VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Jon Morss · Guest

Caryn ,

To me it sounds a bit fishy that you mentioned after you got your Symetrix back from repair you started to hear the noise, Was this there before?
Have you tried to plug your mic straight into the M-Box unit and eliminate the Symetrix from the mix?

I had a similar high pitch sort of singing sound from my Mackie interface which basically turned out to be the mic inputs. Mackie replaced the unit and all is well now.

georgethetech · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 3:14 pm Post subject:

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 3:38 pm Post subject:

georgethetech · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 3:46 pm Post subject:

Digidesign says to use those only when Pro Tools hasn't been installed on the system. When Pro Tools has already been installed, the drivers for third party a Hobo Tounge

s are theoretically pre-installed. Installing additional drivers can interfere with Pro Tools. Read this page for more info:
http://tinyurl.com/3avop9
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If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
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TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
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CarynClark · Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2008 6:30 am Post subject:

THANK YOU everyone!!!!

Wow, I really can't thank you all enough!

You're right, I'd rather not throw the baby out with the bathwater. I like using ProTools b/c it's now what I've become used to. I have Adobe Audition installed on my computer, but as you've already said, it doesn't work exactly. Can't hear anything. But, I'd like to continue using ProTools if I can.

That said, I had an engineer friend listen to my audio now that I've made all of these changes. He said that the tone is now really very low, barely audible. He said he thinks it's RFI (I don't know what that is) and that a better mic cable might do the trick. So, I'm going to take recommendations and search on here b/c I know I've seen you guys mention good mic cables in the past, and I'm going to get one.

To answer the question about did this happen before I replaced my Symetrix.... the answer is yes. When I first installed my studio, I got this same whine, but unfortunately I do not recall exactly what knobs were set where to diminish it.
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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 22, 2008 6:44 am Post subject:

Caryn,

RFI = Radio Frequency Interference. (Meaning any kind of electrical interference that's in the frequency spectrum assigned to radio and television broadcasts.) Lots of electrical components generate this kind of signal, not just radio and TV station transmitters. Most of the time the shielding on our cables prevents the signal from getting into our audio chain, but sometimes the signal is strong enough or the source is close enough that it still does.
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Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

CarynClark · Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2008 7:20 am Post subject:

Ah yes, that is what we talked about on the phone, isn't it? I have not forgotten that conversation, and even told my hubby about it a few days ago (we were discussing temp studios for me b/c soon they're going to be building a house next door, and so I need a quiet place... but the place he suggested I rent is right next to a radio tower), b/c I find it so amazing.

Well, and you know, the mic cable is now the one cable that IS closest to my power cords (they're only about 4 inches apart) and intersecting at that 45 - 60 degree angle. Hmmm...

I suppose I could solve this proximity issue if I put my mic on a boom.

Another project to look into!
_________________
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

TheVoiceOfBob · Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2008 9:36 am Post subject:

As Bob said, RFI can come from many different sources. Shielding is key. This is why I use something similar to this while recording.

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georgethetech · Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2008 8:43 pm Post subject:

The one cable in your studio that MUST be kept away from power cords is the cable that connects your mic to your preamp. The signal that passes from the mic is EXTREMELY low in power (mic level) whereas the signals passing out of the mic pre to other equipment is much higher in power (line level). Even though a professional studio mic cable is balanced, a design intended to reduce noise induced upon it by RFI and other sources of interference, if the RFI is strong enough you'll still hear it. The mic preamp boosts the good stuff (your silken voice) with the bad stuff (the noise).
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

Edo · Guest

CarynClark · Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2008 7:20 pm Post subject:

It does help, and you're right. The Symetrix is hooked in before the MBox2. My friend actually suggested yesterday I try getting a better mic cable... so I think he realized the issue.

I did a search and found a couple of mic cables recommended here. Are any particular ones better for a Sennheiser MKH416 and a Symetrix 528e?
_________________
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

Edo · Guest

Quality cables cost serious money. Just try to avoid cables with 'budget' XLR connectors... Whatever you choose, make sure they are top brand like Mogami cables and Neutrik connectors for instance. You could also ask a pro audio dealer to have your cables soldered to order. Also try to find any source of RFI sources near your audio setup.

- Are there any powercables running parallel to your audio wires?
- Wireless phone stations?
- Cell phone chargers?
- Microwave ovens?
- CRT monitors radiating lots of hum?

Remove them, or remove your cables from being close to them anyway. Avoid using electric lights that are controlled by a 'dimmer' (proper English term?) for they use strong thyristors induce strong magnetic fields. Just a couple of things off of the top of my head that might be worth considering.

Good luck!

bobsouer · Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 1:33 pm Post subject:

Edo · Guest

Thanks Bob (no crosspost to the LEARN SECTION neccesary yet?) Smile

Funny how we use lots of words in Dutch that originate from English. It always gets me confused when I want to say similar things in English. But so far so good. (phew!)

CarynClark · Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 7:37 pm Post subject:

THANK YOU EDO!!! I do have one wireless phone base and my cell phone charges in my office... which my studio is in... they're about 10-15 feet away. I'll move 'em out to the kitchen - a good 40 feet away.

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