USB humm

[Ting Ho Dung]

Okay, so I got this little Pandora PX 5 because it allows you to record via USB onto the computer. It is also powered by the USB / Batteries / 5.4 V (??) adapter. I don't like using batteries and I don't have the adapter. The Pandora is also a little FX thing I put on top of a little practice amp. But when it's powered up by the USB it makes a bad hummmm. I thought it was because it is low end. But recently I bought a Line 6 M13 and plugged in the USB to do the firmware update. Again the Hummm. So I am now thinking it's my computer or bad wiring in my house. You guys who record may be able to tell me or point me in the right direction how to correct this problem. Neither the Line 6 or pandora humm when not plugged into the USB on my computer.

Thanky

[morningstar]

Got a ART Cleanbox or maybe a Ebtech Hum Eliminator? Sometimes this stuff comes up just because the power is all on the same circuit. I used to run two amps "stereo" and had to run the input cables through one of each. It worked for me.

[JohnnyB]

Do you get the hum with different USB cables?

[anotherfreak]

It could be proximity?

If I sit too close to my computer, the pickups will pick up noise from the computer, same way with the cell phone in the pocket. try moving around, even just rotationg the neck away from the computer can do the trick.

[morningstar]

What kind of monitor are you using? The old glass CRT monitors were notoriously noisy with gear to the point where recording had to be done with keyboard shortcuts and the monitor off.

[Ting Ho Dung]

Got a ART Cleanbox or maybe a Ebtech Hum Eliminator? Sometimes this stuff comes up just because the power is all on the same circuit. I used to run two amps "stereo" and had to run the input cables through one of each. It worked for me.

I'll look into a hum eliminator

Do you get the hum with different USB cables?

Yes, the USB cable that came with the Pandora. Its similar to the cables used in smart phones. The other cable is an M-Audio that has a midi in and an out plug that works with the Line 6

It could be proximity?

If I sit too close to my computer, the pickups will pick up noise from the computer, same way with the cell phone in the pocket. try moving around, even just rotationg the neck away from the computer can do the trick.

I know what you're saying. But that's not it in this case. I get the kind of hum you are talking about just playing my single coils and if I spin in my chair or else move directionally it increases or decreases

What kind of monitor are you using? The old glass CRT monitors were notoriously noisy with gear to the point where recording had to be done with keyboard shortcuts and the monitor off.

This is a Samsung 24" LCD POS. You can hear it hum and it drives me crazy if I plug speakers into it. Maybe that's it. If I turn it off or unplug it from the computer do you think that would fix it?

I also neglected to state in the OP that my firmware update failed and I'm wondering if it's because there was too much noise from the hum.

Thanky kindly for your input (s)

[Mitch]

I also neglected to state in the OP that my firmware update failed and I'm wondering if it's because there was too much noise from the hum.

Hi Michael. How ya been? I can walk you through how I got the M13 update to work. It's kinda finicky.

Firmware-wise, v2.04 was on there when I sent the M13 to you. Did you do a factory reset or just want to start afresh or...? To my knowledge, v2.04 is still the latest version. If you re-install 2.04, it'll clobber your "scenes", restoring them to the original presets. If you created and saved new scenes you want to keep, you'll need to do a backup first.

We can discuss the firmware update here or via PM, your choice.

Beyond that, anytime I've heard hum from audio gear connected to a PC, it's been caused by a power cord or wall wart (like the M13's power supply) being too close to an unbalanced audio cable. The drill, typically, is to disconnect everything and re-connect items one power or audio cable at a time.

[Ting Ho Dung]

I also neglected to state in the OP that my firmware update failed and I'm wondering if it's because there was too much noise from the hum.

Hi Michael. How ya been? I can walk you through how I got the M13 update to work. It's kinda finicky.

Firmware-wise, v2.04 was on there when I sent the M13 to you. Did you do a factory reset or just want to start afresh or...? To my knowledge, v2.04 is still the latest version. If you re-install 2.04, it'll clobber your "scenes", restoring them to the original presets. If you created and saved new scenes you want to keep, you'll need to do a backup first.

We can discuss the firmware update here or via PM, your choice.

Beyond that, anytime I've heard hum from audio gear connected to a PC, it's been caused by a power cord or wall wart (like the M13's power supply) being too close to an unbalanced audio cable. The drill, typically, is to disconnect everything and re-connect items one power or audio cable at a time.

Hi There Mitch, I'll PM you about the firmware update although I'm not too worried about that. I'm basically trying to get to the bottom of this humm problem. I will try the cable management process you suggested though.

Thanks,

--Michael