VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Deirdre · Last edited by Deirdre on Tue Apr 17, 2012 1:14 am; edited 1 time in total

Hey Gang,
I've recently been battling with noise in my signal chain (mic->dbx 286->Mbox-> Mac Laptop.)

I used to use expander/gate settings on the dbx to squelch the stuff in the silences, but it ended up becoming a problem because you could hear the gate "breathe". I say "ended up" because it wasn't always like this.
One change recently is a distinct onset of noise in my preamp , between about +18 and +20 dB. A real JUMP of noise, so I've been keeping that down. I used to be able to add a nudge of a gate to kill the in-between hiss/room tone, but I realized I had to add more and more projection to get my voice to stay in the audible zone.
I'd use the gate for my narration and radio stuff, and I'd kill the processing completely and just turn up the preamp for ISDN sessions. As far as I can hear, the preamp has a fair amount of noise in it, but it doesn't bother Pro Comm or the others, so there you are.

So for my birthday, I got an AT 2020 mic, and thought I'd give it a spin. I discovered there is unpleasant hiss of one kind or another in every possible configuration of mics, amps, cables, and even computers. I tried the new AT 2020 and my Senn 416 each with 3 different cables, each on the DBX to my Mackie (for monitoring), the Mbox Focusrite pre's, and the MicPort Pro. I used my regular studio computer, and my newer MacBook Pro, and for this one, I used battery power.

NONE of these options gave me a quiet signal. My room is not totally dead, but you can hear your ears ring, and there is no central air in this joint.

I am BOOL SHEETS over this. I can't address this specifically until I get back from Maine, but I am absolutely out of ideas. The noise is SO BAD with my regular Senn 416->dbx->Mbox->ProTools that I have to record room tone and/or use a software gate in post.

SUCK O RAMA.
I will be in Maine for 3 weeks, and will report from there. I have no idea what to expect. I'll be using my 416 and the new AT 2020.
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Frank F · Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 11:28 pm Post subject:

Three things come to mind D.B. One: The dbx 286 is shot or has a hot capacitor (in other words - get a new preamp or try another preamp and listen for similar noise).

Side question - is the dbx 286 and A or S?

Two: The Mbox is shot, try another interface and listen for the same or similar noise.

Both of the boxes can exhibit noise problems after an power surge or massive power brown-out. Had any storms lately?

The third is not as simple as the previous. it is likely you have some outside issues, such as power transformers or other electrical interferences outside the home. Have you tried using your set-up in another location - even another area inside your house?

Work forward in the microphone chain from the microphone and borrow an identical box to replace the one's being used, try it and listen for the noise. If the noise disappears or diminishes - you have found the culprit.

I mention this next item despite you not mentioning utilizing the Mackie all the time. Mackie's are notoriously a known for developing problems after a few years. One recent issue with a 1202 is the phantom power not working - at all. This issue introduced uncommon noise into the chain even with the Hobo Tounge

off.

Good luck. Hope you resolve the noise problems quickly. And, have a good time down East.

Frank F
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Deirdre · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 1:19 am Post subject:

I'll be interested to check out the noise problem in Maine— I have a pretty new dbx 286 there.

Having noise with the brand-new MicPort Pro with 3 different cables does seem a bit rich, too— and makes me wonder about your outside interference idea. I'll bring it with me to Maine and use it as a control.

We'll see what happens!
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DougVox · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 10:00 am Post subject:

DB,

If it'll help you track down your issue, I've got a dbx 286A that you're welcome to borrow.
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Frank F · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 10:28 am Post subject:

M

's can be noisy themselves, especially in the USB connectors. Sounds corny but wrap a coil if aluminum foil around your M Hobo Tounge

(it does not need to be tightly wrapped) and secure your mic cord and USB cord well into the M Hobo Tounge

- it might help or it might not.

Safe travels.

Frank F
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Deirdre · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 12:00 pm Post subject:

Hey Doug— thank you! I may ask for that favor. Let me see what transpires.
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cyclometh · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 12:07 pm Post subject:

Totally spitballing here (based on a recent experience): Have you changed mobile devices recently, or started placing any near your equipment? I changed some of my daily habits not long ago and one of them was that I carried my cell phone with me into my studio. It took me a bit to figure out the intermittent noise I was getting was from my cell phone's radio.

My iPad isn't as bad but it can also interfere. I now keep my cell phone out of the studio or in airplane mode if I have it with me.

Just a though. Some other piece of equipment might be leaking RF too; might try turning off various pieces of non-essential equipment one at a time to see if you can find a noise source.
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markt · Been Here Awhile Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 217

How far up Maine do you go Deebs? I'm in MA with a new 286s, and would be happy to help you if I can...

Ayy-up,
Mark
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Deirdre · Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 2:05 pm Post subject:

I'm in South Berwick, hour and a half no'th o' Boston.

I've got a nearly-new 286a here at Camp Cooper East, so I will give that a spin. I have to test the Mbox that lives here, it fell off my studio desk while I was gone.
Yipe.
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markt · Been Here Awhile Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 217

Allrighty then. Good weath'a this week. Might want a blanket or two tonite...Let me know if I can assist a'tall.

Maahk
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georgethetech · Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 11:13 pm Post subject:

To clarify, even if you're direct from 416 to Mbox you get an unacceptable amount of white noise? Is it more or less than using the 416 with the M Hobo Tounge

?
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