Cacophony Forums
Unofficial Mackie User Forums => DL1608/DL806/DL32R/ProDX Mixers => Topic started by: ILC Saratoga on March 01, 2015, 10:28:35 PM
-
Ok, here's the deal, we use the DL1608...duh..we record off of it using a Mac mini and also play back with the slides/video in Keynote. We're using phantom power to the mic's which means that it's going to Mac Mini(output/headphone to DL 1608).
It worked great for 3 months then BOOM fried the sound portion of the logic board.
Checked cables which are hardly ever moved, everything good. No shorts everything else as it should be.
Just had Apple put in a new logic board and tested with a head set, worked fine. As soon as I plugged in the DL1608 poof, bye bye sound.
Configuration is Headphone jack (out) to XLR input channel 16. Aux 2 to Mac Mini Input.
I'm completely open to suggestions. Well most of them that is.
-
Configuration is Headphone jack (out) to XLR input channel 16. Aux 2 to Mac Mini Input.
Very wrong, you should use the TRS "line input" jack on channel 16 that has no phantom on it - or an isolating DI - for any non-microphone input source. You could have just as easily fried a keyboard, acoustic guitar, submixer, or an amp DI output. Unfortunately this is a common problem amongst non-pro users :( . Expensive education for you but now you know :-\ .
-
Headphone out to channel 16 in? ARE YOU NUTS? That's an amplifier output. Never intended to go to any input of any type. ONLY USE THE HEADPHONE OUTPUT DIRECTLY TO SPEAKERS!!!!! (Headphones are speakers.) Now, phantom power shouldn't be on any outputs. It's only on the XLR inputs 1-16. It isn't on any 1/4" phone plug inputs. (Note: the dual inputs have phantom power on the XLR and not on the 1/4" inputs.)
Quick question? What microphones are you using that require phantom power? Are you guessing or do you actually know that you are using "condenser" microphones. (Most are dynamic and phantom power has no effect on those.) If you're using a full set of "drum mics", the overhead mics are likely to be condenser microphones. (frequently, but not always.)
-
Headphone out to channel 16 in? ARE YOU NUTS? That's an amplifier output. Never intended to go to any input of any type.
Incorrect - most of us have used a headphone output into a mixer before. I have a 1/8" stereo plug to twin 1/4" mono plugs cable I often use with the channels 15 and 16 line inputs (TRS). Works a treat :) !
-
Just because it worked for you, doesn't make it a good thing to do. I never run amplifiers into inputs. NEVER NEVER NEVER!!!!!! If you fry something doing that, you probably deserved it. I don't drive my car off cliffs either. They aren't designed to be used that way.
Misusing equipment and then complaining about it breaking should be illegal.
-
Just because it worked for you, doesn't make it a good thing to do. I never run amplifiers into inputs. NEVER NEVER NEVER!!!!!! If you fry something doing that, you probably deserved it. I don't drive my car off cliffs either. They aren't designed to be used that way. Misusing equipment and then complaining about it breaking should be illegal.
The headphone output on a PC or iDevice is also the line out. 1/8" stereo to dual RCA plug cables are extremely common. And all active devices have amplifiers on their line outputs, including keyboards, pedals, CD players, etc. You may very well be the only one on this board who doesn't commonly use 1/8" stereo headphone jacks as line outs ;) .
In this case it was the 48V phantom power that fried the output. As a general rule of thumb never feed an unbalanced output into an XLR input on a mixer without transformer isolation - and even devices with XLR outputs can be damaged by phantom (or possibly powered by it ;) ).
OTOH if the run is long (or the device is not on the same power as the mixer) I'll use a couple of XLR cables and and 1:1 isolation transformers between the mixer and the 18" splitout cable.
http://artproaudio.com/artcessories/audio_solutions/product/dti/
-
Headphone out to channel 16 in? ARE YOU NUTS? That's an amplifier output. Never intended to go to any input of any type. ONLY USE THE HEADPHONE OUTPUT DIRECTLY TO SPEAKERS!!!!! (Headphones are speakers.) Now, phantom power shouldn't be on any outputs. It's only on the XLR inputs 1-16. It isn't on any 1/4" phone plug inputs. (Note: the dual inputs have phantom power on the XLR and not on the 1/4" inputs.)
Quick question? What microphones are you using that require phantom power? Are you guessing or do you actually know that you are using "condenser" microphones. (Most are dynamic and phantom power has no effect on those.) If you're using a full set of "drum mics", the overhead mics are likely to be condenser microphones. (frequently, but not always.)
This is where specs come in handy. The headphone output of the iPad is somewhere less than 24 ohms down to about 10 ohms (for the Mac mini, Apple doesn't really spec this 3.5mm connector) this is more than adequate to drive the line in on the DL (TRS connector only or no Phantom power XLR) at 30K ohms for line input and 3K ohms for mic input. 48 V on an output that would typically handle 2 V does kill it as you found out.
-
BTW I'm a charter member of the global phantom hater's club 8) . But even with individual channel phantom switching skipping the isolation when needed puts you one "oops"away from disaster.
-
On a Mac that is true. The Mac audio output is DESIGNED to put out amplifier level to headphones, Line level to amps and even light for fiber cable. (Surround Sound digital on the fiber.) DESIGNED for all that. (And on mine, also a microphone input in the same connector.) I'm not interested in suggested off product uses. I don't use Microphones as speakers or speakers as microphones. (And dynamic microphone parts are the same type of parts as speakers have. Coil, Magnet and diaphragm.)
-
On a Mac that is true. The Mac audio output is DESIGNED to put out amplifier level to headphones, Line level to amps
So're the PC and iDevices :) .
-
None of the PC's I've ever owned were, but new ones might. Only have one now and mostly use it for playing games. (Windows 7, quad core processor. It's been here for a while.) And yes, I did know about the ios devices. Have 3 iphones in the house, 2 ipads. Apple products, I expected it of them. (Don't know about fiber with them. I don't really have a fiber inputed device in the house.)
-
None of the PC's I've ever owned were, but new ones might. Only have one now and mostly use it for playing games. (Windows 7, quad core processor. It's been here for a while.) And yes, I did know about the ios devices. Have 3 iphones in the house, 2 ipads. Apple products, I expected it of them. (Don't know about fiber with them. I don't really have a fiber inputed device in the house.)
ALL headphone outputs will drive a line/mic input. ::)
-
That's a change. I've been dealing with PCs since 1984. Don't expect them to never change, but after years of Windows issues and problems and pains, I moved over to Macs and have never regretted it. I was a Network/PC tech. (CNA A+ Novell certifications.) I don't do that anymore. (At home, I'm still the tech.) So it's good to see other manufacturers catching up. And passing Apple on the touch screen. Already I reach up and touch the screen out of habit with my ipads and iphone. My next MacBook will have to have a touch screen. Meantime, I'm still quite happy with my 5 year old MacBook. Hopefully Apple will make the jump within the next few years. (Though I'm sure I could live with this computer for another 5 years with one battery replacement.)
-
I've just reread the start of this thread and the OP ILC Saratoga says he connects the headphone output to CH16 XLR input. There are several ways to do this, nearly all wrong (even some which employ a DI box). I'd be interested to know precisely what type of lead/adapter was used?
-
Just because it worked for you, doesn't make it a good thing to do. I never run amplifiers into inputs. NEVER NEVER NEVER!!!!!! If you fry something doing that, you probably deserved it. I don't drive my car off cliffs either. They aren't designed to be used that way. Misusing equipment and then complaining about it breaking should be illegal.
The headphone output on a PC or iDevice is also the line out. 1/8" stereo to dual RCA plug cables are extremely common. And all active devices have amplifiers on their line outputs, including keyboards, pedals, CD players, etc. You may very well be the only one on this board who doesn't commonly use 1/8" stereo headphone jacks as line outs ;) .
In this case it was the 48V phantom power that fried the output. As a general rule of thumb never feed an unbalanced output into an XLR input on a mixer without transformer isolation - and even devices with XLR outputs can be damaged by phantom (or possibly powered by it ;) ).
OTOH if the run is long (or the device is not on the same power as the mixer) I'll use a couple of XLR cables and and 1:1 isolation transformers between the mixer and the 18" splitout cable.
http://artproaudio.com/artcessories/audio_solutions/product/dti/
Can't actually remember (old age) are the combo jacks on the DL1608 phantom enabled? I've been doing what you do connecting laptops/iPads/pods to 15/16 on the DL for a while and no issues ever. And I've had to run with phantom enabled while doing this. I do use a dual DI box and mic cables for long runs though, always. This is the DI I use:
https://www.long-mcquade.com/840/Pro_Audio_Recording/Mic_Preamps_DI_Boxes/ART_Pro_Audio/Dual_Passive_Direct_Box.htm
-
Can't actually remember (old age) are the combo jacks on the DL1608 phantom enabled? I've been doing what you do connecting laptops/iPads/pods to 15/16 on the DL for a while and no issues ever. And I've had to run with phantom enabled while doing this. I do use a dual DI box and mic cables for long runs though, always. This is the DI I use:
https://www.long-mcquade.com/840/Pro_Audio_Recording/Mic_Preamps_DI_Boxes/ART_Pro_Audio/Dual_Passive_Direct_Box.htm
When a mixer has both XLR and TRS inputs on the same channel, I've never seen a TRS jack that has phantom - the DL1608 certainly doesn't.
I always carry a bunch of 1 foot XLRF to TRS and XLRM to TRS cables so I can plug line level XLRs into the TRS line inputs anyways. That saves deploying a LOT of DI's - it's not uncommon to use up the four TRS inputs with a couple stereo keyboards and/or the XLR output from a bass amp.
It's unfortunate that the DL1608 doesn't have TRS inputs on all channels - or at least would let you route the 13-16 inputs to any channel strip you want so you could properly arrange the channels to your liking. I believe the X-Air has both of those things? I'm really hoping Mackie will have time to play a bit of catchup with the feature set of the X-Air soon - many things are doable with the present hardware :) and already in MF for the DL32R but disabled when a DL1608 is connected :( .
-
The DI box you're using as most others block 48V phantom power. The 48V + is on XLR 2,3 with the shield as the return pin 1. TS or TRS connectors can be used on inputs 13 - 16 on the DL. There is no 48V on any TS/ TRS connectors. For the stereo 3.5 mm T & R are the two signals with a common return S. They are unbalanced signals. TRS/TS inputs also have a 20 dB pad to accommodate line inputs.
-
I've just reread the start of this thread and the OP ILC Saratoga says he connects the headphone output to CH16 XLR input. There are several ways to do this, nearly all wrong (even some which employ a DI box). I'd be interested to know precisely what type of lead/adapter was used?
The cabling is 1/8" Stereo to XLR adapter with XLR to XLR. All cabling is from Monoprice. All internal wiring is correct i.e. no shorts or unintentional grounding, infact this worked for 4 MONTHS then POOF. I'm thinking the isolation transformer mentioned above might be the correct answer. But the $64k questions is WHY after 4 months? I'm going to give Mackie Tech a jingle and see if there is some secret button somewhere.
I sincerely appreciate all of the replies.
-
The DI box you're using as most others block 48V phantom power. The 48V + is on XLR 2,3 with the shield as the return pin 1. TS or TRS connectors can be used on inputs 13 - 16 on the DL. There is no 48V on any TS/ TRS connectors. For the stereo 3.5 mm T & R are the two signals with a common return S. They are unbalanced signals. TRS/TS inputs also have a 20 dB pad to accommodate line inputs.
Can you translate that for a volunteer that is doing the audio that doesn't know diddly? ;D I'm assuming that inserting the appropriate box in-between eliminates the phantom power.
-
RoadRanger and WK;
Thank you both for your help and answers. I really appreciate it. The beauty of analog mixers like my ZEDD, has dedicated stereo 1/4 in and RCA. This makes it very simple to connect most stereo devices, like keyboards, consumer audio, without eating up channels which can be used for mics. As in the ZEDD, 4 XLR and 2 stereo pairs. I guess to save money by adding separate stereo pairs Mackie went with XLR and combo jacks. Which I have made do with for sometime, very happily.
-
I've just reread the start of this thread and the OP ILC Saratoga says he connects the headphone output to CH16 XLR input. There are several ways to do this, nearly all wrong (even some which employ a DI box). I'd be interested to know precisely what type of lead/adapter was used?
The cabling is 1/8" Stereo to XLR adapter with XLR to XLR. All cabling is from Monoprice. All internal wiring is correct i.e. no shorts or unintentional grounding, infact this worked for 4 MONTHS then POOF. I'm thinking the isolation transformer mentioned above might be the correct answer. But the $64k questions is WHY after 4 months? I'm going to give Mackie Tech a jingle and see if there is some secret button somewhere.
I sincerely appreciate all of the replies.
The secret button is called phantom power. With your incorrect cabling you've applied 48V to an output (iPad/Mac mini) and it took 4 month to die. Yes the DI box will stop this problem when inserted between the iPad/Mac Mini and the DL. Please send me the $64K.
-
The DI box you're using as most others block 48V phantom power. The 48V + is on XLR 2,3 with the shield as the return pin 1. TS or TRS connectors can be used on inputs 13 - 16 on the DL. There is no 48V on any TS/ TRS connectors. For the stereo 3.5 mm T & R are the two signals with a common return S. They are unbalanced signals. TRS/TS inputs also have a 20 dB pad to accommodate line inputs.
Can you translate that for a volunteer that is doing the audio that doesn't know diddly? ;D I'm assuming that inserting the appropriate box in-between eliminates the phantom power.
Exactly! It stops the phantom power (up to 48 volts direct current ) from getting to your laptop, media player etc and balances the signal to eliminate any noise from said devices so no one can hear it in the audience, especially you. If you've ever connected an old ghetto blaster to your system and gotten a very annoying hum through your speakers a direct box will usually stop that.
That's my take on it. Some of the more learned here will be able to explain it better.
-
We are also ignoring the stereo/balanced issue here too (WK and RR touched on it), a simple TRS-mini to XLR would not only put 48VDC between tip and sleeve and between ring and sleeve of the headphone output but would also sum the left and right channels to mono but with opposite polarity. Very strange that it should have worked at all.
Assuming you can spare two inputs for the Mac Mini, I would use a TRS-mini (headphone jack) to 2 x TS ¼" jacks and use two TRS input channels. This will be safe from phantom power. For recording use two aux outputs with a similar lead (not the ideal way to unbalance the outputs but it should work) into the audio line in on the mini not a single TRS-¼" > TRS-mini lead.
-
The secret button is called phantom power. With your incorrect cabling you've applied 48V to an output (iPad/Mac mini) and it took 4 month to die. Yes the DI box will stop this problem when inserted between the iPad/Mac Mini and the DL. Please send me the $64K.
Or an inline isolation transformer. I use these http://whirlwindusa.com/catalog/black-boxes-effects-and-dis/transformers-isolation-devices/isoxl and the only B********r product I endorse! http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/HD400.aspx Stops the 48v and cancels all sorts of annoying hums into the bargain. Cheaper and smaller than a Di if you don't otherwise need it.
-
On a Mac that is true. The Mac audio output is DESIGNED to put out amplifier level to headphones, Line level to amps and even light for fiber cable. (Surround Sound digital on the fiber.) DESIGNED for all that. (And on mine, also a microphone input in the same connector.) I'm not interested in suggested off product uses. I don't use Microphones as speakers or speakers as microphones. (And dynamic microphone parts are the same type of parts as speakers have. Coil, Magnet and diaphragm.)
Your assessment of headphone output capabilities demonstrates a lack of understanding of impedances in relation to driver circuits vs. loads. Headphone outputs and "line outputs" operate in similar voltage ranges. The main difference between the two is electrical current delivery capability. In theory, a headphone output is capable of delivering more current than a line level output in order to drive the relatively low impedance load of a headphone speaker without overheating the driver circuit and/or causing distortion. Using that same circuit to drive a line input which is relatively high impedance is a non-issue. You will not "burn out" the input because you're only sourcing a minuscule amount of current which is the identical amount of current you'd be getting from a dedicated "line level" output. The input will only source as much current as it's high impedance will allow, not what the output circuit can supply. As I said previously, the voltages are going to be similar.
The converse though doesn't always work out. You really shouldn't use a line output to drive a low impedance load like headphones because they're not designed to supply the amount of current required to drive that low impedance load. This can potentially result in damage to the output circuit.
-
Or an inline isolation transformer. I use these http://whirlwindusa.com/catalog/black-boxes-effects-and-dis/transformers-isolation-devices/isoxl and the only B********r product I endorse! http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/HD400.aspx Stops the 48v and cancels all sorts of annoying hums into the bargain. Cheaper and smaller than a Di if you don't otherwise need it.
For iso transformers, I'll recommend the Whirlwind ISO1 or ISO2 instead of the XL. Smaller form factor iso transformers tend to saturate and distort causing low frequency roll-off if you hit them with a lot of low end. The physically larger transformer in the ISO1/2 boxes can take hot levels without saturation and they don't cost much more. They also have 1/4" in and out along with the XLRs. http://whirlwindusa.com/catalog/black-boxes-effects-and-dis/transformers-isolation-devices/iso-1
-
If you're in Euroville buy these http://www.orchid-electronics.co.uk/dual_isolator.htm (http://www.orchid-electronics.co.uk/dual_isolator.htm), cheaper than Whirlwind and at least as good quality.
-
If you're in Euroville buy these http://www.orchid-electronics.co.uk/dual_isolator.htm (http://www.orchid-electronics.co.uk/dual_isolator.htm), cheaper than Whirlwind and at least as good quality.
If they don't publish the specs, how do you know it's as good as the WW? For that kind of money, it would be difficult to produce truly high quality transformers. So I'm skeptical. The Whirlwind ISO 1 and ISO 2 uses their TRSP600L transformer which has max input of +20dBu at 20Hz before saturation and +26dBu before saturation from 100Hz on up. Those are pretty good specs. The only better transformers on the market are made by Jensen and Lundahl.
-
Configuration is Headphone jack (out) to XLR input channel 16. Aux 2 to Mac Mini Input.
Very wrong, you should use the TRS "line input" jack on channel 16 that has no phantom on it - or an isolating DI - for any non-microphone input source. You could have just as easily fried a keyboard, acoustic guitar, submixer, or an amp DI output. Unfortunately this is a common problem amongst non-pro users :( . Expensive education for you but now you know :-\ .
And we have todays winner. ;D Yes, a possible expensive education :-\, aside from the amount of time spent. Todays correct solution is a 1/8 stereo and either a split configuration to two of the TRS 1/4" plugs and link them for stereo or a single 1/8 stereo to 1/4" to the TRS 12-16 plug. This avoids the circuit frying 48v phantom power. This obviously falls under the WTH category and I'd love to accept total blame but I did have a professional help with the install of the mixer. Thank you all very much for your assistance. Now if I can just get the recording off the iPad without a lot of pain I would be good to go.
-
So send the "professional" the bill and use something like VoiceRecord to deal with the pain of getting it off the iPad/Mac mini or if your really into PC's or Mac's iPad File Explorer.
-
Todays correct solution is a 1/8 stereo and either a split configuration to two of the TRS 1/4" plugs and link them for stereo or a single 1/8 stereo to 1/4" to the TRS 12-16 plug.
Also incorrect, a 1/8" stereo headphone jack has two unbalanced signals on it so the correct output is two TS plugs, not either one or two TRS plugs:
Input--OutL--OutR
T--------T
R---------------T
S--------S------S
-
If you're in Euroville buy these http://www.orchid-electronics.co.uk/dual_isolator.htm (http://www.orchid-electronics.co.uk/dual_isolator.htm), cheaper than Whirlwind and at least as good quality.
If they don't publish the specs, how do you know it's as good as the WW? For that kind of money, it would be difficult to produce truly high quality transformers. So I'm skeptical. The Whirlwind ISO 1 and ISO 2 uses their TRSP600L transformer which has max input of +20dBu at 20Hz before saturation and +26dBu before saturation from 100Hz on up. Those are pretty good specs. The only better transformers on the market are made by Jensen and Lundahl.
TBF I haven't tried the transformer boxes by Orchid Electronics but their active DI boxes punch way above their weight (respected reviews rate them an equal for Radial DIs at 4 x the price). Orchid is a small business who make exceptionally high quality (for the price) audio problem solvers. I have 4 of their DI boxes and the company I work as a freelance for has another 8, so the money/mouth interface is well represented.
-
Todays correct solution is a 1/8 stereo and either a split configuration to two of the TRS 1/4" plugs and link them for stereo or a single 1/8 stereo to 1/4" to the TRS 12-16 plug.
Also incorrect, a 1/8" stereo headphone jack has two unbalanced signals on it so the correct output is two TS plugs, not either one or two TRS plugs:
Input--OutL--OutR
T--------T
R---------------T
S--------S------S
Terminology is not my friend. :) But it is important.
-
TBF I haven't tried the transformer boxes by Orchid Electronics but their active DI boxes punch way above their weight (respected reviews rate them an equal for Radial DIs at 4 x the price). Orchid is a small business who make exceptionally high quality (for the price) audio problem solvers. I have 4 of their DI boxes and the company I work as a freelance for has another 8, so the money/mouth interface is well represented.
FWIW, it's relatively cheap build a decent active DI. Transformers are a different animal. The inexpensive transformers work ok so long as you don't push low frequencies at higher levels into them. I wanted to make sure I could isolate a high output mix desk without distortion so I opted for the more expensive iso's ;)
-
Configuration is Headphone jack (out) to XLR input channel 16. Aux 2 to Mac Mini Input.
Very wrong, you should use the TRS "line input" jack on channel 16 that has no phantom on it - or an isolating DI - for any non-microphone input source. You could have just as easily fried a keyboard, acoustic guitar, submixer, or an amp DI output. Unfortunately this is a common problem amongst non-pro users :( . Expensive education for you but now you know :-\ .
And we have todays winner. ;D Yes, a possible expensive education :-\, aside from the amount of time spent. Todays correct solution is a 1/8 stereo and either a split configuration to two of the TRS 1/4" plugs and link them for stereo or a single 1/8 stereo to 1/4" to the TRS 12-16 plug. This avoids the circuit frying 48v phantom power. This obviously falls under the WTH category and I'd love to accept total blame but I did have a professional help with the install of the mixer. Thank you all very much for your assistance. Now if I can just get the recording off the iPad without a lot of pain I would be good to go.
A stereo ⅛" jack to a TRS ¼" will not work, it won't fry your mac mini but it will sum your stereo output by summing the L&R signals in opposite polarity. Stick with TRS-mini to 2 x TS ¼" and you'll be ok.
A docked iPad will record stereo just fine to the MF recorder or pretty much any other recording app.
-
TBF I haven't tried the transformer boxes by Orchid Electronics but their active DI boxes punch way above their weight (respected reviews rate them an equal for Radial DIs at 4 x the price). Orchid is a small business who make exceptionally high quality (for the price) audio problem solvers. I have 4 of their DI boxes and the company I work as a freelance for has another 8, so the money/mouth interface is well represented.
FWIW, it's relatively cheap build a decent active DI. Transformers are a different animal. The inexpensive transformers work ok so long as you don't push low frequencies at higher levels into them. I wanted to make sure I could isolate a high output mix desk without distortion so I opted for the more expensive iso's ;)
Not going to argue with that Greg, knowing Orchid Electronics by reputation and from first hand experience I would expect all their products to be exceptional VFM but, as you say, good transformers are not cheap so I'll gladly withdraw my comments until I have tried one. :)
-
Configuration is Headphone jack (out) to XLR input channel 16. Aux 2 to Mac Mini Input.
Very wrong, you should use the TRS "line input" jack on channel 16 that has no phantom on it - or an isolating DI - for any non-microphone input source. You could have just as easily fried a keyboard, acoustic guitar, submixer, or an amp DI output. Unfortunately this is a common problem amongst non-pro users :( . Expensive education for you but now you know :-\ .
And we have todays winner. ;D Yes, a possible expensive education :-\, aside from the amount of time spent. Todays correct solution is a 1/8 stereo and either a split configuration to two of the TRS 1/4" plugs and link them for stereo or a single 1/8 stereo to 1/4" to the TRS 12-16 plug. This avoids the circuit frying 48v phantom power. This obviously falls under the WTH category and I'd love to accept total blame but I did have a professional help with the install of the mixer. Thank you all very much for your assistance. Now if I can just get the recording off the iPad without a lot of pain I would be good to go.
Did use this solution before, the only thing it doesnt solve is the groundloop roblem if i use my laptop
With the power adapter from my laptob konnected there is hum, diconnect it and the hum dissapeared, using an di u can avoid this kind of problems
-
Did use this solution before, the only thing it doesnt solve is the groundloop roblem if i use my laptop
With the power adapter from my laptob konnected there is hum, diconnect it and the hum dissapeared, using an di u can avoid this kind of problems
[/quote]
Well, it seems that the cable have fixed the blowing out of the Mac Mini but now, I've got the Ground Loop noise?? I say this because it's an electronic thumping whump whump whump, when connected to the Mackie DL 1608 but it goes away with head phones. I've got one isolator but it's garbage, I'm open to suggestions, I know someone suggested one above, would this be adequate? Oh this whole mess is going through a power conditioner. Yes everthing is grounded.
-
If you're in the UK then the Orchid Electronics transformer isolator would be my choice, elsewhere ART do a suitable device.
-
Yes everthing is grounded.
Try ground lifting the Mini's power supply.
-
Yes everthing is grounded.
Try ground lifting the Mini's power supply.
No. If there's any ground lifting to be done, only lift signal grounds and never AC safety grounds. They're called safety grounds for a reason - they protect against electrocution and fire in the event of an internal fault.
-
It's also worth noting the Mac Mini has only a 2 prong power cord so there is no safety ground to lift.
-
It's also worth noting the Mac Mini has only a 2 prong power cord so there is no safety ground to lift.
Oh, yup, you're right. Might try skipping the power conditioner. Being as the DL1608 has known pin 1 grounding issues, he might try replacing the Mackie power supply with something better.
3rd prong is case-by-case arguable, however. I have both Lenovo laptops and Motion tablets where the same power supply is shipped with either a 2 prong or 3 prong cable, depending on I-don't-know-what. Many laptops have audio grounding issues that are easily solved by lifting the ground pin. At the very least, trying it can get you some information.
-
Correct they use a transformer on the MacMini. It is basically a MacBook in a box.
The problem has been solved by using a REALLY CHEAP 2 channel ground loop interrupter from MonoPrice.
I had everything I needed laying around in the audio booth lovingly stashed into various boxes. 1/8 stereo to RCA, Ground Loop, RCA cable, RCA to 1/4" mono adapter. :thu: Now on to trying to figure out why the heck our hearing assistance is all static. Odds are something got unplugged. Time to do some tracing and actually organization of the spaghetti pot of wires and cables. Luckily they're easy to trace, all color coded, red and black... ;D
I'll be trying VoiceRecord to get the recordings off of the MacMini. Currently we use Garage Band as it's very easy for our more 'mature' audio crew to figure out to record with.
I want to thank you all for your invaluable assistance.
-
Correct they use a transformer on the MacMini. It is basically a MacBook in a box.
That depends on the vintage of Mac Mini. They've used internal power supplies for at least the past 5 or 6 years. In fact, I don't think they've used an external power supply on a Mac Mini since they switched to Intel (though I could be wrong about that last part).
-
I should have specified that it's the latest and greatest. The earlier ones were direct power. I've got one laying around that is heading to the recycle. Apple has been very good on replacing the Logic Board. The first time they gave me a upgraded MacMini :thu:, the other times they replaced the logic board. All because of the issue of 48v.
-
With respect to 99.9% of the people I meet who plug laptops running on mains power in to desks, they remove the earth from the mains lead or suffer awful humm..
I have not met anyone willing to purchase additional items to avoid removing the earth
Kev
-
Anybody who removes the safety earth off any mains powered gear is asking for an early trip to the great gig in the sky :(
Most older laptops and many modern ones have only two conductor mains leads though, they are 'double insulated' for safety. They are still very prone to noise when connected to a pro PA system (often digital noise rather than 50/60 Hz hum).
-
Anybody who removes the safety earth off any mains powered gear is asking for an early trip to the great gig in the sky :(
Most older laptops and many modern ones have only two conductor mains leads though, they are 'double insulated' for safety. They are still very prone to noise when connected to a pro PA system (often digital noise rather than 50/60 Hz hum).
I find that Macs in general tend to be the least problematic as far as noise introduction to most PA systems. But I always have stereo passive DIs handy just in case.
-
I'm a late adopter mac guy. It is usually budget PCs that give the problems. My late 2011 MacPro has a two conductor mains lead BTW but I don't often use it plugged in for playback (with a 7-8 hour battery why bother) but I don't recall it being troublesome.
-
I'm still getting 7+ hours of use on my 2010 MacBook Pro. Original battery and upgraded hard drive. (Momentus XL 750 GB hybrid drive. Noticeable increase in performance.)
-
Sam I entirely get you mate,
Here is another thing, I encounter a bit, karaoke guys who suffer fatal graphic card damage,
Me, what did you do it I enquire,
Them, plug it in to the yellow video in on the telly in the pub,
what they mean is seven tellies all daisy chained with phono cables and y adapters leading to one cable that they plug in to their pc or laptop,
Me, Do you know you can buy an isolator to save your pc from damage
Them, ? No but any way, do you know anyone with a 2nd hand laptop ?
:)