# Noise through headphones **URL:** \ **Category:** Nano Cortex\ **Tags:** feedback, support\ **Created:** [March 18, 2026, 1:16pm UTC](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/noise-through-headphones/21657 "2026-03-18T13:16:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![cjw496](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@cjw496](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/u/cjw496)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2026, 1:16pm UTC](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/noise-through-headphones/21657/1 "2026-03-18T13:16:04Z")
When I use my nano through headphones (just guitar direct into nano, out through headphones) there’s a significant amount of buzz that quiets down when I touch the nano, and returns when I stop touching it. I’m using a true tone power supply and trs headphone cable. The ground button on the nano does not affect the buzz. Any suggestions on getting rid of this buzz? ---
**Author:** ![DiffractionCircuit](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/unity.neuraldsp.com/diffractioncircuit/32/3793_2.png) [@DiffractionCircuit](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/u/DiffractionCircuit)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2026, 2:49pm UTC](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/noise-through-headphones/21657/2 "2026-03-18T14:49:34Z")
Electrical ground issue. The power supply does not provide a ground connection to the device. Try hooking up a TRS cable to a grounded piece of equipment like studio monitors or a mixer whenever you can, even if you’re only using your headphones. You may say, “But I shouldn’t have to do that!” It’s a design decision to avoid ground loops. ---
**Author:** ![cjw496](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@cjw496](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/u/cjw496)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2026, 3:16pm UTC](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/noise-through-headphones/21657/3 "2026-03-18T15:16:45Z")
Thank you. Would running the pedal through a grounded power supply also work? ---
**Author:** ![DiffractionCircuit](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/unity.neuraldsp.com/diffractioncircuit/32/3793_2.png) [@DiffractionCircuit](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/u/DiffractionCircuit)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2026, 4:10pm UTC](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/noise-through-headphones/21657/4 "2026-03-18T16:10:35Z")
It may or may not help. Not all power supplies are built the same. Worth a shot, though. ---
**Author:** ![Sunset2026](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex020/user_avatar/unity.neuraldsp.com/sunset2026/32/9780_2.png) [@Sunset2026](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/u/Sunset2026)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2026, 2:42am UTC](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/noise-through-headphones/21657/5 "2026-03-19T02:42:36Z")
some additional info that you or may not already know, Connect to a Grounded Device: Plug a cable from one of the Nano’s outputs into a grounded piece of gear, such as a powered studio monitor, a mixer, or a grounded amplifier. The external device does not even need to be turned on to provide the necessary ground. Use USB to a Grounded Computer: Connect the Nano to a computer via USB. This often solves the issue if the computer itself is grounded (e.g., a desktop PC or a laptop plugged into a 3-prong wall outlet). Note that some modern laptop chargers (like many MacBook bricks) are ungrounded and may not fix the hum. Toggle the Ground Lift: Check the small Ground Lift button on the back of the Nano Cortex. While usually used to break a loop when multiple grounded devices are connected, toggling it can sometimes change the noise floor behavior in certain environments. Alternative Workarounds Grounded Power Supply: Some users have replaced the stock power supply with a third-party grounded supply (like certain GlobTek or CIOKS models) to provide an earth connection directly through the power input. Check the Guitar’s Internal Grounding: Ensure the ground wire inside your guitar is securely connected to the bridge. You can test this with a multimeter by checking for continuity between the strings and the output jack’s sleeve. Environment and Shielding: Move away from sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI) like fluorescent lights, computer monitors, or dimmer switches, which single-coil pickups can easily catch. ---
**Author:** ![cjw496](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@cjw496](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/u/cjw496)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2026, 3:05am UTC](https://unity.neuraldsp.com/t/noise-through-headphones/21657/6 "2026-03-23T03:05:09Z")
For future reference, I just tried a grounded power supply (CIOKS Sol) with direct out headphones, and that solved the buzzing issue.