UR22C audio noise issue (Noise only when 48V Phantom ON)

[brightstudiodxb]

Hello Steinberg Team / Community,

I’m facing a background noise issue with my Steinberg UR22C.

Issue

When I record using a Rode microphone with 48V Phantom Power ON, I get a constant background loop / humming noise in the recording.

But when I switch 48V OFF, the noise is completely gone.

What I tested

Changed XLR cable (new cable)
Tested on Windows laptop and MacBook Air (same issue on both)
Recorded without laptop charger (noise still there)
Noise disappears only when 48V is OFF
Tried lowering gain, but noise still exists when 48V is ON

Interface: Steinberg UR22C

1. Mic: Rode (Condenser mic – requires 48V)
2. Connection: XLR
3. Recording Software: (Audacity

Request

Could you please advise what may cause noise only when phantom power is enabled?

Also, is there any recommended setting, firmware update, or troubleshooting step for this issue?

Thank you in advance.

[steve]

Considering all that you ruled out, can you test the mic on an analog mixer to rule out the mic itself?

@brightstudiodxb

Recorded without laptop charger (noise still there)

You mean you plugged it into a wall outlet?

[brightstudiodxb]

It is connected to the laptop USB port
When I touch the laptop, the noise reduces slightly.

[brightstudiodxb]

The laptop is running on battery power, and the device is powered through USB.

[steve]

That’s a shielding or ground loop issue.

Is the new xlr cable the same make/model? I mean could it be poor quality ?

[steve]

Power the UR22c from a wall outlet instead of the laptop and check the result

[brightstudiodxb]

First, I used the original Rode XLR cable that came with the microphone. When I noticed the noise, I tested with a shorter XLR cable purchased from the market, but the result was the same.

[steve]

One can be fairly confident that the Rode supplied cable is ok.

[brightstudiodxb]

Yes, the issue has been resolved by using an external power source. Thank you for your support.

[steve]

Awesome