• Registered: 2010-02-06
  • Posts: 12

Topic: Does HDSPe AIO still have noise & hiss problems? Is it safe to buy?

I'm interested in the HDSPe AIO PCIe card but there are loads of reports about noise & hiss on the headphone and regular outputs that make me hesitate.

What is the official status on this? Is the problem still present on newer cards? If yes, are there official workarounds?

Some links I found about the problem:

[RME forum] I can hear my computer working in my headphones/monitors

[RME forum] Workaround for AIO activity-related hiss and noise problem

[RME forum] HDSPe AIO and hiss

[RME forum] HSDPE AIO - backgroun noise / interference - workaround and solutions?

[gearslutz.com] HDSPe AIO Bad D/A??

[homecinema-fr.com] RME HSDPe AIO

Thanks for any insights.

  • Registered: 2010-02-06
  • Posts: 12

Re: Does HDSPe AIO still have noise & hiss problems? Is it safe to buy?

RME support, Daniel, Matthias ? no comments? What do you know about it?

If it's a non issue, and it's completely "safe" to buy a HDSPe AIO please just tell me. I'm a prospective buyer and there are probably many others out there on the 'net. smile

Thanks!

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2007-04-10
  • Posts: 9,551

Re: Does HDSPe AIO still have noise & hiss problems? Is it safe to buy?

All currently manufactured AIO cards are modified.


Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

  • Registered: 2010-02-06
  • Posts: 12

Re: Does HDSPe AIO still have noise & hiss problems? Is it safe to buy?

RME Support wrote:

All currently manufactured AIO cards are modified.

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Big thanks for the reply Daniel!

So "modified" means that the reported interference problems are gone? Or are they just mitigated? Can cards be returned to the dealer if the noise is still present and found disturbing? (Maybe that's up to the dealer?)

I certainly don't mean to be obnoxious or anything, I just want to get all the facts and set my expectations accordingly before making a purchase decision. smile

I really like the fact that you're here answering peoples questions, that brings confidence!

Take care.

  • Registered: 2007-05-09
  • Posts: 646

Re: Does HDSPe AIO still have noise & hiss problems? Is it safe to buy?

RME Support wrote:

All currently manufactured AIO cards are modified.


Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Means exactly? No new PCB yet?

  • VI66
  • New member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2009-12-20
  • Posts: 5

Re: Does HDSPe AIO still have noise & hiss problems? Is it safe to buy?

I am currently using the card with no noise or hiss.

  • Registered: 2010-02-06
  • Posts: 12

Re: Does HDSPe AIO still have noise & hiss problems? Is it safe to buy?

VI66 wrote:

I am currently using the card with no noise or hiss.

I'm glad to hear that! What motherboard are you using, by the way?

  • Registered: 2010-02-06
  • Posts: 12

Re: Does HDSPe AIO still have noise & hiss problems? Is it safe to buy?

Dandruff wrote:
RME Support wrote:

All currently manufactured AIO cards are modified.

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Means exactly? No new PCB yet?

RME support: Daniel, Matthias ? no comments?

  • Registered: 2010-02-06
  • Posts: 12

Re: Does HDSPe AIO still have noise & hiss problems? Is it safe to buy?

I was hoping to arrive at some kind of conclusion about this before buying. As it seems like the RME support isn't willing to disclose any more details about this ("let's close our eyes and hope it goes away?"), I only have one question:

Can cards be returned to the dealer if the noise is still present and found disturbing? Or is that up to the dealer?

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2007-04-10
  • Posts: 9,551

Re: Does HDSPe AIO still have noise & hiss problems? Is it safe to buy?

All currently manufactured AIO cards are modified. This takes care of the noise problem. Whether or not the actual PCB is new or not doesn't make a difference.

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

  • Registered: 2007-05-09
  • Posts: 646

Re: Does HDSPe AIO still have noise & hiss problems? Is it safe to buy?

RME Support wrote:

All currently manufactured AIO cards are modified. This takes care of the noise problem. Whether or not the actual PCB is new or not doesn't make a difference.

No visible difference?

  • Registered: 2010-02-06
  • Posts: 12

Re: Does HDSPe AIO still have noise & hiss problems? Is it safe to buy?

RME Support wrote:

All currently manufactured AIO cards are modified. This takes care of the noise problem. Whether or not the actual PCB is new or not doesn't make a difference.

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Ok, that sounds good. Thanks. smile

13 Reply by thephantom (edited by thephantom 2010-02-17 11:25:02)

  • Registered: 2010-02-06
  • Posts: 12

Re: Does HDSPe AIO still have noise & hiss problems? Is it safe to buy?

Dandruff wrote:
RME Support wrote:

All currently manufactured AIO cards are modified. This takes care of the noise problem. Whether or not the actual PCB is new or not doesn't make a difference.

No visible difference?

Hm, yeah, is there a way to ensure that a specific card is "modified"?

I'm probably going to buy one but I don't want to start out by sending it away for repairs... been there, done that with other products.

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2007-04-10
  • Posts: 9,551

Re: Does HDSPe AIO still have noise & hiss problems? Is it safe to buy?

Hi,

- the modification is visible (small wire soldered across the board)
- by now, it is unlikely that unmodified boards would be still be sold
- not all unmodified card have a noise issue. Mine is dead silent...

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

RME Support's Website

  • Registered: 2010-02-06
  • Posts: 12

Re: Does HDSPe AIO still have noise & hiss problems? Is it safe to buy?

Vielen dank. smile

  • Registered: 2007-05-09
  • Posts: 646

Re: Does HDSPe AIO still have noise & hiss problems? Is it safe to buy?

RME Support wrote:

Hi,

- the modification is visible (small wire soldered across the board)
- by now, it is unlikely that unmodified boards would be still be sold
- not all unmodified card have a noise issue. Mine is dead silent...

Regards
Daniel Fuchs
RME

Ok. But is there a new PCB revision planned? Still on my list that card smile