LED light flutter and audio noise in studio

[Patrick The Drummer]

DIYer here (more knowledgeable than average) seeking advice.

I have two issues that I think are related.

I own and operate a recording studio that is an addition to my home. I have LED lighting throughout the house and studio. All of the LED bulbs will flutter for about 5 seconds at a time several times a day. Sometimes several times a minute, sometimes several minutes apart. It’s a rapid flutter. They don’t flicker off. Some of these lights are on Lutron LED dimmers and some are just regular switched lights.

About twice a day in recording sessions I will have a fairly quiet but very problematic interference/distortion type noise that records to the audio tracks that seems to correspond with the fluttering lights.

I have tried turning off my fridge, AC, septic system, internet, cell phone - you name it. I’ve checked all my neutrals for loose connections. I have a transformer and pole in my yard and I’m the only property in it. My electric company placed a voltage recorder under my meter and didn’t find anything odd to them.

I’m desperate for new troubleshooting ideas. I’ve consulted with seasoned electricians and studio techs and keep coming up with nothing. Any ideas?

 

[pc1966]

It certainly sounds like a supply issue. Did it happen while the utility had the power recorder connected? If they did not see anything on the incoming supply (assuming it occurred then) then it must be something down-stream from the meter.

If it is an external problem and you can't do anything about it quickly then one possible solution is to put your recording equipment on a UPS to stabilise its supply voltage.

However, if you have some moderate-current fault on the light circuit or similar you could get arcing and not enough current to show up as any serious voltage disturbance on the main 100A/200A supply point. But that is worrying as a clear fire risk! Arcing would cause significant radio interference that could impact on your recording studio's performance.

Can you get an electrician in to do some insulation testing on the circuits? Here in the UK we would normally isolate the L & N (hot and cold) lines and test at 500V DC to ground to see if any cable damage due to crushing or rats, etc.