Help - TR909 Recording Problems

[Leesweeting]

Hi Everyone,

I'm pretty new to the site but was hoping some of you may help me?

I have a TR909 which is connected via a USB midi sport interface to Protools 8 LE. The master out on the 909 is connected to my mbox 2 mini. I have programmed a drum pattern into the protools piano roll which is triggering the 909 with no problems. However when i set up an audio track to record the 909 all i get is lots of feedback? Any suggestions as to how i may solve this?

Thanks for your time.

Lee.

[daeron80]

Feedback indicates that the output is coupled in some way with the input. From what you've said so far, it's not possible to identify where the coupling is taking place. Is there a mic plugged into the mbox, as well? Is the mix knob feeding some of the input to the output (although I don't know how that would be a problem)?

[Leesweeting]

Hi! Thanks for the reply.

The mbox 2 mini only has two inputs. I have the master out L / R from the 909 going to inputs 1 & 2 on the mbox. There is nothing else connected. The piano roll in protools is triggering the 909 which is connected via a midisport usb interface. I'm getting audio through my monitors with no problems. So i have a midi track set up in protools with a kick drum from the 909 on it. I have then set up an audio track and set the i/o to inputs 1&2 on the mbox (where the 909 is connected). When i record arm the audio track i just loads of feedback, and i can't figure out why. Does that make the problem a bit clearer?

Thanks for your help, very much appreciated.

[daeron80]

Yeah, a little. Every picture I can find of Mbox 2 Minis shows 3 inputs: one XLR and two 1/4". But if there's nothing else plugged in, that doesn't matter.

The really confusing thing is that a 909 has no audio inputs, so it would appear to be impossible for it to be part of the feedback loop. Maybe it's the way the cables are wired - shorting the inputs or something. Maybe it has to do with the way the 909 is wired.

Stuff to try, if you haven't already:
Unplug both cables and arm the track. If you feedback with nothing plugged in, the mbox may be defective.
Plug in one cable.
Unplug it and plug in the other one.
Try different cables. If they're TS, try TRS. If they're TRS, make sure they're wired correctly on both ends.
Try a different MIDI instrument if available.
Mute the output and see if the feedback appears to go away (judging by the track meter)
Turn the volume all the way down and see if it goes away.

[Leesweeting]

Thanks David, I'll give that a go and see how i get on.