Help Needed: Buzzing from Soundblaster X5 with PS5

[GungJoe]

Hi folks,

I'm hoping someone here can help me. I'm getting a buzzing sound from the Soundblaster X5 with the PS5 Pro. Nothing I seem to do appears to be able to get rid of this. I don't believe this issue is unique to the soundblaster, but a ground loop with the PS5 USB setup. The same buzzing occurs

a) with the Soundblaster G3
b) with PS5 controller when plugged into USB

I have tried different USB ports and cables, but the buzzing sound is still there.

I did try and purchase something to fix the ground loop on Amazon, which was first this product...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CHDD6LSX?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

And to an extent it works, it resolves the buzzing on the PS5 controller and on the Soundblaster G3, but it does not resolve the buzzing on the X5 because the X5 cannot power on when connected to this.

So I thought maybe it needs a higher voltage, and purchased a different isolator, which is this one
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CSYNSZ3K?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

With this product, the Soundblaster turns on momentarily, before turning off. Again it works for the controller and the PS5. I'm at wits end with what to do. I'm using the X5 with the LCD-GX and I'm not sure when this issue started, it didn't always exist. I think on my old PS5 I just had a quiet hum, but on the PS5 Pro, it's a very loud hum.

Shall I try a powered USB hub? Would that make a difference?

Thanks for any advice and time taken to help. I appreciate it.

 

[msing539]

Have you tried usb c to c?

 

[dunring]

Connecting them with optical cable will completely solve it since there won't be any electronic connection between them. Is it a desktop PC? The power supply should be screwed in the back which supplies ground to the case.
If you have optical out on your sound card on a desktop PC that will do the trick also instead of USB.

 

[GungJoe]

Have you tried usb c to c?

Yeah I have. Same thing. I've swapped betweeen several USB cables.

Today I also tried with a different DAC, the Fosi K5 Pro, which also has the same issue.

I can actually feel the effect when I touch the dacs too, I can feel the ground loop running through them. I guess it feels like static or vibrating, but it feels like they're live in a way that they're clearly not supposed to. I can feel this on the K5 because the unit is all metal, but when I'm using the soundblaster I can feel this same thing on the LCD-GX headphones themselves.

@dunring

I've tried with other headphones, same thing. It has to be the PS5 and how that's powered. I've tried with a different outlet, same thing.

It would yes but there is no way to provide microphone input via the optical audio. Plus, there is no optical out on a PS5, I would need a hdmi 2.1 audio extractor which is a whole other faff and doesn't solve the micophone buzzing issue.

 

[msing539]

Yeah I have. Same thing. I've swapped betweeen several USB cables.

Today I also tried with a different DAC, the Fosi K5 Pro, which also has the same issue.

I can actually feel the effect when I touch the dacs too, I can feel the ground loop running through them. I guess it feels like static or vibrating, but it feels like they're live in a way that they're clearly not supposed to. I can feel this on the K5 because the unit is all metal, but when I'm using the soundblaster I can feel this same thing on the LCD-GX headphones themselves.

@dunring

I've tried with other headphones, same thing. It has to be the PS5 and how that's powered. I've tried with a different outlet, same thing.

It would yes but there is no way to provide microphone input via the optical audio. Plus, there is no optical out on a PS5, I would need a hdmi 2.1 audio extractor which is a whole other faff and doesn't solve the micophone buzzing issue.

Try the Topping HS02 isolator. It's pricey but might work for your issue.

 

[GungJoe]

Try the Topping HS02 isolator. It's pricey but might work for your issue.

Thanks. I will give this some consideration. I'm a but reluctant due to the price. The buzzing only appears on the microphone output so it's maybe best I just forget this whole setup and use a seperate USB mic instead.