way to hook up some kind of relay or program on the computer then using a serial or USB port to power on the amps. I too have problems with noise during start up (especially on hibernate) and this would be very helpful for me.

The reason you have noise now is because you're using a PCI card that is turned on with the PC as it boots up. Alternatively, with a USB sound card, it's not actually initialized until your already in windows, meaning the sound from before windows boots has no effect on the USB while it does on the dedicated sound card.

You could hook up a manually switch inline with your amps. Then just turn them off when you get out of the car and back on once your PC is booted.

**Dramey** · 03-30-2008, 12:44 PM

The reason you have noise now is because you're using a PCI card that is turned on with the PC as it boots up.

I realize that, but I don't have the problem on my home PC with the same card so there has got to be something else I am missing.

**ronjon228** · 03-30-2008, 03:47 PM

Well, you're not missing anything really. More like adding a bunch.

A car environment is completely different from a home PC. You introduce infinitely more interference in an automobile. Also, most of the time your using amplifiers to power your CarPC which introduces a whole lot of issues by itself. The noise, I'm assuming, is coming from your amps being turned on WHILE the computer is booting. Then, as the computer is booting it, and other components, are producing electronic interference during this. Your amps (and/or signal wires) are picking this up and displaying is as audio "noise".

You can check to make sure your not getting a ground loop anywhere. Also, check your RCA's and especially if your using 3.5mm to RCA cables, try moving the 3.5mm plug around a bit. I know that sounds pointless, but in many cases it can quiet down the noises.

After that, your only real option is to have a delay or manually switch to turn on/off the amp(s). In some cases, noise simply can't be eliminated by normal means.

**crooper** · 04-12-2008, 04:08 AM

My X-Fi does the same thing. I'm not too worried about it.

As for the amp delay, this is the best thing out there. Works for lots of people, I haven't done it mostly because I'm lazy.

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/soft...r-powerup.html

**scfountain** · 04-20-2008, 10:43 AM

My X-FI doesn't do this. How do you have the sound card hooked to the amps?

**danielkh** · 04-20-2008, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by crooper

My X-Fi does the same thing. I'm not too worried about it.

As for the amp delay, this is the best thing out there. Works for lots of people, I haven't done it mostly because I'm lazy.

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/soft...r-powerup.html

Here is another option if that one doesn't work. This one, along with "hibernate trigger" works perfect for me.

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/car-...-carputer.html

Has anyone tried using hibernate trigger to directly control a pci soundcard without using the serial DTR?