60 Hz noise shielding suggestions?


Discovered a 60 Hz hum getting picked up by a cassette deck (Denon DRM-710). The noise is being generated by a new TASCAM DA-3000. My system rack only allows me to stack the Denon on top the TASCAM and there’s only about 3/4" of available height left. The noise is not picked up by either of my turntables, one with a DV XX2 Mk II and the other with an ATC 440 directly beneath the TASCAM, so either attenuates with distance or the Denon is especially sensitive to it. Everything is electrically isolated, and the hum is audible as soon as the tape heads are energized. Turn the TASCAM off and it’s gone.

I only have two solutions: Remove the Denon from the rack or come up with some kind of shielding material to put between the TASCAM and the Denon. The TASCAM’s presence in the rack is required. Moving the Denon is middling to very irritating on the inconvenience and WAF scales, so a shielding medium would be most preferable. Does anyone have a material suggestion that might work? I’ll look forward to your input!
effischer

Showing 2 responses by oldhvymec

Everything is electrically isolated, and the hum is audible as soon as the tape heads are energized.

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If every piece is isolated that can be the problem. They ALL need to be on the same circuit. If you don't, there will most likely be noise.

IF you are plugged into a common cleaner, try a cheater plug on the Cassette.  If it's a two prong already, try a 10.00 RCA noise suppressor.

I think we're up to 12.00 usd with the 2.00 cheater..

You know tape heads can act much like a TT/cart/phono stage/ with  unshielded RCAs. RtR are the same way unless your Tape units are balanced. You need to be aware of that. GOOD, Shielded RCAs are kind of a must.

 Regards
That Denon was made in 1991, don't get to crazy. I'm really wondering if something else is wrong.. 30 years old. The electrolytics in that unit have to be going south..

Again GOOD shielded RCAs or XLRs are a must with most tape heads. I haven't used monster cables in 20 years. How old is your cabling? 

I'll repeat it at the risk of being a little rude. :-) GOOD shielded RCAs or any XLR if you can just swap them out. AC cable, or a simple GL eliminator on one end or the other of the RCA  IC. The GL eliminator is 5-10.00 usd the cable is a swap with something else.. Some gear likes XLR better than others..