Rocco_Crocco Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 I don't think this is an issue with my Helix, but I am hoping someone here may have experience with this problem. At a gig last night, my monitor made a loud buzz or humming sound when I connected it to my (powered off) Helix. When I turned on the Helix, the noise went away and the speaker worked fine for the whole gig. After the show I shut off the Helix and the noise came back.The Alto is connected to Helix via 1/4" cable. When I unplugged the cable from the Alto, the noise went away. I tried another cable know to be good and the same noise was present It seems this problem has nothing to do with the Helix, but rather must be an issue with the Alto, right? Unfortunately I didn't have time to try and further troubleshoot the problem and now the speaker is at our practice space. Anyone have an idea as to what may cause something like this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyingsCool Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 Did you try an XLR cable? 1/4 in cables can be susceptible to electrical noise, which could have been coming from multiple sources. When given a choice, I usually choose XLR for its noise cancelling properties. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joepeggio Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 Grounding.? The Helix 1/4 outs use the signal - for ground while xlr separates ground and signal -. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocco_Crocco Posted October 8, 2017 Author Share Posted October 8, 2017 XLR out went to FOH. Used 1/4" for monitor. It never did this before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyingsCool Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 XLR out went to FOH. Used 1/4" for monitor. It never did this before. ... at this venue/stage? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MusicLaw Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 You'll need to rule out if a Ground Loop may be present. Make sure the Alto and Helix are being powered from the same power strip. If different wall outlet receptacles are used, it may be these are on different circuit legs, or, if on the same circuit, one may be improperly wired. An inexpensive 3 prong receptacle circuit tester is a handy item to have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DunedinDragon Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 I get this all the time with my Yamaha DXR12. I have a two outlet strip that I use for both the Helix and the DXR12. I wouldn't call it a loud hum, but it's definitely there if the Helix is off. It's never affected anything in a year and a half, so I haven't bothered with it. My guess is it has something to do with ground inequality within the switch if one of the units is turned off. It does the same thing at home with both units plugged into the same power strip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidb7170 Posted October 8, 2017 Share Posted October 8, 2017 The Alto has a ground lift button. Try changing the state of that. I run mine with that switch in the lift position and don't have any issues with noise with the helix on or off. I get a mild hum when I use an isolation transformer that I need to use when hooked to my pc with USB. I get the mild hum when I turn the helix off in that situation... Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbuhajla Posted October 9, 2017 Share Posted October 9, 2017 You are picking up electrical/electromagnetic noise on the 1/4" cable, being amplified by the speaker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocco_Crocco Posted October 9, 2017 Author Share Posted October 9, 2017 Ok thanks guys. Sounds like this is typical behavior. I thought maybe my Alto was failing but i think I'm ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CraigGT Posted October 11, 2017 Share Posted October 11, 2017 Don't forget that the golden rule is that you turn your amp/speakers on last and turn them off first :-) Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexKenivel Posted October 11, 2017 Share Posted October 11, 2017 Normal. Always turn speakers off first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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