Electro-magnetic interference (emi)

A type of audible interference caused by large power current flowing through cables in close proximity to audio equipment or cables. The magnetic field around the power cables permeates the audio cables, resulting in undesirable hums or buzzes. Switching dimmers, fluorescent light ballasts, neon lights, flicker lights, computers, and RF transmitters are all generators of EMI. Careful routing of audio cables and adherence to EMC standards can alleviate the problem. [Audio cables are not the only cables susceptible to EMI; data cables, often a source of EMI, can also be adversely affected by EMI.]