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Jeffrey Kafer
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 Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 7:30 pm Post subject: Low hum in headphones from mixer |
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I bought a used Mackie vlz1202 on eBay and once I plugged it in, I noticed it had a very low level hum coming from the headphones. This doesn't happen in other outputs and its not in the audio file, so I know it's just the headphones.
Any ideas for troubleshooting it before I start complaining to the seller?
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Jason Huggins
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| Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 7:44 pm Post subject: |
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| My 1402 does the same thing. It is only in the headphones output. I haven't found a fix other than just ignore it. I plug into my interface if I suspect an actual audio issue, but it hasn't been a hindrance to me...it is so faint in mine. |
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Scolaidhe
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Jeffrey Kafer
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Ed Fisher
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| Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 11:07 pm Post subject: |
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| JeffreyKafer wrote: | I bought a used Mackie vlz1202 on eBay and once I plugged it in, I noticed it had a very low level hum coming from the headphones. This doesn't happen in other outputs and its not in the audio file, so I know it's just the headphones.
Any ideas for troubleshooting it before I start complaining to the seller? |
A far fetched solution.
The only thing I can think of that might be of help would be to check to see if you are plugged into a 3 prong socket. Some older homes still have the two prongers. If this is the case, you can try to use a wire to ground the unit manually. either to a cable outlet, phone plug, or sometimes the screw holding in the electric wall socket. (I know, may sound strange) But, if the unit is not grounded properly you will get that famous "hum." But, I'm guessing that this is extremely unlikely. |
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heyguido
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Location: RDU, the Geek Capitol of the South
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| Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 12:12 am Post subject: |
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Let the seller know there's a problem with your purchase.
Most sellers with any history are very protective of their feedback ratings.
You could very well end up with an offer to reduce the price through a partial refund through PayPal.
If you have to contact customer service at eBay, they can force a refund, regardless of the seller's position.
And try grounding the unit. There should be a labeled grounding tab or screw on the rear of the chassis.
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Don Brookshire
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Jeffrey Kafer
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Ed Fisher
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| Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 5:34 am Post subject: |
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Seems like I remember there is a small plug you can purchase from RadioShack that tells you right away if your home is wired properly. But it's sounding more and more like you've simply got a noisy headphone amp. As, someone else has mentioned here, they chose to simply "ignore" it. I'm assuming that you don't have anything else plugged into the mixer. And...if you did... that you removed them all, one by one, to see if it makes any difference with your "hum" problem.
If all that's done, then it's up to you to deal with the unpleasant chore of dealing with the seller and deciding what you want to do next. |
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heyguido
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Location: RDU, the Geek Capitol of the South
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| Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 6:18 am Post subject: |
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SHOULD be, but worth trying, if you decide to keep it. Talk to Dan or Frank.
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Don Brookshire
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Jason Huggins
The Gates of Troy
Joined: 12 Aug 2011
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Location: In the souls of a million jeans
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| Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 6:21 am Post subject: |
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And let me know if you find a fix  |
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Bruce
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| Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 7:34 am Post subject: |
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| JeffreyKafer wrote: | | The plug is a 3 prong going into a 3 prong socket. Should be all grounded, yes? |
It should, but occasionally they're not. I bought a simple plug-in tester years ago at Home Depot for about 5 bucks. I used to do a bit of my own electrical work at home and work and did find improperly wired outlets enough to make it a very worthwhile investment.
I'd say ignore the Mackie headphone out. Go back and listen through whatever outlet you used before. The mixer is just a glorified splitter now, yes?
B
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Jason Huggins
The Gates of Troy
Joined: 12 Aug 2011
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Location: In the souls of a million jeans
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| Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 7:48 am Post subject: |
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| I don't know if it is the same for you, but for me, the hum is exactly the same even with the output all the way down. It also doesn't change as I move the headphone level up and down. I'm thinking it is just a grounding issue related to the headphone jack itself somehow. |
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Ed Fisher
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| Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 8:11 am Post subject: |
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In addition to a good (meaning large) Uninterruptible Power Supply, I always power all of my audio production equipment (including computers, etc) through this.
http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=2141
Works for me. JS |
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todd ellis
A Zillion
Joined: 02 Jan 2007
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Location: little egypt
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| Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 8:17 am Post subject: |
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2 things -
(1) what bruce said - just because there are three holes in the outlet doesn't mean all three are connected to something - plug tester - or just pull the outlet & look - (b) my mackie did the same thing - like jason - only in the headphones - not on playback or recording - and since i rarely use headphones anyway, i just ignored it. probably in the jack itself. and (III) the pots get dirty pretty easily and when they do they get scratchy. keep a can of contact cleaner handy.
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heyguido
MMD
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Location: RDU, the Geek Capitol of the South
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| Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 8:24 am Post subject: |
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One other thought....
Unplug everything but the Mackie.... No ins, no outs, just the power cable and the headphones. Is the hum still there?
If so, you'll want to consider a Furman Power Conditioner, about $75 new. The Furman is a great way to cure a ground loop or grounding issue, especially since you have multiple pieces of gear involved, and I'm guessing from the pictures I've seen that your house is not brand new. Many older houses ground to the plumbing, and rusty pipes make poor connections.
If not, look to make sure you don't have unbalanced cables feeding a balanced input..... Likely because of your loop-back.....
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