• Trojka
  • AES/EBU artist
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  • Registered: 2008-01-08
  • Posts: 100

Topic: Multiface II, new PC: crackling sounds

I just bought a new computer (more info in this HWInfo report. It's very fast and quiet (thanks to a SSD system disk), but unfortunately I'm hearing odd noises coming from my Yamaha HS50M speakers whenever there's disk activity. Crackles, whining and beeps. When I run the Windows performance measurement index, it's squealing and crackling non stop. However, the sounds are not present (or inaudible) on headphones directly connected to the Multiface II, and the input channels are clean as well. I've tested it with a different video card and the onboard video card, but this didn't solve the problem. I've also connected a integrated stereo amplifier to the Multiface II, and although the noises are audible you really have to put your ear to the tweeter to hear it. The noises are loudest on the Yamaha's. I didn't have this problem on my previous computer (also a Quadcore, albeit a bit slower and with only SATA II disks).

Is this normal behaviour for SSD disks perhaps? Or do I need to change a setting somewhere?

Equipment connected to my Multiface II:

Out
Yamaha HS50M (balanced)
Arcam Delta 290 (unbalanced)
BD DT990 Pro (250Ohm) headphones

In
Avalon U5 (balanced)
Damage Control Womanizer (unbalanced)
RME Quadmic (balanced)

  • isaac
  • isaac
  • S/Mux specialist
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  • From: Auckland New Zealand
  • Registered: 2007-05-01
  • Posts: 339

Re: Multiface II, new PC: crackling sounds

Hey there,

Is everything connected to the same power?

I wouldn't think it's an SSD issue. I'm running and Intel 330 240gig in my main machine with a PCI HDSP and a multiface one.

Do you have the PCI or PCIe card? Some new machines have issues with PCI cards. It's come up in this forum before.

Hope this helps,

Isaac P

Trojka wrote:

I just bought a new computer (more info in this HWInfo report. It's very fast and quiet (thanks to a SSD system disk), but unfortunately I'm hearing odd noises coming from my Yamaha HS50M speakers whenever there's disk activity. Crackles, whining and beeps. When I run the Windows performance measurement index, it's squealing and crackling non stop. However, the sounds are not present (or inaudible) on headphones directly connected to the Multiface II, and the input channels are clean as well. I've tested it with a different video card and the onboard video card, but this didn't solve the problem. I've also connected a integrated stereo amplifier to the Multiface II, and although the noises are audible you really have to put your ear to the tweeter to hear it. The noises are loudest on the Yamaha's. I didn't have this problem on my previous computer (also a Quadcore, albeit a bit slower and with only SATA II disks).

Is this normal behaviour for SSD disks perhaps? Or do I need to change a setting somewhere?

Equipment connected to my Multiface II:

Out
Yamaha HS50M (balanced)
Arcam Delta 290 (unbalanced)
BD DT990 Pro (250Ohm) headphones

In
Avalon U5 (balanced)
Damage Control Womanizer (unbalanced)
RME Quadmic (balanced)

  • Trojka
  • AES/EBU artist
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2008-01-08
  • Posts: 100

Re: Multiface II, new PC: crackling sounds

Everything is connected to the same power.

It's a PCI card. I think it might be a good idea to upgrade to PCIe?

4 Reply by TrojkaAgain (edited by TrojkaAgain 2012-12-19 17:33:03)

  • Registered: 2012-12-19
  • Posts: 11

Re: Multiface II, new PC: crackling sounds

Hi there...it's me again. Had some trouble logging in with my previous account (it's locked to a mail account I don't use anymore), so I've made a new one.

So...I ordered and installed the PCIe card. Run smoothly, but unfortunately the problem still exists. sad

Anything else I could check?

  • Registered: 2012-12-19
  • Posts: 11

Re: Multiface II, new PC: crackling sounds

After googling for 'interference Yamaha HS50M' I've come to the conclusion it might be a ground loop somewhere and not related to the RME at all. I'll investigate this first and I'll keep the PCIe card as it seems to run smoother at lower latencies. big_smile

6 Reply by TrojkaAgain (edited by TrojkaAgain 2012-12-25 13:29:23)

  • Registered: 2012-12-19
  • Posts: 11

Re: Multiface II, new PC: crackling sounds

One (final) question: I have connected the Multiface II to an external power supply now. It's working great, my speakers are perfectly silent now. Now when I turn off my computer, the red host led keeps blinking (because it's disconnected from the host). Is this bad? Can I turn it off by changing a setting, or should I just turn off the power supply?

  • isaac
  • isaac
  • S/Mux specialist
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  • From: Auckland New Zealand
  • Registered: 2007-05-01
  • Posts: 339

Re: Multiface II, new PC: crackling sounds

TrojkaAgain wrote:

One (final) question: as I've said, I have connected the Multiface II to an external power supply. It's working great, my speakers are perfectly silent now. Now when I turn off my computer, the red host led keeps blinking (because it's disconnected from the host). Is this bad? Can I turn it off by changing a setting, or should I just turn off the power supply?

It just means that the multiface has power; but no connection to a host. Not bad but means that it is powered all the time. The upside is that it will retain its settings until you restart the computer, so you can use it in stand alone mode (for example as a DA converter etc)

Isaac P