Apr 15, 2009 10:17 am I have no idea what all you just said, but cables could be the culprit.
Can I get around a recording hum?
Posted on Apr 15, 2009 06:59 am
Analogue Junkie
I Don't Do Software
Member Since: Jan 26, 2009
I have recorded two tracks through a Behringer 1024fx mixing desk onto a Tascam 414mkii. Is there a way to send the recording back through the mixing desk to a new track on the Tascam without getting a feedback buzz?
I'm trying to do this so that I can add seperate addtional effects to parts of the tracks. I was unable to change the effects on the fly while recording because I would need extra arms.
I am sending the signal from the Tascam, back through the mixer and again into the Tascam (onto a new channel) but cannot record anything with any volume. Everytime I raise the trim level I get a loud buzzing sound.
I know this is probly because I'm either doing something wrong or the machines aren't capable of doing what I want but any ideas to get round this would help.
For reference I've linked the mixer to the Tascam via the corresponding XLR output/inputs and then back to the mixer via the RCA monitor outs from the Tascam, to a line in on the mixer via a cable adaptor.
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Apr 15, 2009 10:17 am I have no idea what all you just said, but cables could be the culprit.
Apr 15, 2009 11:30 am Not that. Sorry. But cables are all in good condition or new.
Ok it may be but unlikely
Apr 15, 2009 02:42 pm What inputs/outputs are you using on both the Behringer and Tascam units? Preamp/mic inputs? Line inputs? Main outputs? Direct outputs?
At first glance, there are a few items here that will most certainly generate noise:
- Behringer's preamps on their mixers are notoriously noisy. Probably not extremely noisy, but it adds up quickly the more tracks you layer
- Tascam Porta Studios are entry-level devices with entry-level preamps. They will generate some noise on their own.
- You're recording onto cassette tape, one of the noisiest mediums known to all of mankind.
- You're probably preamping the signal once on the Behri mixer and then again when you route that same track into the Porta Studio. Then you're preamping the signal again when you loop it back onto another track. Preamping a signal more than once is a recipe for noise. Once you've run your signal through a preamp once, use line-level inputs and outputs from there forward and not mic inputs.
Apr 16, 2009 04:29 am From what you have said it appears I am most likely creating a pre amp loop of some kind.
To clarify (incase it helps) I am running an RCA cable from the "Monitor Output" channel of the Tascam into the mixer "mic/line" in, 1/4 socket via a simple cable adaptor. From there the signal goes out of the mixer via the xlr "main output" sockets at the back of the mixer and into the xlr "input" sockets at the back of the Tascam. Setting the Tascam recording channel switch (switches between tape-guitar-mic/line) to mic/line in.
Reading this back it may not be the best idea to run the RCA from the "Monitor" line out anyway. Would sending the signal from the Tascam's RCA "Line Out" socket at the back of the Tascam make a difference or is the problem with the loop I have created.
Just to try, I sent the Tascam signal via the "headphones out" into the mixer (into the mic/line in) and back to a new channel in the same way as before. This works perfectly and the only noise is the usual stuff I have to contend with due to the equipment I am using. Strangley I was able to get a clear signal without any trim.
However, this surly can't be the correct method to do what I want to do.
I haven't tried the line out instead of the monitor as I hadn't thought of this until now (did I mention how rubbish I am at this). The re-route from the headphones channel was done last night (GMT). I will try the line out method tonight if I don't hear any further words of wisdom before then.
And yes I need a better piece of recording equipment :-)
Apr 17, 2009 03:33 am Maybe it's the Tascam going down (the mixers new)
I tried the line out to line in as instructed above but this doesn't solve the problem.
It appears the only way to run the track back through the mixer into the Tascam, so I can add effects, without any feedback or hum, is via the headphone socket from the Tascam to the mic/line in on mixer and then back out through the xlr's.
Weird
Apr 18, 2009 03:45 pm Shich exact mixer do you have? There is no 1024FX that I can see even in the discontinued model's.
It has to start with like UB, MX or something. Then is it FX Pro or what?
I'm puzzled by this because you should be able to simply send the track out say the effect sends of the track through your mixer adding effects and then have ti go into the next track on the Tascam without any real issues. But as Tadpui pointed out you may be adding a whole lot more noise to an already noisy track.
Apr 20, 2009 01:07 pm Your having probs finding info because I'M A D**K!
It's a Xenyx 1204fx not 1024 like I so incorrectly stated.
I'm real sorry for wasting much of your time looking for something that doesn't exist.
I havn't had a chance of late to go back to this problem. I'll run a few more experiments ( different line in/out connection patterns) to try an establish if it's one or more of the ports from the tascam.
Thanks again for all of your time on this and again sorry for such a school boy error
Apr 20, 2009 02:14 pm Duh, and I'm a dork for not even seeing that 1204FX. :-)
I'll try and have a look deeper into it later as well.
Apr 20, 2009 05:11 pm Is it a hum or a loud buzz?
The way I see it you've got yourself a sweet feedback loop. Whats cool is you can use it as an instrument. Dial it up and try changing the EQ's, gains, volumes and pans. Used to have a lot of fun with feedback on big ol consoles.
First, you want to run from your mixer XLR outputs to your 1/4 inch line inputs on the 414.
On the monitoring section of the 414, monitor ONLY 'Tape Cue'. This means instead of listening to the main mix, you're listening to whatever you dial in on the channels. If you NEED to send stereo signal to the behringer, plug the outputs of FX sends 1 and 2 into the the behringer and monitor 'Effect 1/Effect 2' instead.
.02...
Apr 20, 2009 05:28 pm colonel_sanders may have the answer here.
As mentioned above it is more of a buzz.
Not sure if that's an instrument I'll be wanting on my recordings but I love your enthusiasm for it.
I'd need to get some different cables to set it up like you state as my xlr's are male to female. However you obviously know alot about the 414 so this could be the best (only) way to go.
I'll try to get some decent well priced cables and give it a go.
Cheers
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