USBmälud

USBmälud, also known as USB sounds or USB noise, refers to a phenomenon where certain USB devices produce audible sounds when connected to a computer. These sounds can range from a faint hum to a more pronounced whine or buzz. The origin of these sounds is not fully understood, but several factors contribute to their occurrence.

One of the primary causes of USBmälud is the electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by the USB device. As data is transmitted between the device and the computer, the electrical signals can induce noise in the audio circuitry of the computer. This interference is more likely to occur in devices that have high data transfer rates or use complex signal processing.

Another factor that can contribute to USBmälud is the quality of the USB cable and connectors. Cheap or poorly manufactured cables can introduce additional noise into the signal, exacerbating the problem. Additionally, the design of the USB device itself can play a role. Some devices, particularly those with internal fans or motors, can generate noise that is picked up by the audio system.

USBmälud can be particularly noticeable in high-quality audio setups, where even small amounts of noise can be amplified and become more audible. To mitigate this issue, users can try using higher-quality USB cables, ensuring that the device is properly grounded, or even using USB isolators to reduce the amount of noise that reaches the audio system. In some cases, updating the device's firmware or using a different USB port on the computer can also help reduce or eliminate the noise.