Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
If you’ve ever battled annoying hum or buzz in your audio system, you’ve likely run into a ground loop problem. In this video, I’ll show you a small, affordable device that can fix it instantly.
Rolls HE18 Buzz Off 2-Channel Hum and Buzz Remover
amzn.to/4mZOP84
The Rolls HE-18 Hum Eliminator. This transformer isolation box breaks the ground connection between pieces of gear while still passing your signal cleanly, removing that hum once and for all.
Rolls MB15b Promatch 2-Way Stereo Converter
amzn.to/4763dHb
The Rolls MB15b is an active (powered) converter that has the ability to boost or control the output signal levels. Converts and boosts unbalanced consumer audio signals to balanced signal at pro-sound standard level (and vice-versa).
Quick Decision Guide:
Choose the Rolls HE18 if your main problem is a hum or buzz in your audio connection.
Choose the Rolls MB15b if you need to boost a weak signal or actively control the level when converting between consumer and professional gear.
Links may include Amazon affiliate links that support this channel at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small referral credit from qualifying purchases.
Check out the production equipment I use and recommend:
barrywatson.com/recommended_equipment.html
Work with me, visit barrywatson.com
00:00 Introduction – The never-ending battle with hum and buzz
00:07 A viewer’s suggestion leads to a discovery
00:14 Why I had to try this device
00:28 The Rolls HE-18 Hum Eliminator
00:44 What is transformer isolation
00:54 Why this is old but still effective technology
01:01 Similar devices and direct boxes
01:12 How isolation works in sound systems
01:26 What the HE-18 actually does
01:33 Identifying ground loop noise
01:45 Why hum appears when you connect quiet gear together
02:06 Ground loop explained
02:25 Why currents cause audible hum
02:30 Common fixes for ground loops
02:40 Improving grounding between devices
02:59 Using chassis bonding or racks to reduce hum
03:23 Breaking the connection instead of tightening it
03:35 Magnetic signal transfer through transformers
03:58 Why transformer isolation is effective
04:23 How the HE-18 is designed for both consumer and pro gear
04:45 Balanced and unbalanced signal conversion
05:08 Inputs and outputs overview
05:45 Using RCA and TRS jacks for flexibility
05:58 Testing in my audio system – real-world results
06:21 Build quality and construction
06:31 Sound quality question – does a transformer affect fidelity
06:47 Listening tests and impressions
07:09 Theoretical limits and audiophile concerns
07:26 My conclusion on performance and sound
07:46 Why this box impressed me
08:01 Comparison with other hum eliminators
08:13 When you should use transformer isolation
08:23 Product name and recommendation
08:32 Appreciating the viewer who suggested it
08:44 When isolation won’t fix hum problems
08:57 Identifying gear that hums even when disconnected
09:09 When to use or not use transformer isolation
09:16 Final thoughts and recommendation
09:24 Closing thanks and call to subscribe
If you’ve ever battled annoying hum or buzz in your audio system, you’ve likely run into a ground loop problem. In this video, I’ll show you a small, affordable device that can fix it instantly.
Rolls HE18 Buzz Off 2-Channel Hum and Buzz Remover
amzn.to/4mZOP84
The Rolls HE-18 Hum Eliminator. This transformer isolation box breaks the ground connection between pieces of gear while still passing your signal cleanly, removing that hum once and for all.
Rolls MB15b Promatch 2-Way Stereo Converter
amzn.to/4763dHb
The Rolls MB15b is an active (powered) converter that has the ability to boost or control the output signal levels. Converts and boosts unbalanced consumer audio signals to balanced signal at pro-sound standard level (and vice-versa).
Quick Decision Guide:
Choose the Rolls HE18 if your main problem is a hum or buzz in your audio connection.
Choose the Rolls MB15b if you need to boost a weak signal or actively control the level when converting between consumer and professional gear.
Links may include Amazon affiliate links that support this channel at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small referral credit from qualifying purchases.
Check out the production equipment I use and recommend:
barrywatson.com/recommended_equipment.html
Work with me, visit barrywatson.com
00:00 Introduction – The never-ending battle with hum and buzz
00:07 A viewer’s suggestion leads to a discovery
00:14 Why I had to try this device
00:28 The Rolls HE-18 Hum Eliminator
00:44 What is transformer isolation
00:54 Why this is old but still effective technology
01:01 Similar devices and direct boxes
01:12 How isolation works in sound systems
01:26 What the HE-18 actually does
01:33 Identifying ground loop noise
01:45 Why hum appears when you connect quiet gear together
02:06 Ground loop explained
02:25 Why currents cause audible hum
02:30 Common fixes for ground loops
02:40 Improving grounding between devices
02:59 Using chassis bonding or racks to reduce hum
03:23 Breaking the connection instead of tightening it
03:35 Magnetic signal transfer through transformers
03:58 Why transformer isolation is effective
04:23 How the HE-18 is designed for both consumer and pro gear
04:45 Balanced and unbalanced signal conversion
05:08 Inputs and outputs overview
05:45 Using RCA and TRS jacks for flexibility
05:58 Testing in my audio system – real-world results
06:21 Build quality and construction
06:31 Sound quality question – does a transformer affect fidelity
06:47 Listening tests and impressions
07:09 Theoretical limits and audiophile concerns
07:26 My conclusion on performance and sound
07:46 Why this box impressed me
08:01 Comparison with other hum eliminators
08:13 When you should use transformer isolation
08:23 Product name and recommendation
08:32 Appreciating the viewer who suggested it
08:44 When isolation won’t fix hum problems
08:57 Identifying gear that hums even when disconnected
09:09 When to use or not use transformer isolation
09:16 Final thoughts and recommendation
09:24 Closing thanks and call to subscribe
