Still getting crackling sound with Pro Tools 9

[Ransom]

Hi. I tried the 8.0.3 upgrade months ago and gave up with it after not being able to get rid of the crackling sound coming through my mbox2 when my keyboard and speakers were plugged in. Now, I upgrade to Pro Tools 9 which is apparently "fully compatible with windows 7" but I keep getting the crackling sound and can't record anything. What gives?

[philip888]

Can you post a Sandra Report?

[Ransom]

I'm googling how to do that but can't figure out how. Also, I moved the usb that my mbox2 was plugged into and now I'm getting that high pitched whining everyone was getting with 8.0.3 and only when I open Pro Tools 9.

[philip888]

Originally Posted by Ransom

I'm googling how to do that but can't figure out how. Also, I moved the usb that my mbox2 was plugged into and now I'm getting that high pitched whining everyone was getting with 8.0.3 and only when I open Pro Tools 9.

Look you will find it here.

Help us help you - what you need to know before posting!

http://duc.avid.com/showthread.php?t=193637

[Ransom]

Thanks for your help Philip, not sure if this helps as well. I found out if I plug my roland phantom keyboard into a power outlet (while it's turned off) the whining noise starts instantly (the phantom is directly plugged into my mbox 2 through two 1/4 inch cables).

I'll post up the sandra soon.

[daeron80]

That's an electrical issue, not a software one. Something in the analog signal chain prior to the amplifier is acting as an antenna. It's picking up the radio frequency junk that all electronic devices emit. The RFI, as it's called, should get shunted to ground through your cable shields and equipment cases to the ground plug on your electrical outlet, from where it should go to earth. There's a large number of possible reasons why it's not doing that. Bad connection or broken shield in a cable, bad solder joint or loose screw in a piece of gear (mbox, computer, the amplifier itself), and power circuit not properly grounded are the most common. It can also be caused by different gear being plugged into different sockets that are not on the same circuit. Sometimes it can be a real bear trying to track down and solve the problem. I usually start by unplugging everything from everything, reseating all computer cards and loosening and re-tightening all screws on the mobo, test all cables with a meter with jumpers so I can wiggle them during the test, resolder if necessary, and then put it all back together. If that doesn't solve it, you may need a pro electronics repairman.

[getz76]

daeron80 is right. This sounds like a classic ground loop issue.

[Ransom]

Thanks again for the help everyone, this is driving me nuts!!!!

My question now is, why would I suddenly be getting this signal when I used the exact same setup on my laptop with windows xp and pro tools 7? I've been able to record fine until switching computers and upgrading to PT9. The only changes I've had are new computer (hp elite with windows 7, 64 bit) and new speakers (mackie HR824mk2's). Everything works fine without the phantom plugged in but as soon as I plug it in, problems. Could it be the pc? I'm switching to a brand new imac in a few days, maybe I should just wait and see if the problem crosses over to that.

[getz76]

It could be anything that is connected in the chain. Check your outlets with a ground tester. You can get one at Home Depot for under $10.

I would stop using the setup until you find the issue. It is usually harmless, but occasionally a faulty ground can be deadly.

[Park Seward]

Confusing. First it is a crackling sound and now a "whining noise".

You'll have to be more specific.

If everything works until you plug in the Phantom, then it's the Phantom or the cables or the power supply connected to it.

Are you plugging the Phantom into a mic input?

You moved the USB plug and now are getting a totally different sound? That doesn't make sense. Is it to a hub that is plugged into something?

You get the noise even when the Phantom is turned off? Yes, could be a wiring problem with the power. Try plugging everything to one power strip. Also, check that all your power plugs have a ground. Some stupid people cut that off when then have ground loops.