Surge Protector for New Mac?

[plum]

I have pretty much run my iMac for its entire life without one, and I am not sure that is a good idea. As I am about to invest in a new computer, any suggestions on this topic. I am also curious about the idea of a "power conditioner" and what it might do for a home studio.

Thanks again, especially Mike, who has faithfully addressed just about every random question I have proposed! But of course to every one else as well.

It is also heart warming when someone takes the time to answer -- especially complete newbies questions!

Especially ones that could obviously be somewhat resolved (minus sometimes first hand experience) by a simple search engine query!

[HCMarkus]

I use APC and CyberPower UPS at home and in studio. Both have worked fine, but it is important that, whatever unit you use, batteries be checked and replaced periodically. Get a unit with enough capacity to give you reasonable run time for ALL the gear you want to connect to it.

In my studio, I have a big ol' CyberPower 1500 VA unit backing up the Mac Pro and all connected drives and USB hubs. I moved the big APC that used to do the job to the home computer (which sees a lot less use) when, in an abundance of caution, I went with the "Pure Sine Wave" CyberPower unit. A second smaller APC UPS connects my main computer display and audio interface to AC power. I don't want a power interruption to wreck a good take; although connected analog gear (mic pres, etc) will go down, the digital chain will stay viable, preserving whatever was in the process of being recorded when power drops.

[cuttime]

If you've gotten by without one, good. I live in a part of the country where we see, in the summer, afternoon thunderstorms that can make brave ones fear for their lives. I'm using whole-house surge protectors and device line protectors, and I've seen wall toggle switches burned and fused. During one of these storms I would not settle for anything less than a complete power down and disconnect, especially if the computer is connected to an ethernet cable that is wired to a cable modem or DSL connection.

[bayswater]

I live where the power is very stable, but I've always had most things on Furman power strips that are connected to APCs. I can't say whether these are necessary because I've always had them. I get some battery backup time to save work, and the Furmans have lights for the 19" racks. I can turn on everything with one switch. The lights are in extendable bars that are handy to up hang guitar cables. All sort of unexpected benefits. The conditioned power is supposed to improve audio quality, but I'm a bit skeptical about that.

[mikehalloran]

The conditioned power is supposed to improve audio quality, but I'm a bit skeptical about that.

As am I who lives in one of the electrically noisier places on the planet. Everything goes into a Furman PL-8C but unlike star-quad audio cables, I can't say I noticed a difference. I've tried more expensive units and returned them for the same reason.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... -pl-8c-15a

If you want quiet, balanced power is the way to go. Instead of 120V hot and a Neutral, balanced power gives you +60V on one leg and -60V on the other. Plug a Strat into a Deluxe, crank it up with no 60Hz line noise — erie... Oh, it's kind of dangerous if not done right.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... -p-2400-it

In between are protectors with voltage regulators, many with UPS. These protect against brown out.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... -f1500-ups

I definitely believe in good solid surge protectors, though, and the PL-8C is that. I've seen too much equipment destroyed by not having any or having inadequate protection. I have witnessed power strip capacitors explode under extreme conditions.

Then there's the Istanbul Opera House… but I've told that story before.

[mikehalloran]

I've no particular affinity for Furman but they got their start trying to figure out how to power this:



Perhaps magicD might weigh in on this. He and my buddy Rick Turner (Alembic at the time) were involved.

[mikehalloran]

There's a lot of used Furman gear on eBay, CraigsList etc. at great prices.

Unfortunately, the old web site that could tell you what that stuff was appears to be replaced by this:
https://www.furmanpower.com/

Really?

A decent surge protector is a must. This is my favorite power strip because it's wide, outlets are well-spaced and it lays flat from a company I trust.
https://www.furmanpower.com/product/15a ... -PST-2%2B6

I just bought a few more for $44 each. Although listed as "used", they were B stock with crushed boxes.
https://www.proaudiostar.com/furman-pst-2-6.html

As to the rest...

Voltage regulation uses power to keep a steady 120V. A 12A unit for a 15A circuit. It will run up your electric bill but, if you need one, your equipment will thank you. I used to do sessions in a studio where a voltage dip would cause the solenoids in the Ampex machines to shut down during a take. Not good.

UPS gives you time to save data and shut down in a black out and when combined with a voltage regulator protects against brown outs.

Balanced power has to be (not) heard to be believed. It's expensive and there's a safety issue since the ground floats. It is quiet but is it worth the expense? I can't answer that for you.

Sequential start-up prevents loud thumps by powering up devices in a predetermined order— you know if you need it or not.

That leaves so called "line conditioning". It's not snake oil—they use large toroidal transformers and filter caps inside to do something. I'm with Bays on this one. Except for some very unlikely conditions, it may be a solution looking for a problem.

[plum]

Hey I have about a week before my mac and monitor get here...
Should I order the PL-8C?
What I really would like to know is whether I can plug my 2 heavy duty power strips into the Furman or would that defeat some of the purpose?

Truth is if I count, I think I might currently only need 8-9 outlets to power my studio.

I have my Motu Audio Express
Generally two monitors (getting repaired asp8's)
Then I will have the Mac Mini
34 inch monitor
I do have an external drive or 2 with some of my stuff on it that might be only plugged in on occasion.
I have the Preamp for my Soundfield Stero Mic.
Peterson Strobe Tuner can probably get by without the Furman.
Then I have a couple of MIDI controller including my studio logic sl-880 and an ableton push.

I guess I could almost get by without trying to expand on the direct outlets of the Furman? Any thoughts? Thanks...

2 of these would be too expensive but I am also thinking that my get is best split between the two outlets behind my workstation desk! I wonder if there is a less expensive Furman I could get 2 of that would do a decent enough job?

[plum]

Since I do not have a rack I think I should get this:
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... er-station

PST-8

[mikehalloran]

Multiple surge protectors inline do not harm anything nor are they capable of degrading the audio.

I have 3 Furman power strips plugged into my PL-8C. Two are PST 2-6; the other is as SS-6B.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... ower-strip

The three strips go to different locations in the room—the cords are extremely heavy and 15' (SS-6B) or 8' SS-6B) long so this is easy to do. Even though I have 18 of the 24 outlets filled, the combined peak draw is less than 1/3 the 15A of the circuit.

Overkill? I'll be the first to admit it. However, those strips lay flat and can't tip over. There's plenty of space for all the wall warts so this setup works for me.

I've had friends lose equipment to surges and I've seen a power strip explode all its capacitors at once—a most unpleasant experience not to mention horribly loud. The gear was saved but still...

[bayswater]

You can also get a simple cheap surge protector that goes between the outlets and passive power strips. It will have a fast fuse that blows on a surge. Then you throw it away and get another one.

[mikehalloran]

Since I do not have a rack I think I should get this:
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... er-station

PST-8

Though close, the PST-8 is not quite a PL-8C in a power strip—can't fit everything in that tiny form. They did their best but there are a few differences besides 8 vs 9 outlets.

On the plus side, the PST-8 only draws 6W vs the 12W draw of the PL-8C.

While both overvoltage protection (135V or 140V), the PL-8C also has undervoltage protection at 90V in case of brown out. The PST-8 does not.
https://www.furmanpower.com/product/15a ... -evs-PST-8

PL-8C
https://www.furmanpower.com/product/15a ... ghts-PL-8C

If brown outs are a serious issue as they are in some parts of California (but not mine) then only a UPS with a voltage regulator offers proper protection.

[plum]

Seems like you know your ••••. I ordered a PST-8 because I got a great deal -- and I guess I am happy to have one. <90 bucks, and I specifically look forward to seeing if some of the occasional hums disappear!

[HCMarkus]

Seems like you know your ••••. I ordered a PST-8 because I got a great deal -- and I guess I am happy to have one. <90 bucks, and I specifically look forward to seeing if some of the occasional hums disappear!

Ground loop elimination is the key there.

Interestingly, I have in some circumstances had to life (cut) the shield and ground wire on a USB cable to completely squash a persistent ground loop. Mentioning it, as it is an easily overlooked source of hum issues.

[mikehalloran]

…
Interestingly, I have in some circumstances had to life (cut) the shield and ground wire on a USB cable to completely squash a persistent ground loop. Mentioning it, as it is an easily overlooked source of hum issues.

I just saw this. It's rare but does happen and severing the shield is the solution.

About a half hour after my last post in this thread, my neighborhood had a blackout. I have an old UPS for my router & Mac that gives me about one minute to save my work and shut down. Fortunately for Sylvia, she had saved and was away from her Mac when it happened.

In the market for a pair of UPS units for myself and my wife. Don't need much but 5 or minutes won't be very expensive. Tripp Lite makes a number of inexpensive units that will do the job.