Topic: Solutions to RME PCIe Noise Issues!
Regarding Interference noise on the headphone out (and also RCA but not so noticeable) PCIe AIO and some PCI 9632 systems too.
This is a long standing issue for many people, i see posts as far back as 2009!!
Solutions for RME, some are expensive some 'very cheap' but effective:
1. suggest a list of PSU and motherboards that are known to work well with internal pci/pci-e cards that use unbalanced circuitry. A list for customers who are building new systems and will want the headphone out and RCA to work excellently, as per the specification signal to noise claims...
2. RME join forces with a popular manufacture like corsair or gigabyte to produce Audiophile PC combos, that work with RME and any other internal PCI and PCIe cards for that matter.
3. RME makes their own PSU.
Very Cheap>>
4. Manufacture a non conductive, clear/transparent sticky tape patch ,so to separate the PC Earthed chassis from the AIO (and also 9632) A sticky patch that can be applied and taken off and re-applied, if need be with the RME logo on it!! (cost approx 1 euro to make, sell for 5 euros!!)
5.Manufacture a non conductive pci-e slot bracket, to replace the metal one, so to separate the PC Earthed chassis from the AIO. again with the RME logo on it. (cost approx 3 euro sell for 10 euro)
6. Do a later revision of the AIO and add a chassis earth/ground lift switch!! .
if you can't do any of this, then please RME....
7. change the wording in your PDF to state "may have interference noise on headphone out. Cannot guarantee clean signal. With reasons why and possible fixes for the end user to try themselves. Like add insulation tape around the slot.
8. Maybe do not sell internal cards with a headphone out or even RCA with inaccurate signal to noise claims. ATX systems vary 'Dramatically';
Allot of people have yet to find out they have a similar issue. They simply have not tested their gear correctly!! Would a solution draw to much attention? is this part of the problem?
If the solution is cheap, it should not matter! RME does not make the PSU or motherboards themselves they cannot be blamed for this. 'but' they do make professional cards that are meant to work inside these environments.
Is it the fear that the cost of a piece of thin acrylic or silicone or other plastic material to create the needed insulation is going to be too expensive? Maybe RME have sold millions of these cards? And it is just not feasible?
i think many of us would pay 10 x the cost to cover any costs to RME. (10 euro for a thin .3mm RME sticker?) To help RME to say "thank you!!"
How about a kick starter? A fund raiser to help out ? Maybe sound on sound magazine and other audio engineering magazines and websites would help out and get on board if the cost is too high Or a pre order?
But, of course, some customers would expect the solution for free. minus postage costs.
I am not an expert, or good with business strategy, but there are solutions!!
Having to put insulation tape all over the slot of a 500 Euro card is not Professional. it is very poor and devalues the card! Surly this is not beneficial to anyone?
A simple sticker, a sock /gasket/ cover made of plastic or thin silicone with a Proud ' RME ' Logo on it, is a far more professional and better solution!
And I would pay for that! I think most people would like the option, at least.
I love RME gear and will continue to use RME even if a solution is not implemented!!
This post is a result of allot of stress, trying to find an answer as I have two AIO cards here with me
that are devalued since i found this issue.
I really hope some of the pain I have been though to get to this point helps someone, at some point!!
Thank you for reading.