Topic: Experiencing "Loopback" Noise
I'm having a noise issue that just popped up. I'll try to explain exactly what's taking place but it's totally unacceptable and could use some help.
My "normal" input chain is this:
Mic > A-Designs Pacifica > A-Designs Hammer EQ > Chameleon Labs 7802 Opto Com > Mytek 96 A/D > Multiface II via SPDIF > DAW which is Sonar 8.53.
This works beautifully. No issues at all with noise.
"Mastering" input chain is this:
After I do a mix, I've been (lately) going out of the Multiface II and BACK through the Pacifica > Hammer > etc. THIS IS WHERE I'M EXPERIENCING WAY TOO MUCH 'COMPUTER NOISE'.
(So the difference between the "normal" input and the "Mastering" input chain is a loop back through the Multiface via analog outputs 3/4 going into the line inputs on the Pacifica (instead of the XLR mic preamps on the back of the unit)).
I've eliminated the analog cables (using Monster Cable S 500 cables) by trying other cables. I've eliminated the digital cable by trying different coaxial cables AND optical cables- all make no difference. I've eliminated the Mytek because when in the "Normal input" all is well. I'm thinking it's something with the looping via the MultiFace because when I unplug the two analog cables at the MultiFace- the noise goes away.
Could this be a clock/syncing issue? (I'm not using a word clock). The noise is very evident and unacceptable and I'd love to try to resolve it. Further, I'm not bashing the MultiFace at all. It's been a workhorse in my studio for three years now. Just trying to resolve the issue.