Getting a Humming sound when USB is plugged in

[zoitec]

Hi all,

I just got my SP -606 yesterday, plugged it all up and that, and then heard this humming sound... Read over the manual and followed their advice on certain things, and with a little troubleshooting i found that the humming sounds comes when the USB cable is plugged in.. I tried to use a longer usb cable and move it as far away from the pc as possible. Still getting the hum although not as loud, but its still their..

Has anyone else had this issue? anything else i can try? is something wrong with the unit? i brought brand new...

When i plug the usb cable out everything else is fine..

[mostblunted]

try other usb ports on your computer.
If that doesn't help you'll need to get a better USB cable.

[zoitec]

Yeah i tried others ports, still the same... Is there a particular type of USB cable you recommend.. Im using the one that came with the 606..

[METAFYZIKAL]

Same thing happens to me. It is picking up interference from other electrical devices. One thing you can try is plugging the sp into a different electrical circuit than any devices the sp connects to (not just another socket, another circuit).

The noise only seems to be sent to my monitor speakers; the noise is not recorded, so it should stop you from making tracks...

[zoitec]

thanks for you advise METAFYZIKAL.. hmmm another circuit.. i will try that tonight.. is that what you're doing, did that fix it for you.. or are you just getting by with the humming sounds? its bloody anoying for me man... i've been doing a little research, to do with grounding and that, which may be the issue at hand here...

i got some messing around to do..

but so far im feeling the 606.. nice and simple, should be able to work fast on it... cool!!!

[606man]

Haven't come across this particular problem, but it sounds like interference for sure - you can get 'shielded' usb cables I think... that should help.

[HxC]

I encountered this as well.
When the USB is plugged you can hear a hum through the 1/4" outs.
I think you'll find you hear a hum ANYWAY (through the analog outs)
I myself only use the USB for file transferring, so I leave it unplugged.

And I can't stress enough that using the SPDIF out to record is 1000 times better than the 1/4" outs! Even in the manual they explain you'll hear a hum from the screen (even with the USB unplugged!)

Using SPDIF you get crystal clear, hum free audio. I don't even use the 1/4 outs any more unless I'm performing or just referencing.

[zoitec]

thanks for you input hxc. hmmm i've never used those SPDIF out before... i dont see any SPDIF in on my mixer.. would i need to get mixer that support SPDIF input..

[HxC]

I use a Digi002 for tracking which thankfully has a SPDIF input.
The sound I get from my 606 into it is clear as day.
No matter what I do with the analog outs (use high quality balanced cables, etc).. I get a little hum, so I never use the analogs to record.

Check this from manual (page 5):
• A small amount of noise may be heard from the display during normal operation.

And this (from page 19)
• Ground terminal
Depending on the circumstances of a particular setup, you may experience a discomforting sensation, or perceive that the surface feels gritty to the touch when you touch this device, microphones connected to it, or the
metal portions of other objects. This is due to an infinitesimal electrical charge, which is absolutely harmless. However, if you are concerned about this, connect the ground terminal (see figure) with an external
ground. When the unit is grounded, a slight hum may occur, depending on the particulars of your installation. If you are unsure of the connection method, contact the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.

In other words, you can get slightly electrocuted while using the 606, but it's nothing to worry about- ha ha

[HxC]

thanks for you input hxc. hmmm i've never used those SPDIF out before... i dont see any SPDIF in on my mixer.. would i need to get mixer that support SPDIF input..

Whoops forgot to answer your question.
Not many mixers have SPDIF in.
I think it would be worth it to buy a "cheapie" pre-amp, maybe a Pre-Sonus or sumpin? that has a SPDIF in, depending on your recording medium.

I have an inexpensive TC Electronics FX processor with a SPDIF I/O that can double as a digital interface for example.

Just watch out for infinitesimal, yet harmless electrical charges

[Twitch]

Same thing happen to me also.. all I did was switch out the crappy USB cable with a belkin store bought one (office max, best buy, staples) and boo-ya it's fine