VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

CarynClark · Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 12:41 pm Post subject: I love equipment

I do, I really do.

So, I'm going to send my Symetrix in for repair. The snap/crackle/pop issue I was having in Oct. has suddenly re-appeared, and the solution of turning the knobs to kinda "clean 'em up and move things around" isn't working. So, it's time.

That said, I'm guessing I can just plug my mic (Sennheiser MKH416) directly into my MBox2, right? Right now, my Symetrix is plugged into the MBox2 (MBox Input 1 DI is connected tothe Symetrix Balanced Output, and then the MBox is connected to my little board... Mon Out L&R to Board's Line In 3/4 L&R). Can I just plug the mic in there?

I would guess so since there is a mic input. I just want to check before I blow everything up or something.

THANKS!!!
_________________
Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

bobsouer · Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 1:16 pm Post subject:

Caryn,

I use an MBox2 when I'm not the road most of the time. Yes, you can plug your mic in to the Mic input of the MBox2. Just remember to turn on the Phamtom power on your MBox2 or you won't hear anything from your mic.
_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
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CarynClark · Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 4:05 pm Post subject:

Thanks Bob, and thanks for your help on the phone!!! It works... boy, do I sound a tad different without the Symetrix though. It's all good though.... THANK YOU!!!
_________________
Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

bobsouer · Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 4:06 pm Post subject:

Caryn,

My pleasure. It was very nice catching up with you on the phone, too.
_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
ISDN, Source Connect, phone patch

Jon Morss · Guest

Caryn - This may be a bit redundant and you may have already answered the questions, but have you tried replacing your cables? Also, are you writing to a secondary drive while recording or are you using the same HD for the OS and audio files. I found on slower systems, be it a Mac or PC, if I record my audio on the same hard disk that the OS is installed I get periodic noise in the form of crackles and snaps.

I suppose this is all moot if your recordings are cleared up by plugging into the MBox though.

Just some suggestions and slap me around if I am out of line.

Good luck

CarynClark · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:11 pm Post subject:

Hi,

Oh no, I would never slap you around!! I really REALLY appreciate the trouble shooting!!

Well, you see, I had this problem in October. At that time, upon the advice of Frank Frederick, I did buy an external hard drive. So all of my audio is saved to that.

However, what seemed to solve my snap/crackle/pop problem was playing with the knobs on my Symetrix... particularly the mic gain knob. An engineer friend suggested I do this b/c sometimes they get dust, etc. in them, and moving them cleans them up. And, I also noticed that the problem happened or became worse the warmer my studio was (I obviously try to keep it cool, but I was working on a long project with the door closed... ) Anyway, moving the knobs worked...

... until this past Friday. When I moved the mic gain knob to "clean it up," the snap/crackle/pop was really really bad as I moved the knob. Which led me to the conclusion that I think it's my Symetrix. With the Symetrix out of the chain, I'm not getting the snap/crackle/pop, so I'm pretty sure it was the Symetrix.

THANKS though... very good tips that I may not have thought of...
_________________
Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

Deirdre · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 7:08 pm Post subject:

You're going to sound different because the preamps in the Mbox are way different from the Symetrix.

I hope you get your baby all cleaned up real soon.
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DBCooperVO.com

Jon Morss · Guest

Caryn,

Got ya. Frank is a great resource and probably better qualified to help you.

Another suggestion for the future, if you have not done so already, is to try to spray some Electronic Tuner cleaner/lubricant on the Potentiometers of your Symetrix. It could save you from having to send it in for repairs.
http://www.radioshack.com/sm-tv-tuner-control-cleaner-and-lubricant--pi-2103700.html
http://www.blowoff.com/lubricants/electronics_lubricant.htm

Good luck.

CarynClark · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 7:56 am Post subject:

Ohhh... thanks for that tip!!!!!
_________________
Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

Don G. · King's Row Joined: 11 Nov 2004 Posts: 1071 Location: MA

Cramolin® used to be like the duct tape of electronics. Smile

Now there are even more options.

CarynClark · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:46 am Post subject:

Sorry to bring this old thread back up again, but guess what?

The snap, crackle, pop and static is back as of this morning.

Ugh.

I'm running out to buy the lubricant you all suggested. Thank you so much for the suggestion. I really appreciate it.

I'm curious, how often do you guys find you have to use the lubricant? Can you use too much? I just sent this machine back for repair 6 weeks ago and the noise is back! Is this normal?

Symetrix is going to call me back, but I think they're going to offer to repair it for free this time around. However, I HATE being without it (gotta ship it, etc). Maybe it's just a lemon. Do they go bad?
_________________
Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

Yoda117 · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:55 am Post subject:

CarynClark · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:42 am Post subject:

Ha! Hmmm... I'd rather stay sane.

The Symetrix tech support are really very nice. The guy just spent 45 minutes on the phone with me testing various things.

We think that while they did repair the Symetrix, and it was necessary, that the current issue might be my POS (email me for translation if you can't figure it out) Behringer Xenyx 802 board. Which, I knew I was being budget conscious when I bought it... it was my last piece of equipment to buy.

I'm going to Guitar Center to buy a new board. Prolly a Mackie.
_________________
Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

tackerman · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:47 am Post subject:

How exciting! I look for any excuse to buy new equipment. Wink

Have fun!

TheVoiceOfBob · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:51 am Post subject: