PreSonus ERIS E7 XT noise buzz hum review

I thought the Eris E7 XT's sounded amazing as nearfield monitors (for $600 au) but they buzz very loudly. Much too loudly to have sitting on a desk. I even tried them as room speakers but the buzz was still too loud.
I'm not sure if it's just a problem with the power conversion for AU. Hopefully they don't make this amount of noise in some other markets.
It's the same amount and type of buzz from both boxes too, so I'm guessing it's standard.
I've compared them to the noise from my old Yamahas to give a reference to how loud the buzz is. Neither the Yamahas or the PreSonus were on a power conditioner but I've not needed one for the Yamahas and don't think it'd help the PreSonus anyway.

[@MeetingPlaceMusic]

I spoke to a PreSonus rep who acknowledged the issue with really friendly and helpful.

[@LaidbackSounds]

and what are they doing ? i seen they offer now 30 usd or euros discount when you buy a xt7 , i wonder is it because they want to get rid of the batch... I hope they fixed the issue, i was in a shop and could hear a hiss and no buzz though so maybe new batch ?

[@ciroscognamiglio8989]

from PreSonus customer support website: "So, again, for anyone shopping for these and being worried if theirs are affected, here is, again, a range of faulty SNs EX7D20010030-EX7D21020999. As stated from PreSonus rep in my support request, later batches are not affected and should have upgrade transformers, which shall have buzzing suppressed or removed completely."

[@JustSomeGuyLV]

@@ciroscognamiglio8989 And did they pull back and refurbish the faulty units within that SN range? Or are they selling off the bad batch along with the good ones (which would be unacceptable practice).

[@ciroscognamiglio8989]

@Karlis Liepa that quote from PreSonus customer support website wasn't mine, so i don't know. However I cited it because I myself tried 6 different eris e7 xt monitor speakers, 4 had the problem described and fell within that range of serial numbers, 2 were out of that range (more recent) and they wasn't faulty (and I'm happily using them in my studio). Moreover, from what I've understand (googling) it seems that the problem mostly occurs when using them on 230v. My advice is to avoid buying them online: go in a musical store, try them and check serial number before buying them, if they are faulty and the SN fell whithin that range then notify the shopkeeper so it will report it to it's supplier

[@holland1]

@@ciroscognamiglio8989 yea I am returning mine I had the 4.5 ones and had same problem def going to a music store

[@mvxboy]

Thanks a lot, I wanted this one but I bought the HS7. I reproduce the same issue than yours in music shop. I m very happy to have see your video before to buy it!!! The monitoring was just on power without any cable! A loud buzz as you. The manager was surprised, t talk to him about your video 🙏

[@RA-el6zj]

Hows the hs7? I'm looking for different monitors for my digital piano, i have jbl lsr305's but they sound bad with piano.

[@budkine9245]

The hiss and static is typically caused by improper grounding and has been a common complaint with these monitors. This can be easily fixed by using a 2-channel (stereo) passive direct input box (or DI box) with a “ground” switch on it. A couple of inexpensive examples are the Rolls DB24 and the Klark Teknik DI AV 22P. Also, another common complaint with the Eris series monitors can be not having enough signal, or power, coming from the source to adequately drive the monitors. This may give people the impression that the monitors amplifiers don’t have enough power. That’s why I use a small preamplifier between my source (PC audio card stereo out) and the DI box, and then from the DI box XLR OUT to the monitors. The preamplifier “boosts” the signal to the monitors. In my case, the signal path is: PC stereo out > preamplifier > DI box > monitors. I love these monitors!

[@auggiebendoggy]

I was on the brink of buying the E7 XT and found this. Thank you so much. I see other models of Presonus are still having these issues so I'll veer away. I'll also send Presonus an email to let them know why I, who was about to purchase, will not be buying.

[@FileTransferProtocol]

I just returned a pair of Eris 8XT’s today for the same reason. It’s not a cable issue, or a power source issue as I have a trusted pair of Event 20/20’s next to them with no hum at all, balanced cables, and the entire studio is isolated from the grid by a double conversion UPS. It’s too bad because my mixing console is Presonus and I love it. Thanks for confirming that I’m not losing my mind.

[@BH4x0r]

i only get hum when using RCA inputs or not having one for the correct voltage

[@codylujan]

I had the same problem with my E5's. I was using unbalanced RCA with a small interface at first. When I upgraded my audio interface to an SSL, I also used balanced stereo cables vs RCA. The hum instantly went away. I've never had the issue arise since. They now have the standard but subtle "rain hiss" sound. No hum.

[@MeetingPlaceMusic]

These speakers don't have a source plugged in for this video but I did try my RME Babyface Pro (very quiet interface) and it was, as expected, just as noisy.

[@KrisseC]

I want to share my experience with the Eris E7 XT as I just received mine. I have the exact same issue as Joe, the speakers make this humm even when there isn't anything plugged into the speakers. I've tried balanced, unbalanced and no input and the input configuration doesn't alter the intensity of the humm. How audible is it? I have the speakers around 50-70cm from my ears depending on how you measure the distance and it's borderline audible, but you know it's there. It's like a small pressure in your ears and it's hard to tell where the sound / pressure is coming from. I don't have any room treatments but in a more silent room the issue is probably amplified. I'm debating myself if I can live with this issue, or will I RMA the speakers and try another model or make.

[@KrisseC]

I want to add that I have tested the speakers with a power cord that has a lifted ground. This removed the slight interference that I was receiving via the bus powered interface, but it DOES NOT REMOVE the baseline hum. I believe this is the speakers self noise and there is simply no way of getting rid of it without opening the speakers, tampering with the electronics and voiding your warranty. If your speakers are further away, this might not be an issue but I wouldn't recommend these speakers for an "all on one table setup".

[@jonathannoise]

Thanks for sharing you experience Marcus, sorry you got the same issue, hope you found a solution.

[@deafno]

Thanks for this info, made my decision easy.

[@LaLiLuLeLoX]

I'm having a similar noise with my PreSonis Eris BT 3.5! Mine is really bad!! A lot sharper. It also gets louder the higher the volume! I'm trying all the trouble shooting tips. Nothing has worked since! Will keep trying.

[@BH4x0r]

if it gets louder with volume you should use balanced cables and an audio interface capable of balanced audio, his issue was the same on all volumes which clearly is a different problem

[@bobshifimods7302]

Some people have been saying that this problem is due to not using balance xrl imputs, but that makes no sense. If that were the problem them increasing the volume would increase the hum.

[@geffestime5238]

I have the E7. They used to work fine. I moved to a new apartment, now I am hearing it.

[@holland1]

happened to me I got the 4.5 one and with just the power on it did this this is an apparent problem with them I even see KZbin videos doing reviews and you can still hear the terrible static noise or buzz. I bought it though because I didn't think that would be an issue because I have had a static speaker before Let me tell you I was wrong its way to loud I can hear it 3 feet away it gave me a headache now shipping it back to amazon and bought the hs4

[@katiekumcgil]

i found if i removed the positive and negitive wires from the usb cable and powered audio interface from separate plug pack it got rid of pesky mouse movement noise and i made my own trs cables from 3 core sheiled and all noise to the eris e7s has gone

[@BuketeeKros]

Same problem. I bought it from a russian distributor. A month ago, they were replaced by E5 XT and there was no hum.

[@wldktz1]

Those are definitely defective if you don’t have anything plugged in. I just received a pair and they are not producing any buzz or hum unless I have the rca plugged into a computer. The 3.5mm to rca on a iPhone works flawless.

[@MeetingPlaceMusic]

Hi Robert Wow, cool! Thats really good to hear! I'm going to pin your comment up. Perhaps they were from a different batch or something. I know the display model in store had the same issue as mine when I when to take mine back and it sounds like MVX (in comments) noticed the same thing in store too. Cheers.

[@tscotts9699]

Been researching lately and seems like the E7 XT in particular have this issue pretty often.

[@tacitvrn]

I wish I would have found this video sooner. I bought these monitors and they have the exact same problem. I was able to test 2 different brands in my studio and they didn't have any noise issues.

[@tarkgundogdu8940]

which ones did not have the problem?

[@101Licious]

They also have a very noticable hiss (white noise)

[@Minimalici0us]

Maybe a UPS along with a good audio interface (like MOTU M2) and balanced cables would eliminate the issue :/

[@chrisking8379]

Has anyone else experienced this issue with the EX7 monitors?

[@va941]

Some review made a point about them not having nearly any audible noise/hum, only when placed ear in close aproximity of tweeter was a Very faint hum audible...

[@MeetingPlaceMusic]

Seems to be an issue with 240v version.

[@redinho1994]

My E7 XT are humming just slightly and barely noticeable. How is the sound of the HS5 in comparison?

[@polkfarody2195]

I just figured out my two have the same issue. It took me a while to test without a cable in actually, but as soon as I did I hit google to see if this is a thing. I'm not feeling good about this since your buzz sounds identical to mine. I even moved them to every room in my house to try rule out different power sources. I've contacted pre-sonus to see if they accept this is a manufacturer fault. But I think I'm just going to return them and look for some others. I can't leave them turned on and not playing anything because it's so irritating. My NT1 pics the buzz up from about 1.5 metres away. So not looking forward to turning them off to track lol

[@jonathannoise]

I’d you end up returning them? If so, what did you replace them with?

[@polkfarody2195]

@@jonathannoise yeah I sent them back. Unfortunately I ordered them online so a bit of a process getting them back. I replaced them with HS7s + HS8 woofer. I'm super happy with the change. I really liked the sound of the E7s, but the new setup is silent and with the woofer I get more range.

[@juanmilland6068]

Using a balanced connection in my case solves all noise problems. They do suck when using unbalanced or rca cables. You need you use an audio interfase along some balanced cables otherwise the noise is unbearable.

[@alvaroriederchi9165]

Do your monitors have noise without connecting a balanced cable? Just connected to power?

[@juanmilland6068]

@@alvaroriederchi9165 yes they do. If you do not have a balanced input like trs o xlr they will have noise. They will sound beautiful when connected to a balanced source.

[@alvaroriederchi9165]

@@juanmilland6068 I mean not having any type of cable connected, just the power cable. Because that is the problem that those of us who have this type of monitors have. Without any cable connected, only with the power button, the monitors have this annoying noise.

[@juanmilland6068]

@@alvaroriederchi9165 I had the same problem if I disconnect all the cables. For some reason when I connected the balanced input the noise disappeared. Is as the transformer has some grounding problem.

[@chenbencalipha3149]

Just got these E7 xt's well i have the "humm" and "buzz" noise but its to hard to notice them.. and they are pretty close to my ears.. i thinks thats a normal thing for Class A/B amp monitors :) but if it will get louder? ill replace them..

[@byniasofficial2567]

I can confirm they buzz pretty loudly. Such a shame :( I just came across them in my local music store. I tested them along E8 XT and E5 XT as well as JBL 308. The E7 had an audible buzz even at a distance of 1m in a not completely silent store. The 8s had also noise issue but much less than 7 and it was hardly noticable from more than 60cm from the woofer. 5s were silent obviously for this size. The JBL 308s were completely silent.

[@MattasticBoy]

Hi Robert! Did you return yours in the end? Or have them repaired? I have the exact same issue with a pair of E5 XTs (also from Australia).

[@MeetingPlaceMusic]

I returned mine. It seems like it might be an issue with the 240v models. PreSonus know about the issue and the Australian reps are really cool so you shouldn't have any trouble returning them to the store. It's a good idea to return them as gear only gets noisier with age.

[@MattasticBoy]

@@MeetingPlaceMusic Thanks mate. What rep did you speak with? The PreSonus distributer (Link Audio) took a week to reply to my email and tell me that the issue I described sounded pretty normal and that I should think about buying better speakers if I wanted less operating noise!!! Will have to take it up with the store I purchased from. Any recommendations for a replacement for XTs, standard E5s?

[@BH4x0r]

@@MeetingPlaceMusic my original E8's from early 2016 haven't become any noisier or anything and they don't have any hum, it's strange as someone else on KZbin had the same hum issue with the original E8's and he was Australian like you aswell, while i never had an issue like this, i have the ones with a 120V & 230V switch, and they're on 230V as i live (and was born) in Belgium i hope that if you had a switch like that you had it on 230V aswell cuz otherwise that would make sense why it hummed note that i've had noticeable ground loop hum when using RCA's (i mainly use balanced TRS, and then it's absolutely quiet except for a very faint hiss i pmuch have to hold my ears up to the monitors to hear it) though but since this is clearly not the issue in this case i don't know whats wrong, but suggesting people to use balanced is always a good thing with these monitors. i wonder if 240V is borderline too high for the transformers and if they're getting saturated or something, while 220 and 230 is fine

[@sassas7128]

Do you use balanced connectors.

[@nothingmemorable486]

How irritating... I was just about to go for some E7 or 8 xt's but I think ill have to give it a miss. My place is getting a little too Presonus product heavy. I need front ports so the Yam's are out... I really cant beleive im saying this I think im gonna go KRK G4.. I have not been a fan or KRK in the past but G4's seem to be very nice...

[@bryanbarajasBB]

Does the Eris8 do the same?

[@MeetingPlaceMusic]

I don't think they were in store.. Sorry, can't help. Anyone else know?

[@MeetingPlaceMusic]

Hey @Bryan Barajas Dusan Zatkovsky just commented on the E8 XT (above) "@@MeetingPlaceMusic E8 XT the same problem. Fuck it!"

[@okidoki3191]

Noice is no problem, because without a mic you don’t hear it?

[@sblaackmusik]

In my imac very noise but my computer noo noise 0000

[@noegamboa9924]

Strange mine don’t have noise but I have the 8 XT

[@FabsterClapster]

Mr. Dolezal. Are you using balanced cables? Shouldn't be an issue once you use the right cables

[@holland1]

Its a problem inside you can legit have it connected to nothing it will static not even turned up

[@feizalabdollah4145]

got my E7 XT yesterday. Work perfectly fine without any hiss or hum. Im using balance TRS from my audio interface to XLR speaker input.

[@MeetingPlaceMusic]

These speakers don't have any source attached. No input, TRS or otherwise. It seems to be an issue with the 240v models.

[@katiekumcgil]

ive found that some monitors seem to have a interference when used with some usb audio interface this is possibly why they are reduced so much in stores i was able to buy a pair few weeks ago for under 300 dollars australian from a sydney retailer, the hum isnt to bad i use them for general listening ,but they arnt anywhere near good enough for studio main monitors ,i think alot of people will have felt let down by buying them,

[@holland1]

yep I bought them and returned them for yamahas

[@katiekumcgil]

@@holland1 yamahas are bulletproof and as i found out really easy to repair ,

[@marcodeagnoi935]

I have the same problem with my Presonus Eris E5. I opened a ticket with Presonus support and they told me that it is a problem of grounding done wrong.... Too bad I tried them without a sound card, with the volume at 0 on several house plugs. Doing this didn't solve anything. I took them to a friend of mine who has a ground made with various terminal blocks, and the problem persists. Looking on various forums (Reddit, etc.) the problem lies in the amplifier inside the speakers.

[@zespomuzycznybydgoszcz5869]

it is not a problem of grounding. it is because of using poor quaity no shielded transformer. the only method if getting buzz out is to change transformer type. or mangetically shield the existing one. undoable without opening and loosing warranty :(

[@giraya5]

You wrong. Thais is energy loop

[@GrMfull]

I have same teouble with eris e5 xt. It's due to your electrical installation. But behringer has the solution for that. It is a little black metal box, places between your audio interface and monitorings and stop this kind of noise. Much better now for me

[@jonathannoise]

I’m glad that fixed your issue! Even though it might sound like the same issue, I think this is a power issue with some of this model and from what people with this issue have reported, unlinking the ground doesn’t fit it.

[@jacquie4640]

I think you mean a ferrite magnet? It protects wires from Emf interference, you can also try balanced speaker cables i think. They're active speakers and have internal amplifiers so it could be feedback from an external amp or input from a powered sub, amped dac, etc.

[@148288]

this is a ground loop not the speaker... you could connect the power to the same outlet as the mic / audio equipment... or lift the ground at the plug

[@MeetingPlaceMusic]

Although it's clearly a grounding issue those solutions won't help as the issue is inherent in the monitors power supply.

[@ChrisBessy]

woow .... and you think the same noise on the Eris 5XT ? today I work with the Eris 4.5 and the hiss noise is very low on them ....

[@MeetingPlaceMusic]

When we checked in store only the E7 XT monitors were making this amount of sound. We din't notice too much noise from the other PreSonus models.

[@dusanzatkovsky7580]

@@MeetingPlaceMusic E8 XT the same problem. Fuck it!

[@Jalliams]

From Australia, here after seeing ERIS XT7’s on sale for a good price. Sorry, Presonus.. 😬 thanks, Joe.

[@dudilevindrums-1597]

what you are creasy. ?????

[@MateuszCencyk]

Did you solved this issue?

[@MeetingPlaceMusic]

Hi Mateusz. I took them back as they were too loud for me. It's a shame, they are great sounding speakers. I ended up saving up and getting Genelec 8010a's with matching sub. Not really an alternative product I know, you can buy four pairs of the Eris for the price. However I didn't buy the Eris so much because they were cheap but more because they covered such a large frequency range and seemed to have a relatively flat response.

[@franksutcliffe5013]

@@MeetingPlaceMusic Hiya Joe..which Gene sub did you go for..7040?

[@Berlin-bl9bi]

Just use a XLR out and an a "3.5" cinch / Jack into your sound card. The noise disappears. Also don't have both speakers in one multi-power-plug situation. Use separate power outs.

[@alvaroriederchi9165]

Do your monitors have noise without connecting a balanced cable? Just connected to power?

[@SeliverstovMusic]

The same question. Do your monitors have noise without connecting a balanced cable? Just connected to power?

[@christopherstorrier5560]

Being class A/B internal amps they use a transformer making them more prone to noise...real Quad Star balanced cables eliminate all cable noise due to 4 wires & earth,reversed phase to cancel the noise & extra screening...using the XLR inputs will give best cleanest results...after that it could be the house electrics...i use hifi grade non switch sockets on my music rooms seperate mains spur power supply...it helps...& Tascima shielded hifi trail power supply boards with inbuilt mains filtering, £40 - £50..being Class A/B you will get a little faint background hiss...should be alright with the XLR & TRRS inputs...TRRS are better than TRS but use Quad Star balanced cables instead...they are louder,+3db - +6db & better sound quality....they may help as better screening using 2 positive cables & 2 negative cables along with an earth...same as a real balanced mic cable....hope you got it sorted out as their good active speakers...Class D amps are normaly quieter than Class A/B amps in active monitors....👍

[@OuterConnection]

Ese ruido es generado por la corriente eléctrica. Utiliza un adaptador de enchufe (convertidor a tierra) para eliminar ese ruido. Me agradeces después. Saludos amigo.

[@MrRedcor]

Hi, I have seen your video, very helpful. I would have want buy theese speakers ...but now I will looking for something else.

[@borisdjendoian7388]

need graund

[@hellyeah_tv]

Damn, man! It's your electric source! GROUNDING!! You hearing 50Hz of the source.

[@See_Sharp]

Yes! definitely!

[@hellyeah_tv]

@@See_Sharp I bought XT7. No issues. And only when I'm turning on the LED on my table noise is coming. Grounding and electrical sources with bad magnetic isolation. BTW, they sounds awesome.

[@See_Sharp]

@@hellyeah_tv I have XT5 and they are great! Some people just have grounding issues.

[@anderj02]

So, why there's no buzz coming from yamahas? It's the same source.

[@hellyeah_tv]

@@anderj02 relly? but maybe different amps inside?

[@borneonativetrader9122]

i just received mine today the Presonus Eris5 XT..i was so happy & Couldn't wait to try it out after work..when i got home i go straight to unbox it & when i turn it on, IT WAS ON JUST A FEW SECONDS THEN IT DIED!!..THIS SUCK!!

[@BH4x0r]

then you maybe didnt turn the switch on the back for your voltage? if it's on 230v the switch should be on 230v aswell

[@borneonativetrader9122]

@@BH4x0r yeah😅it's already functional well now & i really love it..turn out it's just the fuse at the back was the problem

[@BH4x0r]

@@borneonativetrader9122 honestly since owning my E8's since early 2016 i've never had any issues with any Presonus speaker (and none before that either), so not with my E8's, S8's or my T10 sub

[@NickBirge]

Speaker buzz is usually caused by grounding issues, or unbalanced cables.

[@MeetingPlaceMusic]

Yes I know, it's covered in the video.

[@Sandya_vulkan]

my e5 is silent just rain noise from twitter...

[@user-gb9ty6sp6d]

위 영상 보고 살려다가 말았습니다 , 감사합니다

[@RogwinMusic]

How would we know its inherent in every set sold? Or the Eris 8's? You could just leave them off, that worked well. Rip the amps out and buy a Crown!

[@lightleaked]

i have the eris 8xt and done a review theres a buzz

[@alexwhite6602]

Same problem but not so bad actually. I do not want to take it back to the store. If you want to buy this you need 1,2-1,5 metres between monitors and your ears and it wil be ok

[@BH4x0r]

what kind of cables and soundcard?

[@khaledsmq8814]

I got E5 BT and I have exact same problem it's so annoying while in quite room the hisss very noticeable, and I communicate with support they where responding but not really helpful it's they just keep responding with try this and try that, I whish I watch this video before i spend my money on this fucking monitors. Please if someone find a solution let just tag me please.

[@113armando]

Well mine are perfect. No noise at all. Connected with xlr cables and a esi monitor volume controller between them and my soundcraft signature 22 mtk. Without the knob no noise either btw. Even one of them was b-stock.

[@OchoRap]

I just bought xt 8 and i have that annoying hiss... Do you have abu recomendation?

[@jonathannoise]

Return them if it’s not too late.

[@jhoan2777]

hola... el ruido es producido por sus cables que usted utiliza para hacer llegar la señal. Se recomienda usar cables balanceados. También si son cables ya viejos revisar el estado. Yo se lo digo, porque tengo los e8XT y no tienen ese problema.... Saludos...!!!

[@yttean98]

Many CLass D amp(not all) has this problem, buzzing and/or hissing at the output when there is no signal input.

[@yttean98]

To Reviewer, Thanks for info.

[@layyourburdendown]

Hi Tean tan...I read that the Presonus Eris E8 XT has Class AB power. I would buy these right now if I knew there wasn't that bad of a hum/noise issue when the music isn't playing.

[@dusanzatkovsky7580]

@@layyourburdendown The hum isnt produced by speaker. It seems it is power supply inside the case or something. When I touch speaker, the hum doesn't change or disappear.

[@MeetingPlaceMusic]

@@dusanzatkovsky7580 I'm quite sure the sound that was coming out of these E7s was though the speaker. Perhaps it's a different issue with the different models. Did you buy the 8s? Perhaps you can return them, the guy at the store I bought mine said the Presonus dealers are always really friendly and helpful. (I returned mine)

[@dusanzatkovsky7580]

@@MeetingPlaceMusic Mine had hum "inside" - touching membrane of speaker didn't changed the hum at all. I returned them back to store and bought kali lp8.

[@soyfelizcuandolibro1222]

I have the same problem. Bullshit. I will buy a Yamaha hs8.

[@TheInferno550]

I have PreSonus Eris E3.5 and Eris E4.5 no problem. Hmm i want buy Eris E7 XT for my home now i not so sure.

[@df0rce]

Thanks. For me this reason enough not to buy them.

[@eitr5962]

I got mine for free...

[@PatrickHaeslerMusic]

:(

[@MeetingPlaceMusic]

Hi Patrick! :D

[@bvmusicstudio]

Just use balance stereo cable. I got the same problem with my hs8. Then i change the cable. Problem solve

[@MeetingPlaceMusic]

They aren't plugged into a source so problem not solved mr confident. (hope I don't sound too mean, I'm truly trying to be playful)

[@JasanovAnton]

Почему вы такие беспомощные? Сделай у себя контур заземляющий в электропроводке.