Digi 002 Rack Firewire audio interference

[socko]

My Digi 002 is connected to a Dual 2.0 G5 via Firewire, and I have an external Rane HC-4 headphone amp. The Rane is connected to the Digi 002 via the two 1/4" Monitor output jacks in the back of the Digi 002. When I'm using the headphone jack in the front of the Digi 002, the signal is nice and clear. However, when I hook my headphones into the Rane, I get interference from the FireWire connection. I can actually hear computer processing sounds, kind of like modem connection noise, but without the hiss. If I disconnect the firewire cable from my Digi 002 the noise disappears, so I know that's the source of the interference. I've tried several Firewire cables in both Firewire ports in the Digi 002, and am not quite sure what else to do. The firewire cable I'm currently using is a 4.5 meter Belkin 1394, 400Mbps cable. Any ideas/solutions appreciated.

Dave
Lansing, MI

[Scott Sheppard]

Hello Dave ...

Do you have a external FW hard drive ??

If so try running the FW cable to the drive and THEN to the Digi 002 Rack.

Make the DIGI 002 Rack at the end of the FW chain.

That should help.

Let us know.

Thanks

[Bhennies]

This is a hardware problem with Apple revision a g5's. At the momemt, apple is offering replacement power supplies, but oftentimes that doesn't work. It's an unfortunate and frustrating problem.

[socko]

Bhennies,

Wow -- that *is* unfortunate! How does one go about getting a replacement power supply?

Another observation -- I generally use high-end Monster mic cables, but I plugged a cheapo cable into one of my mics, and am getting the same noise through that mic. Is it possible that cable shielding helps to alleviate this problem? If so, does anyone know where I might get well-shielded, long (has to be at least 4 meters to reach my computer in the other room) Firewire cables? The only one Monster offers is too short (it's a 6-footer, I think).

Thanks for the heads-up on this.

Dave

[socko]

Scott,

No, the Digi 002 is the only FireWire device I'm using. I have 2 internal drives in my Mac, one of which I've dedicated to PT.

Thanks, though.

Dave

[socko]

Bhennies,

Another question regarding your reply: How do I tell if my G5 is a revision A machine?

Thanks again,
Dave

This is a hardware problem with Apple revision a g5's. At the momemt, apple is offering replacement power supplies, but oftentimes that doesn't work. It's an unfortunate and frustrating problem.

[Sergievsky]

Am hooking up my studio and found the same problem...but I'm not so sure it's the G5. I just tested my 002R on my laptop and I got the same computer noises as when it was hooked up to my dualG5. It was only coming from one speaker but it was there both times. I still have to try the FW hd in between but will report back when I make progress (if I had time I'll c if I can get one of the peecees to work with it).
Rewiring a studio is a real bitch. I remember when I used to enjoy this stuff, ya know, when I was younger with more time to spare...

Raul

[socko]

Raul,

FWIW, I hooked my Digi 002 up via my iBook G4 800, and there's no Firewire noise at all.

Dave

[Bhennies]

Bhennies,

Wow -- that *is* unfortunate! How does one go about getting a replacement power supply?

Another observation -- I generally use high-end Monster mic cables, but I plugged a cheapo cable into one of my mics, and am getting the same noise through that mic. Is it possible that cable shielding helps to alleviate this problem? If so, does anyone know where I might get well-shielded, long (has to be at least 4 meters to reach my computer in the other room) Firewire cables? The only one Monster offers is too short (it's a 6-footer, I think).

Thanks for the heads-up on this.

Dave

Hey Dave, It could be other things...I didn't mean to scare you...However, the g5's have been having problems with firewire noise on the ports with audio drivers and external D/A's A/D's. Apple claims it is a powersupply problem and if you can't fix it any other way, they will replace the supply. However, try little things like balanced cables to your monitors, etc. Hopefully, it's not the g5. Is the sound like a chirping or whirring with screeches? If so, sorry to say it's probably the g5. Hope you get it workerd out!

p.s. all g5's are revision a g5's. They haven't updated them yet. Good luck!!!

[socko]

. Is the sound like a chirping or whirring with screeches? If so, sorry to say it's probably the g5. Hope you get it workerd out!

Yes, it's definitely from the G5. I'm hearing processor noise, kind of like the chirping you described. Apple is sending someone over to replace the power supply next week. We'll see if that helps.

Thanks
Dave