#1932328 - 09/30/24 08:16 PM
fan-like noise on just one channel of my mixer
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calypso
Planeteer
Registered: 07/22/05
Posts: 2551
Loc: mid-Missouri
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Not finding any help with this via google... hope someone here has a suggestion.
Mixer is Yamaha TF1 (digital). 16 channels - 16 XLR inputs.
Channel #6 has a low noise that sounds like the fan from a big HVAC unit. Sort of "swirling" and "rushing" in character. It sits below the audio (as long as my actor is "projecting" as she should), but responds in loudness to the gain and fader for that channel. If I have to push up fader #6, the noise becomes noticable.
I really thought it would be an interference issue with the wireless mics we are using. I have changed the wireless mic to one with a different transmission carrier frequency- no difference. I have verified no FX, EQ, or dynamics are active on that channel. If that channel is un-muted, the noise is there regardless of the source input and follows the gain and fader. No other channel has the problem.
Since the noise is unaffected by the input source, but follows the channel gain and fader, I suspect it is either the mixer channel convertor or pre-amp.
Any thoughts?
I need all 16 inputs for this show, so I'm going to move my loudest actor to that channel, and maybe use a gate.
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#1932349 - 09/30/24 08:46 PM
Re: fan-like noise on just one channel of my mixer
[Re: calypso]
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Alan
Member of the DNA (National Dyslexic Association)
Planeteer
Registered: 01/30/00
Posts: 8202
Loc: Sauchie, Scotland, UK
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Can you share an audio file of the noise?
I had a faulty level indicator LED on one of my bits of gear that caused some weird sounds on a channel.
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#1932356 - 09/30/24 09:07 PM
Re: fan-like noise on just one channel of my mixer
[Re: calypso]
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Deeper
Planeteer
Registered: 08/28/01
Posts: 259
Loc: Too close to Nashville
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...the noise is unaffected by the input source, but follows the channel gain and fader...
You're wise to isolate that the noise is unaffected by the input source, and it seems you've identified that the problem is in the individual channel itself.
But I'm confused here... Isn't your fader the LAST DEVICE on the channel? What do you mean when you say the noise "follows" the fader?
Ordinarily, your Gain knob would be the first device on your channel, and the Fader would be the last. I looked at a photo of your Yamaha model and didn't learn anything because it's all freakin' digital.
Have you burned through your warranty at Sweetwater or wherever you bought it? They've gone out of their way to help me with tech problems on gear I've bought.
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#1932357 - 09/30/24 09:10 PM
Re: fan-like noise on just one channel of my mixer
[Re: Alan]
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Popmann
Loquacious Planeteer
Registered: 05/23/02
Posts: 33709
Loc: Twangville, TN
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Preamp. Digital mixers have analog input sections. That one has gone bad in some way. the chances the digital converter has gone is not likely because the chances that they use a conversion chip for ONLY that channel is nearly none. That would be an incredibly expensive mixer. They likely use a chip that does 8 channel conversion...if it's only that channel--Occams Razor says it's the analog section. Powersupply, FWIW--would effect the analog IO boards fairly equally...
Do you have any dynamics that you could plug in with a ground lift adapter? Like XLR(three conductor) to 1/4" with just tip and sleeve? I mean that's only going to help you if you're the type who's going to yank this apart and rewire the ground or something...if it's the little analog preamp IC, it will need a replacement...
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#1932358 - 09/30/24 09:12 PM
Re: fan-like noise on just one channel of my mixer
[Re: Deeper]
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Deeper
Planeteer
Registered: 08/28/01
Posts: 259
Loc: Too close to Nashville
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If worse comes to worse, maybe you can avoid using that channel for now. Instead, hook up a little sub-mixer (I know I have about 3 el cheapos laying around, and maybe you do, too) and then sub-mix a couple of the actors into one channel of your Yamaha. Choose two actors who have the fewest lines to deliver, or whose parts are so far apart you have time to readjust their levels in-between.
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#1932359 - 09/30/24 09:13 PM
Re: fan-like noise on just one channel of my mixer
[Re: Deeper]
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Popmann
Loquacious Planeteer
Registered: 05/23/02
Posts: 33709
Loc: Twangville, TN
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But I'm confused here... Isn't your fader the LAST DEVICE on the channel? What do you mean when you say the noise "follows" the fader?
Analog preamp....digital channel EQ/dynamics/Whatever...ending with digital fader...to main outs
That's the signal flow. Of course it follows the fader--because turning it all the way down turns analog input 1 all the way down to the mains/monitors.
If the preamp gain knob is analog--have you tried contact cleaner and turning it all around quickly--cleaning that pot? Can you recall it's settings? If not, it's probably analog. If you CAN store those preamp gain settings, it's digital (at least in control) so no benefit in cleaning the pot.
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#1932367 - 09/30/24 09:30 PM
Re: fan-like noise on just one channel of my mixer
[Re: Popmann]
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Mooseboy
That's "MR. Asshole" to you, buddy!
Loquacious Planeteer
Registered: 04/24/99
Posts: 37743
Loc: The Apogee of my Life
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Definitely preamp.
Time for Wapner.
_________________________
No matter how far you push the envelope, it’s still stationery.
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#1932371 - 09/30/24 09:43 PM
Re: fan-like noise on just one channel of my mixer
[Re: Mooseboy]
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calypso
Planeteer
Registered: 07/22/05
Posts: 2551
Loc: mid-Missouri
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Popmann - the gain control is digital, unfortunately.
Deeper - that's a good idea about the submix to bypass channel #6. My loudest actor needs almost no amplification, so if the channel noise is un-noticeable at tonight's rehearsal, I'll live with it.
(Side note: my loudest actor is also lead singer in my band - yeah, he "projects". LOL)
The unit is way past warranty. I've had good service from Logic Systems Sound and Lighting in St Louis. I'll see if they can service it after this performance is over. Next show is "My Fair Lady" in December, but that is in the big theater with a different mixer.
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#1932379 - 09/30/24 10:09 PM
Re: fan-like noise on just one channel of my mixer
[Re: calypso]
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motown59
Planeteer/Artist # 238
Planeteer
Registered: 03/01/04
Posts: 18252
Loc: California
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If you had a little mixer (or mic preamp )handy with RCA outs(or adaptors) you could use Stereo Line in #2. It can be sent to Auxes but only has a two band EQ. Keep in mind you can’t mono those RCA jacks in the mixer settings so if you used one, it’d be hard panned.
Then set up a Custom fader bank with that channel in line with its regular CH6 position.
Edited by motown59 (09/30/24 10:13 PM)
_________________________
kel
"I love what you guys are trying to do up there" ...from an audience member at one of my gigs.
Gear: Fender Medium pick
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