Ground loop only solved by removing XLR Pin 1, is it safe?

[EngineerNate]

There's a reason I said not to leave them in-system, but for locating which piece of equipment is causing a problem they are a useful tool.

Plenty of audio gear made without an earth ground and the chassis connected to neutral via a resistor.

In any case 120V isn't going to kill you even if the worst happens unless you're using your gear near the bathtub.

 

[Mr. Swordfish]

To answer one of the original questions, yes, lifting pin 1 of an XLR is safe. It's not a "safety ground" like the third pin on an AC plug.

Standard "star ground" connectivity is to use fully balanced outputs and inputs everywhere and lift the shield connection at the outputs. A somewhat outdated approach since most things are digital, but it was done this way for decades .

 

[kyuu]

- Thoughts? -

Absolutely not.

I regularly do my own basic electrical work, but under no circumstances would I ever disconnect a PE. If you honestly believe you have some legitimate reason or need for this, consult with an actual licensed electrician and have them perform the work. Under no circumstances should one rely on an "AI tool" for advice on altering your electrical system.

 

[Mr. Swordfish]

Use a GFCI


- Thoughts? -

If your audio system is complicated enough that you have different components on different circuits, the GFIs will trip almost immediately. So not really a solution. Unless everything is connected optically, at which point ground loops shouldn't be a problem.