I am trying to pass audio from a laptop to a desktop via a headphone jack from the laptop to a line in on the desktop but it provides constant static. I have tried two different aux cords (new). I currently think I might need an USB to Audio Jack Sound Card Adapter but don’t want to buy this too and have to return both if it does not work. Do I need it to be a line out and not a “Headphone Jack” or a sound card?

Thanks

  • Blxter@lemmy.zipOPEnglish
    2·
    1 year ago

    Great thanks :). Do you think the “Ground Loop Noise Isolator” would fix anything even if the static is still there when on battery?

    • MrZee@lemm.eeEnglish
      2·
      1 year ago

      Possible, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

      If you want to do more testing while you wait for parts…

      See if you can find a substitute device to act as the “laptop” in your setup (something that is putting audio out over a 3.5mm headset jack) and plug into the Pc to see if the issue is still occurring.

      Then see if you can find a substitute “desktop” (something with line in) to see if things work. Depending on results you may be able to better isolate where the problem is… I suspect it’s the cabling and the solution will work, but this test may show there is an issue specific to one of your devices.

      • Blxter@lemmy.zipOPEnglish
        2·
        1 year ago

        ctually, assuming you are using a TRS to TRS cable, I’d get this adapter: https://a.co/d/aSMseh4 Adapter plugs into the laptop headset jack, then your TRS cable goes from the headphone jack on the adapter to the Pc. Mic jack stays empty.

        this did not work. It in fact made the left side of headphones have no sound and right have sound but static stayed.
        Last thing I can think of trying is the ground loop thing since that is the issue.

        • MrZee@lemm.eeEnglish
          1·
          1 year ago

          Dang. Also, that’s a weird result. There are different standards for trrs jacks, but I can’t think of any way that could result in losing one of the L/R channels when going through that adapter.

          1. are you sure you are plugged in to a “line in” and not a “mic in” on your PC? If it’s a mic in, I think it’s just a mono TS jack, which would explain all the noise and weirdness. A mic in will not work for your purpose.

          2. On your laptop, do you know if you are able to set the type of device you have plugged in to the headphone jack? It may be possible to set the jack for “headphones”, headset”, or “microphone”. Having the wrong setting there could be a problem.

          https://superuser.com/questions/1487112/trying-to-switch-my-headphone-jack-settings-in-windows-10

          1. if you are able, on the laptop, mute your mic.

          2. I don’t thing the ground loop isolator will fix it, but I’ve run into plenty of “that shouldn’t work… but it did” situations. No harm in trying.

          • Blxter@lemmy.zipOPEnglish
            2·
            1 year ago

            As for your numbers 2-4 I will try shortly and edit/respond. Just doing research.

            So since from all my research sounds like this is definitely what is called a “ground loop issue” since my laptop can not have the battery removed it is constantly being powered by the battery causing the issue. And since it does not have an optical port but my desktop does would this work. Or Im thinking trying that other isolator thing. Or just not do this till I have something with a line out it sounds like if it did and was not a laptop it would work. I don’t know much about audio though. Thanks again for all your help.

            Edit: tried the mute mic etc non of that worked I might try the ground loop isolator or just call it tbh I don’t need to do this but wanted to.

            Edit PT2:: I was speaking with my brother and he suggested to plug the 3.5 into the monitor that is being shared with the laptop and it reduced the static by a lot. I then turned the gain down to 25 instead of 50+ where it was at and the static is not really noticable at all. This monitor is like 10 years old so might work even better later on. Does not “solve” the issue but is workable right now. Might look into getting an audio interface that would solve this whole thing but don’t want to drop 100+ on that right now. If you have any suggestions I might still try the ground cable thing though and if t does nothing last return to Amazon :)

            • MrZee@lemm.eeEnglish
              1·
              1 year ago

              Just in case: what about my question (1)? You are plugged in to a line in and not a mic in, right?

              I’m pretty sure ground loop can’t occur on a laptop when it isn’t plugged in to the wall for power. From a quick search, this seems to confirm that:

              Power Supply

              A low quality power supply unit can lead to ground loop noise, particularly on laptops. Disconnect your computer from your power supply so that it runs on battery power and verify if this resolves the issue. If you are going to use a replacement power supply unit, make sure that its specifications meet the ones required by your computer in order to avoid permanent damage.

              I’m seeing that, beyond ground loop, noise like this is probably some other form of EMI (electromagnetic interference), often from bad capacitors. I don’t really have experience there.

              I’m sure enough that the ground loop isolator won’t work that it will probably work. So try it!

              If that doesn’t work, I think a USB audio interface is the next solution. Since you were still getting hum (albeit less) when plugged in to the the monitor, a new interface from the laptop should work.

              • Blxter@lemmy.zipOPEnglish
                2·
                1 year ago

                Yes it is plugged into the line in

                And I will most likely try that ground isolator thing just in case who knows but also try and see if I like the network solution if there is little lag that will work but if not I will look into an interface.

                Thanks for helping me troubleshoot and let me know if you think of anything else.