Wierd noise when recording with Axe FX ( audioclip inside )

Omrat

Omrat

Inspired
Hello !

Got new audio interface 2 weeks ago. Before that I used my pod X3 as audio interface without any problems.
But now, with Cakewalk UA-25EX I have wierd noise problem, when recording and playnig ( I use headphones ).
I hope there is something wrong with the connection ( wrong cables, inputs, outputs ). Right now connection looks like this:

Guitar -> Axe FX INPUT 1 ( front ) -> 1/4 cable from Axe FX Unbalanced output 1 Right ( back ) -> Cakewalk Input 2/R.

That's it.

Here is audioclip:

http://www.hot.ee/jcrg7//Noise Axe FX.mp3

BTW, here are Noisegate settings:

Threshold -46,1 dB
Ratio 3
Release 34 ms
Attack 1,0 ms

Thanks,
Omrat
 
Allso - guitar has passive dimarzio pickups. I tryed to record with another guitar and the result is same.
BTW - You can hear the noise in the end of the audioclip.

I hope someone can help me out here.

Thanks,
Omrat
 
So if you disable the noisegate (threshold 0) the noise is present all the time I guess?
Sounds like environmental noise. Dimmed lights perhaps? Are both the Axe-Fx and the computer grounded?
 
I think yek nailed it. I've heard computer monitors kick out interference that sounds like that. Are you playing at your keyboard? :D
 
yek said:
So if you disable the noisegate (threshold 0) the noise is present all the time I guess?
Sounds like environmental noise. Dimmed lights perhaps? Are both the Axe-Fx and the computer grounded?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the answer - will try it tonight ( noisegate ).
I think the Axe and and computer are not grounded - huose was built in 1938 and I assume that all electrical stuff is allso very old.
It's wierd, because I didn't have any problems with Pod X3 as audio interface.
I readed Cakewalk manual twice and checked every knob and button - nothing.

Thanks,
Omrat
 
The reason the X3 doesn't cause the same problem is because the X3 is floating since it uses an external power supply. You need to solve your ground issues.
 
yek said:
So if you disable the noisegate (threshold 0) the noise is present all the time I guess?
Sounds like environmental noise. Dimmed lights perhaps? Are both the Axe-Fx and the computer grounded?
Click to expand...

Finally got time to try it with noisgate disabled and yes You are right - noise is present all the time.

The reason the X3 doesn't cause the same problem is because the X3 is floating since it uses an external power supply. You need to solve your ground issues.
Click to expand...

Thanks, will check the grounding next !

All Best,
Omrat
 
Ok, I just realized, it may be the Input level potensiometer, that gives wierd noise.
I tweaked Input 1 level from 2 a clock to 12 a clock and here is the comparison:

http://www.hot.ee/jcrg7//Before and After.mp3

The result is much better.
Allso, right now I'm using 1/4 unbalanced cable that is 6m long.
I think if I change it to shorter one, results may get even better.
I'm using 7 string guitar with very hot pickups ( BKP Painkiller ), so I think Input 1 level at 2 a clock is too much anyway.

But here is my main concern right now:
Is my Input 1 level potensiometer broken ?
Just listen the clip :

http://www.hot.ee/jcrg7//Input 1 Level Pot.mp3

I just recorded the signal while rolling the input level potentiometer back and forward.
You can hear same wierd noise there at some levels
So what You think ?

All Best,
Omrat
 
Last edited:
Omrat said:
Ok, I just realized, it may be the Input level potensiometer, that gives wierd noise.
I tweaked Input 1 level from 2 a clock to 12 a clock and here is the comparison:

http://www.hot.ee/jcrg7//Before and After.mp3

The result is much better.
Allso, right now I'm using 1/4 unbalanced cable that is 6m long.
I think if I change it to shorter one, results may get even better.
I'm using 7 string guitar with very hot pickups ( BKP Painkiller ), so I think Input 1 level at 2 a clock is too much anyway.

But here is my main concern right now:
Is my Input 1 level potensiometer broken ?
Just listen the clip :

http://www.hot.ee/jcrg7//Input 1 Level Pot.mp3

I just recorded the signal while rolling the input level potentiometer back and forward.
You can hear same wierd noise there at some levels
So what You think ?

All Best,
Omrat
Click to expand...


The input level potentiometer crackling when you move it it normal. The axe does not use blocking caps and therefore a small amount of current is drawn through the pot. This is what is causing the crackling. It is normal. You need to solve your grounding issue.
 
Last edited:
javajunkie said:
The input level potentiometer crackling when you move it it normal. The axe does not use blocking caps and therefore a small amount of current is drawn through the pot. This is what is causing the crackling. It is normal. You need to solve your grounding issue.
Click to expand...

Did You listen last clip ?
The signal disappears in some levels - little knock with fingertip to pot and it's back again.
Is it really normal ?

All Best,
Tarmo
 
BTW - I allso connected guitar directly to Cakewalk and there was no noise that refers to grounding problem ?

All Best,
Tarmo
 
Omrat said:
Did You listen last clip ?
The signal disappears in some levels - little knock with fingertip to pot and it's back again.
Is it really normal ?

All Best,
Tarmo
Click to expand...

Unfortunately I can't see what your are doing when especially with that noise gate going full blast. It sounds like your just turning the knob and the noise gate is kicking in. I little knock with your finger tip and the noise gate opens maybe. No way for me to tell. I can't tell if the signal is disappearing because of the noise gate or a short. For testing purposes disable the noise gate.
 
Last edited:
javajunkie said:
Unfortunately I can't see what your are doing when especially with that noise gate going full blast. It sounds like your just turning the knob and the noise gate is kicking in. I little knock with your finger tip and the noise gate opens maybe. No way for me to tell. I can't tell if the signal is disappearing because of the noise gate or a short. For testing purposes disable the noise gate.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the replay !
I will try with disabled noisgate.
Do You have any tips how to solve that grounding problem ?

Thanks again,
Omrat
 
javajunkie said:
That just means there isn't a ground loop on your computer and audio interface.
Click to expand...

If you use the balanced XLR outs to an XLR input, there is a ground lift switch on the back axe-fx that would probably take care of it. It won't work with 1/4 unbalanced outs.


You could try plugging into another circuit.

You can try a HumX eliminator http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/...150452&src=3WFRWXX&ZYXSEM=0&CAWELAID=26018345

or an isolation transformer
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ebtech-2Channel-Hum-Eliminator?sku=150450

or you can try and cut the ground on one end of the 1/4 TS cable.


Here is a good article about finding and correct ground loops:
http://www.ebtechaudio.com/findloop.pdf

also:

http://www.rane.com/note110.html
 
javajunkie said:
If you use the balanced XLR outs to an XLR input, there is a ground lift switch on the back axe-fx that would probably take care of it. It won't work with 1/4 unbalanced outs.


You could try plugging into another circuit.

You can try a HumX eliminator http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/...150452&src=3WFRWXX&ZYXSEM=0&CAWELAID=26018345

or an isolation transformer
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ebtech-2Channel-Hum-Eliminator?sku=150450

or you can try and cut the ground on one end of the 1/4 TS cable.


Here is a good article about finding and correct ground loops:
http://www.ebtechaudio.com/findloop.pdf

also:

http://www.rane.com/note110.html
Click to expand...

Wow, Thanks alot !!!

I will check all that info and will try with XLR cable first.
I'm starting to belive, that there is nothing wrong with Input pot :)

Phantom power is off right now.

Thanks again !!!!
Omrat
 
Hello !

I'm still here without any results.
Here is what I tryed:

1) High Quality balanced XLR cabels + ground lift on ( Axe FX and Cakewalk ) - Noise
2) Tryed again with Pod X3 Live like before and same result - Noise ( I think I didin't noticed this before )
3) Tryed to plug another circuit with long cable - Noise
4) Tryed only Axe and Pod in another room in another circuit - Noise
5) Tryed to plug cable to circuit upside down - Noise
6) Tryed all those combinations with 2 different guitars - Noise

Note - in all cases noise appears and disappears, when touching the input level pot.
Ok, it seems like there is nothing wrong with my guitar, PC or Cakewalk. ( I tested in another room only my Axe and Pod and result was noise )
The noise seems to be where Axe Fx is located :(
I have allready invested lot of money in cables and stuff and I'm pretty desperate right now.
Before I invest more in HumX eliminator or isolation transformer - I have to be 100% sure that nothing is wrong with my Axe FX.
So I did another test with Axe FX and used BYPASS.
You can hear, that signal appears and disappears while touching the pot.
I know that little crackling while turning the pot is normal, but still.........

http://www.hot.ee/jcrg7//Axe FX Bypassed.mp3

Thanks,
Omrat
 
Take out the computer.

Try

Guitar->Cable->Axe-Fx->Monitor

If it still happens, try a different cable in each location first.

Do you have a guitar amp you can plug the Axe-Fx into?
 
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