What is the culprit of this audible noise?

Kaiju · 26 Nov 2017 at 11:48

Weirdest thing, I have a pair of Marshall Mode and 1MORE Triple driver IEMs.

When plugged them both into my Creative Z soundcard, they both produce an audible whine, which also sounds more clear when I move the mouse.

When I plug them both into my motherboards onboard sound, there is no whine.

I have tried different PCI slots to no avail and I have also tried powering the PC from a separate plug away from other devices.

The kicker is when I plug other headphones into the Creative Z soundcard, they produce no whine.

The Modes and 1MOREs don’t have this audible whine in any other devices such as my LG V30 phone or IBM laptop.

Any ideas what the issue is?

Marsman · 26 Nov 2017 at 15:36

My first thought was that it could be because the SB Z has too high an impedance output for IEMs, many of which are around 16 Ohm. The 1More's are 32 Ohm and the Marshall's are 34 Ohm, which is a common impedance for what you could call full size headphones, so I'm not sure it's that.

What are the other headphones you've tried?

Kaiju · 26 Nov 2017 at 16:27

Think I figured it out, the headphones I used above have a line-in remote whereas the others don't.

Something about 3 pole versus 4 pole. I also noticed that if I plug the Mode's directly into the SB Z, it gives me terrible sound quality unless I hold down the line-in remote. Strange.

Marsman · 26 Nov 2017 at 16:52

Ah, yes could very well be the problem. I forget that many IEMs have a microphone and therefore a 4 pole jack. Sound card take a 3 pole jack, so the ground contact in the sound card headphone output is being in contact with the microphone contact of the IEMs, rather than the ground.

You'd need a splitter or an adaptor cable to convert 4 pole into 3.

Kaiju · 26 Nov 2017 at 17:43

Yes, I tried using a splitter but it was the same audible sound.

EsaT · 26 Nov 2017 at 17:57

Kaiju said:
Yes, I tried using a splitter but it was the same audible sound.

Actually there are two different standards for 4-contact headphone+mic jack so are you sure splitter is for the correct type?
https://support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-one/accessories/connect-compatible-headset

But many IEMs are super sensitive and need very little electrical power (making them sensitive to interference) so those inline remotes might mess things with card's output impedance.
Though really don't see IEMs as optimal for non-mobile use...

Kaiju · 26 Nov 2017 at 18:03

Yes, I was wondering if all splitters are the same too. Thanks for that.

Exactly my feelings, I don't want to use these IEMs for PC use but right now they are the best sounding audio product I have right now.

I also find headphones to be more uncomfortable after prolonged use, I just need to find a comfortable pair.

Marsman · 26 Nov 2017 at 18:34

Did you buy a splitter that is specifically a headset splitter, that splits the microphone from the audio output into two jacks?

At a glance, some splitters that have a female 3 pole sockets and male 3 pole sockets, look exactly the same. If it's something you already had, it might be one of those, which would result in the same position as just connecting the IEMs directly.

The IEMs will almost certainly be the CTIA configuration, as that is much more common. I think pretty much only Chinese phones use the OMTP configuration on newer devices.

Startech make a headset splitter that they have confirmed on their site as being CTIA. Of course though, that may not be the issue, if you have the right type of splitter. Could that IEMs are too sensitive for the SB Z's high impedance output, or something to do with the in-line control, as Esat mentioned.

Kaiju · 26 Nov 2017 at 18:40

Yes, I'm 100% sure it's just a regular splitter that splits the sound for two audio devices.

EsaT · 26 Nov 2017 at 20:37

Kaiju said:
I also find headphones to be more uncomfortable after prolonged use, I just need to find a comfortable pair.

Never myself used cheap junks and especially closed cans, but I can keep using open headphones for whole day.
In fact putting them on head is automatic reflex when sitting in front of computer.

What kind budget you have?

Marshall Mode seems to have above neutral bass so if that's what you like that's one thing to take into consideration.

Kaiju · 26 Nov 2017 at 21:02

I have some Superlux HD668B semi open cans that become uncomfortable due to the rigid plastic that sits on my head, so I use some wristbands as covers. I also bought some Brainwavz hybrid foam pads which have a snug fit but I just find they become irritating and sweaty after prolonged use.

I also have the Soul SL300 headphones which are bass/treble heavy but since outgrown them for a slightly more balanced sound.

I'm open to suggestions.

EsaT · 27 Nov 2017 at 13:32

Kaiju said:
I also have the Soul SL300 headphones which are bass/treble heavy but since outgrown them for a slightly more balanced sound.

With closed design any above very neutral bass starts to easily drown everything else.
Open design doesn't have such bad balancing problem, though for them having good bass impact is lot harder.

And for best comfort open design is best, because besides sound closed design also insulates heat.
Also if pads are of dense material or non breathing material that increases amount of heat build up inside cup.

Myself haven't had any comfort problems in keeping headphones on head even for whole day with HD595 Sennheisers or DT990 Beyers.
This millenium's HD5xx Sennheisers just have Made in China for fashion-level mechanical design in ear cup to head band attachment relying on plastics quality lottery for durability.
So from that point can't recommend them when also their pricing hasn't answered to tightened competition.
Though sound wise HD595/8/9 have very good overal sound with neutral bass.

For that type sound AKG 701/702 should have even better soundstage and pretty much the highest level "competitiveness" for distinguishing foot steps and such.
Likely because AKGs don't "smooth down" treble. (Sennheisers tend to have some treble roll-off)
Also they're very light on head and now with head band without bumps in it should be among the best in comfort.
For "fun factor"/immersion that neutral bass just isn't "fun" without much any feel in explosions and such if you play FPS games.

Beyerdynamic DT990 is notch down in competitiveness, but giving more balanced fun with very good bass impact/immersion for open can...
Also having some emphasis in treble, which isn't problem in games/movies.
(but for music can need some minus dBs for 8kHz in equalizer)
Pro version meant for recording/mixing studio use can be had for very good price for quality. (should be around £120-130)
Its difference to normal "Edition/Premium" is less decorated look, coiled cable and some more headband clamping force.
Though with spring steel headband it won't instant break down if you bend it little, unlike plastics.

AKG K712 should be overall similar to DT990 by adding bass impact to neutral 701/702 and little better for competitiveness.
But it's more expensive and harder to drive than DT990 needing quadrupled current and power per dB.