[ebuddy]

This is a follow-up to the question I asked about AD/DA and toslink on G5. Turns out it was a switch on the TASCAM interface and the particular 1/4" cords I was using. If you get the humming/buzzing just take a look at this;

- LINE is balanced. Instrument or "GUITAR" is not. Single-ring 1/4" cords are not balanced, double-ring cords are. Verify all switches on audio interface. If they give you a choice between guitar "IN" or "LINE/IN", choose LINE IN. (if you're running from a mixer.) By plugging a guitar in, you are using the single-ring 1/4" cord which is not balanced. The interface will use the proper impedence for this application unless you have it switched for one type, and using another. Stupid I know, but good luck reading that anywhere.

- If, for example you're running from a mixer to an interface, you'll be using a TRS 1/4" cord which is Tip-Ring-Sleeve. This is a self-grounding style cord and contrary to home equipment does not necessarily mean stereo (though it certainly is a stereo cord, it's purpose even when running mono; L & R is to minimize noise such as the kind I was experiencing.) I've always thought it made sense when running mono L & R to use a single-ring cord. This is not correct. If you're plugging the 1/4" cord into a receptacle and you feel resistance half-way; use TRS or stereo cord and if there's a switch, check it!

- plug everything into the same outlet or circuit. Unless you have cool halogen studio lights that use dimmers like mine, plug that in elsewhere.

Again, this all may seem elementary, but the more reading you do, the more inclined you might be to look into wrapping your G5 in duct-tape, buying an external case for your G5, purchasing a bunch of direct boxes or transformers, replacing the power supply on your G5, replacing the interface, mixers, etc... Just use TRS cords when running from mixer and make sure the interface is set properly. I'm using a TASCAM US-122 USB audio interface that is cheap and beautiful. I'm now back to virtually silent recordings. When I had recorded a track in Digital Performer I woud hear hissing, humming, crackling etc before and after the audio signal... Now, using the proper cords, on the proper circuit, CHUD tools, and proper settings I'm back to just audio signal, no nonsense recordings. Thanx to all who had many suggestions here!

[mattsgotredhair]

Thats not an explaination to the noise coming through firewire in G5's at all. That's really basic audio knowledge. Use balanced cables, thats about all you really needed to say.

[ebuddy]

Originally Posted by mattsgotredhair

Thats not an explaination to the noise coming through firewire in G5's at all. That's really basic audio knowledge. Use balanced cables, thats about all you really needed to say.

I believe the thread title was; Answers to processor noises and buzzing/humming...
I never said anything about firewire. In fact, I clearly explained that I'm using a USB interface. My Processor noises were eliminated using CHUD tools, and the remainder of humming/buzzing was eliminated by ensuring I had prepped the interface properly and by using only TRS cords. Can't count how many home studios I've walked into where L & R is carried on standard 1/4" so yeah, while it might be basic, it's overlooked. I also didn't want to simply say, use balanced cables. There are differences in impedence between balanced and unbalanced and you need to have the interface set properly in either case. The switch on the TASCAM is a little ambiguous so I included that info as well. Why? Because it matters. I figured I'd offer this up since the TASCAM US-122 is probably one of the most popular interfaces on the market for home recording.

Google "noisy G5" and you'll soon be swapping your power supply for possibly no reason at all. If you're having noise come through the firewire in your G5, I recommend not checking anything at all, just go right out and replace that power supply. You could always buy a nice little grounding case for your G5 or even reach in grab a couple of the front fans. These are among the suggestions I've read from those with more than basic knowledge. Better?

For future reference; you may want to read the post you're critiquing or avoid critiquing it.

[mattsgotredhair]

I did read your post.

I still stick to my guns with using balanced cables is something you should always do.

The reason I even posted is because you titled your thread "Answers to processor noises and buzzing/humming". This has nothing to do with processor noise at all.

Perhaps my main beef is that I work in a recording studio in St. Louis, and constantly everyday I am hit with cheap recordings that people want to have fixed. Horrible recordings incredibly clipped out, no regard for mic placement or room ambiance. I apologize that I may have acted a little harshly, as you were probably just on the receiving end of me venting about retarded customers.

[ebuddy]

Originally Posted by mattsgotredhair

I did read your post.

I still stick to my guns with using balanced cables is something you should always do.

The reason I even posted is because you titled your thread "Answers to processor noises and buzzing/humming". This has nothing to do with processor noise at all.

CHUD tools do.

Perhaps my main beef is that I work in a recording studio in St. Louis, and constantly everyday I am hit with cheap recordings that people want to have fixed. Horrible recordings incredibly clipped out, no regard for mic placement or room ambiance. I apologize that I may have acted a little harshly, as you were probably just on the receiving end of me venting about retarded customers.

I guess this is the main difference between an entry-level employee and an entrepreneur. The entry-level employee is constantly griping about the job he got himself into and the entrepreneur is pleased to see those retarded customers bringing crappy recordings in for his disgruntled schleps to fix.

[mattsgotredhair]

Originally Posted by ebuddy

I guess this is the main difference between an entry-level employee and an entrepreneur. The entry-level employee is constantly griping about the job he got himself into and the entrepreneur is pleased to see those retarded customers bringing crappy recordings in for his disgruntled schleps to fix.

As much as I know that was a joke, I don't take kindly to you calling me an entry level employee. You know not my past or what my position is.

[analogika]

Originally Posted by ebuddy

CHUD tools do.

No.

[ebuddy]

Originally Posted by analogika

No.

No to you perhaps. Definite yes to me analogika. While CHUD tools have a host of uses not in my realm of understanding or care, the one I was concerned with was the processor preference pane in disabling NAP mode. This is most definitely a processor chirp, squeek, and beep and it occurs in varying degrees under various CPU loads. Well, in recording this was problematic. I verified the processor performance was set to automatic (as 'high' obviously increased processor performance as well as the chirps, squeeking, and beeping) and used one feature of the CHUD tools download called 'processor prefs'. So, for you CHUD tools does a whole bunch of things including system monitoring, etc... for me, it eliminated processor chirping, squeeking, and beeping. So, when someone says CHUD tools have nothing to do with the processor noises etc... and I say it does and used it for that very purpose successfully that's all I mean. Not only were the chirping, squeeking, and beeping due to processor load, disabling NAP mode using CHUD tools solved it for me.

[ebuddy]

Originally Posted by mattsgotredhair

As much as I know that was a joke, I don't take kindly to you calling me an entry level employee. You know not my past or what my position is.

I wanted to illustrate the manner in which you addressed your customers. They need you because of those crappy recordings. Less crappy recordings, less customers. This should mean more money to you as an owner or more job security as an employee. Either way, it's win-win. It's the "retarded customers" mentality that will eventually lead to crappy service. I apologize that I may have acted a little harshly, as you were probably just on the receiving end of me venting about crappy service. We can't all be expected to know everything. We specialize.

[mattsgotredhair]

Originally Posted by ebuddy

I wanted to illustrate the manner in which you addressed your customers. They need you because of those crappy recordings. Less crappy recordings, less customers. This should mean more money to you as an owner or more job security as an employee. Either way, it's win-win. It's the "retarded customers" mentality that will eventually lead to crappy service. I apologize that I may have acted a little harshly, as you were probably just on the receiving end of me venting about crappy service. We can't all be expected to know everything. We specialize.

Not to push an issue any further, as I know this has gone past the point of me looking stupid. The reason I do this job isn't because of the money, I love my job. I absolutely love it, but I do not enjoy selling out on my passion just to make money sometimes. Some of my clients are truly amazing, and when I work with them I do anything in my power to make them sound the best that they can. The problem with my retarded customers is that they dont even care enough about what they are doing to warrant my care most of the time. Perhaps they do, but I don't see it most of the time. Either way, I understand what your saying completely, but I just wanted to throw out how I feel.

[ebuddy]

Originally Posted by mattsgotredhair

Not to push an issue any further, as I know this has gone past the point of me looking stupid. The reason I do this job isn't because of the money, I love my job. I absolutely love it, but I do not enjoy selling out on my passion just to make money sometimes. Some of my clients are truly amazing, and when I work with them I do anything in my power to make them sound the best that they can. The problem with my retarded customers is that they dont even care enough about what they are doing to warrant my care most of the time. Perhaps they do, but I don't see it most of the time. Either way, I understand what your saying completely, but I just wanted to throw out how I feel.

No problem at all brother. The good news is if you knew what lengths and expense I go to just to get good recordings, you'd know that by the time I saw you hopefully all you'd need to do is address my less-than-proficient production and sound engineering to make them great recordings. I get close, but I respect the way folks like you are able to take it to the next level. Keep up the good work, you're helping bring others' dreams to reality.