Product Review

Audio setups will suffer from an annoying hiss, buzz, or hum when more than one component in the system carries a ground, which creates ground loop feedback. Using multiple plugs with separate earth points, usually identified by three pin connectors like your desktop power cord or laptop charger and the power cable from your studio monitors, or speakers, introduces multiple earths and creates an unwanted chain of noise, buzz and distortion. You need a way to break these multiple grounds in the audio chain to correct your system, and this is how the iDefender will help. The iDefender3.0 plugs directly into your computer or car USB port, auto-detects if there is more than one earth, and intelligently and safely disconnects the earth to remove the background noise for cleaner sound. If you're unsure about a potential ground issue, you can try placing your hand on the music device (PC, CD player, etc) and listen if the hum stays the same or disappears. If the humming is still present or gets worse, the iDefender 3.0 could be the perfect solution. If the noise disappears, it means your system is missing a ground and must have one added. The iFi iDefender also works with USB powered DACs (digital to analog converter) and USB hubs by adding the iFi iPower 5V to inject clean power into the micro USB port located on the side of the device.