VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

Lee Gordon · Posted: Sat Jul 22, 2017 2:56 pm Post subject: Two Power Conditioners?

I'm thinking of adding an inexpensive line conditioner such as a Furman AC-215A to my booth. But then, I'm thinking, if it helps, why not also add one to the computer I actually record into, which is at my desk, about 35 feet from the booth, and, naturally, plugged into a different circuit. My question is, would having two of these units, one on either end of my audio chain, create any kind of interference or ground-loop problem. I suspect not, but I figured I'd seek out an expert opinion here.

Also, if I do add one, should I plug my UPS into it, or plug it into the UPS and the computer into that?
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Jason Huggins · Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2017 4:26 am Post subject:

I have one in the booth (preamp was plugged into it) and one on the desk for computer and other stuff and the one on my desk is plugged into a pretty beefy UPS. No interference that I can detect. It's been that way for 2 years. I can't say if there are technically potential problems, but I haven't experienced any.

Ed Fisher · Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2017 6:11 am Post subject:

You would plug the UPS into the wall...then Plug the conditioner into the UPS.
Also...if you are not getting a "ground loop" problem now....adding a conditioner will not change that. You should be fine.
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"I reserve the right to be completely wrong."

Lee Gordon · Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2017 12:06 pm Post subject:

Jason Huggins · Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2017 5:51 pm Post subject:

That is probably because the UPS is rated for certain loads and adding more outlets could result in overloading the UPS. Do most UPS backups have a conditioned output? I wonder if the power conditioner is even necessary with the UPS.

Ed Fisher · Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2017 10:39 pm Post subject:

FWIW.

A good UPS is not only for those situation when you have power outages...but also "brown outs"....power surges...and let's not forget...spikes during electrical storms. It is designed to PROTECT your equipment from damage and/or electrical interruption..

A power conditioner, on the other hand,is a device intended to improve the quality of the power that is delivered to electrical load equipment. As I write this I can look down and see that my power conditioner is showing me that it is having to correct 122..121...123...(constantly changing) voltage (in the U.S) to the proper 120 received directly from the UPS...along with filtering and isolation.

I have used this setup for over 20 years with no problem.

Do as you will. Smile

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"I reserve the right to be completely wrong."

Lee Gordon · Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2017 9:08 am Post subject:

MBVOXX · Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2017 7:27 am Post subject:

Something to consider: A "power conditioner" like the low end Furman units don't actually do anything to the power. They are, more or less, a fancy power strip. If you want to condition the power, or regulate the power, you'll need to look at much higher end units that actually 'regulate' the incoming power, such as the Furman Voltage regulators or similar units from other builders. They are expensive, which is why most people opt for the low end units, thinking they're getting similar performance.

As for a Furman unit, you'll basically be able to consolidate several power needs into a single rack mountable unit with a larger format power strip/surge protector design. But the better option is to then plug that into a good quality UPS unit.

If your power fluctuates or you have regular brown outs, then a power regulator is the solution.

Jack Daniel · Cinquecento Joined: 23 Jun 2016 Posts: 577 Location: SoCal

Thanks all for this terrific information! I think I need to upgrade the crappy strips I have now.
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Jack Daniel
Narrator / Man About Town