Line 6 HX - CABLES??

[Cathy75]

Hello friends!

I have just got Line 6 HX and want to play with my theremin.

It is Moog Theremin: https://www.thomann.de/gb/moog_etherwave_theremin_plus.htm

Now, I want to connect the theremin to Line 6 HX, and than Line 6 HX to my sound card, thereafter to the speakers.

 

What CABLES do I need: audio (for speakers) or instrument (such as electric violin, guitar)?

I don't want to destroy my electronics...

 

Thanks. s.m.

[rd2rk]

From the manual:

 

d) Connecting the amplifier-speaker: The ETHERWAVE may be used with a wide variety of musical instrument, stereo, or public address amplifier systems. The nominal level of the ETHERWAVE's audio output is one-half volt RMS and the nominal output impedance is 2.4 Kilohms. We suggest a small but high-quality portable 'keyboard amplifier' of the sort that synthesizer players frequently use for practicing. Use a shielded audio cable with a conventional 1/4" phone plug on one end, to be plugged into the ETHERWAVE's audio out jack. The other end of the cable should be equipped with whatever kind of plug your sound system requires, and should be plugged into a jack labeled line in, instrument, or aux on your sound system. Do not plug it into a microphone or guitar input, as these inputs are designed for much weaker audio signals.

 

************************************

 

IOW - a standard guitar cable from the Audio Out jack to the input of the HX - whatever model Helix you have.

Don't know what you're using for a sound card, so can't help you there, but depending on the model of Helix, it might be a sound card itself.

[Cathy75]

Thank you.

 

The sound card is Behringer UPHORIA UMC204HD: https://www.thomann.de/gb/behringer_u_phoria_umc204hd.htm

This is how it looks at the front, I have possibility to switch LINE/INST /PAD:

 

 

[Cathy75]

Actually I connected it now with cables I have, some are "speaker" cables, another are "guitar" cables, I try to figure out which are working.

I am not sure which one is the correct. I use a very low volume to test it, but I get "buzz" all the time.

[rd2rk]

Speaker cables are unshielded and intended for use between a power amp and speaker, such as in a guitar amp.

Guitar cables are shielded, but are intended for use between an instrument and an amplifier or other instrument or line level input.

Of the two, high quality guitar cables are the better choice.

 

Since I don't know what speakers you're using, whether they're powered or connected to an external amplifier (and what type/model) I can't be more specific about those cables. Some speakers use 1/4", some use RCA, some plain copper wire. Some are "balanced", some not.

 

For future reference, when asking questions, keep in mind that you're not JUST using an instrument, OR an interface, OR speakers. You're using a SYSTEM.

All of the components and  how they're connected are important to the answers to your questions.

 

"Buzz", for instance, is usually a result of "ground loops". ALL of the components of your system should be plugged into a high quality Power Strip with Surge Arrest and EMI/RFI (electromagnetic interference/radio frequency interference) filters.

All of your audio power strips should be plugged into the same household electrical circuit, and that circuit needs to be properly grounded. That's what three-prong plugs are about, and a ground tester can be purchased very cheaply at any hardware store and most places that sell electronics.

Avoid using circuits that also power appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, fluorescent lights or rheostats. All of these can cause noise in audio devices.

"Buzz" can also be caused by low quality or defective cables anywhere in your system.

 

Hope this is helpful.

 

 

[Cathy75]

Many thanks that is indeed very very helpful.

I still cannot figure what the problem is.

 

1. My theremin needs grounding. There is a grounding outlet and I have checked that the grounding is implemented.

2. Theremin is connected to Line6 Helix FX, to INPUT/L.

3. Line6 Helix is connected from OUTPUT/L to the Behringer UPHORIA UMC204HD - line input.

4. Behringer is USB powered via computer.

5. From Behringer I let line go through (not via computer) directly to the outputs. Output is balanced.

6. I use KRK Rokit4 speaker that is powered. I connected it to Behringer via balanced input on the speakers. There is no noise otherwise when I use the speaker (for playing music from the computer).

 

On 2/1/2020 at 6:22 PM, rd2rk said:

For future reference, when asking questions, keep in mind that you're not JUST using an instrument, OR an interface, OR speakers. You're using a SYSTEM.

All of the components and  how they're connected are important to the answers to your questions.

That is completely true.

*

An additional question:

Since I plan to give a setup to a another performer that will play this piece I compose, he will use a normal guitar amplifier. Theremin -> Line6 -> Amplifier

On 2/1/2020 at 6:22 PM, rd2rk said:

Of the two, high quality guitar cables are the better choice.

So I guess I will need only these (two pieces) for the setup.

 

Many thanks!

[rd2rk]

The Behringer input is set to LINE, is the Helix Output set to LINE?

The Helix has a ground switch on the back between the XLR and Send/Receive jacks.

How about the electrical system? Is the wall outlet properly wired/grounded?

All devices - Theremin, Helix, computer - plugged into a proper power strip/surge suppressor/emi-rmi filter?

Try eliminating devices one by one.

Unplug Theremin. Still noisy?

Plug the theremin directly into a guitar amp. Still noisy?

Plug Theremin into Behringer directly. Still noisy?

Plug speakers directly to Helix. Still noisy?

Unplug all USB cables. Still noisy?

Reconnect USB cables one by one. Still noisy?

 

Pay a Sorcerer to check for Ley Lines? (running out of ideas :-) )

 

 

[Cathy75]

Thanks.

13 hours ago, rd2rk said:

The Behringer input is set to LINE, is the Helix Output set to LINE?

Yes, the one called "OUTPUT L/MONO". Can it be different?

13 hours ago, rd2rk said:

How about the electrical system? Is the wall outlet properly wired/grounded?

Yes. I have checked it with an electric device for that purpose. It shows all OK.

 

13 hours ago, rd2rk said:

Unplug Theremin. Still noisy?

Plug the theremin directly into a guitar amp. Still noisy?

Plug Theremin into Behringer directly. Still noisy?

Plug speakers directly to Helix. Still noisy?

Unplug all USB cables. Still noisy?

Reconnect USB cables one by one. Still noisy?

 

The noise is not permanent. It is only noisy when dynamics escalates. I put all on a very low volume in order to test. If I increase volume on Theremin it gets very noisy.

Now I have checked. I connected ONLY theremin into Behringer and it works without problem.

I still suspect that I have one cable that is not good. I might try buying a good one. Is it just called "guitar/line cable 1/4 shielded"?

[rd2rk]

You want a plain old fashioned shielded Guitar/Instrument cable.

 

In Helix Global Settings>Ins/Outs, on the second page, the 1/4" Outs can be set for Instrument or Line. Set it to match the Behringer.

On the same Global Settings page, set the "Volume Knob Controls" setting to XLR. This ensures a consistent UNITY GAIN output from the 1/4" Out.

NOTE - the Helix Volume Knob is now OUT of the equation.

You can also experiment with the "Guitar In Pad" ON/OFF. ON cuts the input signal slightly and MAY help with the noise.

Using a BLANK Preset, turn the Theremin up slowly until it's no more than 2/3. Use the Behringer's Input Level control for final output level.

Still noisy? Where did the noise start?