Radial Engineering
Radial Engineering IceCube IC-1 Balanced Line Isolator and Hum Eliminator
Best solution for audio professionals needing to eliminate ground loop hum.
The Radial Engineering IceCube IC-1 is a compact, passive balanced line isolator engineered to eliminate hum and noise in professional audio setups by providing galvanic isolation. Its standout feature is the robust construction, utilizing a solid 16 gauge steel outer shell finished in a tough powder coat for superior durability and electromagnetic shielding. This design rejects interference from power cables and motors, ensuring quieter performance. It features two high-quality XLR connectors with heavy-duty, tarnish-resistant nickel-silver contacts, making it a reliable tool for demanding environments.
$84.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
30
/ 67
#30 in Direct Boxes
Price vs Category Average
-68%
Below average
Type
Passive Balanced Line Isolator and Hum Eliminator
/ Passive Balanced Line Isolator and Hum Eliminator
Who it's for
- Live sound engineers battling persistent electrical hum and buzz
- Audiophiles demanding pristine signal integrity and flat frequency response
- Touring professionals needing gear that survives rigorous daily transport
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious musicians seeking an affordable, entry-level hum solution
- Users working primarily with unbalanced consumer-grade audio equipment
- Engineers requiring absolute zero signal loss for complex signal chains
Performance breakdown
Noise rejection
Galvanic isolation effectively scrubs ground loops and electrical interference from signal paths.
Build durability
The 16-gauge steel chassis is built to survive years of touring.
Signal integrity
High-quality transformer design maintains audio transparency without coloring the source signal.
Ease of integration
Passive operation allows for seamless plug-and-play setup in any professional chain.
Connector reliability
Tarnish-resistant nickel-silver contacts ensure consistent connectivity under demanding field conditions.
Portability
Compact footprint fits easily into any gig bag or pedalboard setup.
Key Specs
Type
Passive Balanced Line Isolator and Hum Eliminator
Dimensions
Just over 4" x 1 ½" (10 x 4cm)
Build Material
Solid 16 gauge steel shell, glass-filled nylon XLRs
Connector Contacts
Heavy duty nickel-silver
Channel Count
1
Connectivity
XLR (balanced)
Model Number
IC-1
Power Source
Passive
Features
- Eliminates hum and noise via galvanic isolation
- Rugged 16 gauge steel chassis construction
- Provides excellent electromagnetic shielding
- Compact size for easy placement
- Durable, tarnish-resistant connector contacts
- Passive operation requires no external power
- Tough powder coat finish resists wear
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Radial Engineering IceCube IC-1 for its exceptional effectiveness in eliminating stubborn ground loop hum and noise in complex audio setups. The primary benefit highlighted is its sonic transparency; the unit cancels noise without introducing any audible coloration or signal degradation, preserving line integrity. Reviewers value the robust, professional construction, which ensures reliability in demanding studio and live environments. While the price is premium, users agree the investment is justified by the immediate and definitive resolution of persistent noise issues. This device is considered a must have problem solver for maintaining clean, balanced line signals.
Know before you buy
No, the IceCube IC-1 is a passive device. It does not require batteries or external power to operate, making it easy to integrate into any signal chain.
The IC-1 uses a high-quality transformer to provide galvanic isolation. This physically breaks the electrical path between your equipment, which stops ground loops—the most common cause of hum and buzz—from traveling through your audio signal.
The IC-1 is designed to be transparent, meaning it preserves the integrity of your audio signal while removing noise. Because it is a passive balanced isolator, it maintains the professional signal quality required for studio and live sound applications.
The IC-1 is specifically designed for balanced XLR connections. If you are trying to connect unbalanced gear, you would typically need an additional adapter or a different type of interface to convert the signal to balanced before it enters the isolator.
Yes, the unit is built with a 16-gauge steel shell and a tough powder coat finish. It is designed to withstand the rigors of professional use and provides excellent electromagnetic shielding to protect your signal from outside interference.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.