Keyboard Feedback Problems

  • Thread starter Thread starter Carrotstherabbi
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Carrotstherabbi

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Hello everyone, I'm quite new to using forums (and recording) but I'm having a problem that I can't seem to shake.
I have a Roland Fantom X8 that I purchased on craigslist. The L and R outputs don't seem to work too well so I've been
using the phones jack. This has worked for awhile now until I started getting a lot of static in my mix. I tried connecting
my keyboard to many different amps but it doesn't seem to cure it. The strange thing is my headphones work without any of it.
If anyone needs anymore info I'm happy to help, I appreciate your time.
 
Last edited:
Hi there,

If headphones work and sound just fine, and you hear the symptoms across a range of amps, that would point to the cable.

Do you have a spare cable to test?
 
I have two 1/4 inch cables that make the same noise. It could be both of them I guess
 
Frankly I'd go back and see if I can figure our what's wrong the the proper L/R outputs. They're designed for what you do while the headset jack will always be a bit of a bodge.

You say the L/R jacks don't work very well...what's wrong with them?
 
Frankly I'd go back and see if I can figure our what's wrong the the proper L/R outputs. They're designed for what you do while the headset jack will always be a bit of a bodge.

You say the L/R jacks don't work very well...what's wrong with them?

True enough...If you're going to have to troubleshoot something, may as well take a step back and troubleshoot the proper something. :)

Just thinking, though, a headphone output is amplified and, turned up, would be more powerful than an instrument or line level signal.
Your amps are most likely looking for instrument or line level so, if it's turned up full or close, your headphone output could just be overloading the amps.

Try again with the headphone output volume set at half way or lower.
 
The L/R outputs produce the sound, but without any bass and very quiet. I have to turn everything way up just to hear it.
 
True enough...If you're going to have to troubleshoot something, may as well take a step back and troubleshoot the proper something. :)

Just thinking, though, a headphone output is amplified and, turned up, would be more powerful than an instrument or line level signal.
Your amps are most likely looking for instrument or line level so, if it's turned up full or close, your headphone output could just be overloading the amps.

Try again with the headphone output volume set at half way or lower.

It doesn't matter what the keyboards volume is set to, the feedback sound stays the same

---------- Update ----------

I appreciate everyone's help so far
 
It doesn't matter what the keyboards volume is set to, the feedback sound stays the same

---------- Update ----------

I appreciate everyone's help so far


Hmm. ok.
Feedback and static are two very different things.
Can you post recording of the sound?

We'll get there! :)
 
There is a lot of information missing to deduce the cause of the problem.

What amps are you using? How do you connect to them? How do you define "not working"? Give us all the details you can. Don't be vague about it. :thumbs up:
 
Oooooh Ok. This is interference and noise from within the computer.
You'll probably hear noises when you move the mouse and different intensities depending on screen brightness and graphical activity.

It's common enough when using the built-in sound card and usually I'd say it's not something you fix and just suggest you buy and external audio interface,
but you say the setup used to work just fine?

Something has to have changed since. Can you think of anything?
Literally anything. Computer hardware changes, additional peripherals, software updates, different cables....Anything at all?
 
I just switched computers from a macbook pro to a new windows 10 desktop, but it is the same for both. I'm also using a Presonus USB Audiobox as my audio interface.
The underlining static I'm getting stays the same if I'm using an amp or auidiobox though which really confuses me
 
Oooooh Ok. This is interference and noise from within the computer.
You'll probably hear noises when you move the mouse and different intensities depending on screen brightness and graphical activity.

It's common enough when using the built-in sound card and usually I'd say it's not something you fix and just suggest you buy and external audio interface,
but you say the setup used to work just fine?

Something has to have changed since. Can you think of anything?
Literally anything. Computer hardware changes, additional peripherals, software updates, different cables....Anything at all?

I just switched computers from a macbook pro to a new windows 10 desktop, but it is the same for both. I'm also using a Presonus USB Audiobox as my audio interface.
The underlining static I'm getting stays the same if I'm using an amp or auidiobox though which really confuses me
 
Ok, going back to Chili's point then...Can you give a detailed point by point description of the various setups.

I'm asking because the noise is computer interference, as proven by moving the mouse creating more/more distinct noise, so it'd be very odd if you hear that when they keyboard is connected to an amplfier. Do you then mic the amp or connect it to the interface somehow?

Given that you already have a USB interface, are you using the same USB cable you always did, into the same port?

Something has to have changed since. Can you think of anything?
Literally anything. Computer hardware changes, additional peripherals, software updates, different cables....Anything at all?
 
Ok, going back to Chili's point then...Can you give a detailed point by point description of the various setups.

I'm asking because the noise is computer interference, as proven by moving the mouse creating more/more distinct noise, so it'd be very odd if you hear that when they keyboard is connected to an amplfier. Do you then mic the amp or connect it to the interface somehow?

Given that you already have a USB interface, are you using the same USB cable you always did, into the same port?

Yes same cable, same port. I have the keyboard directly connected to the audio interface with a quarter inch cable. I have most of my cords and cables in close proximity to each other
 
It could simply be that it's unbalanced audio and your cables are near other cables and gear,
but it's still odd that it's a new problem.

The best bet is probably to use the balanced L+R outputs on the rear, straight into the audio box.
TRS cables at both ends.

Do you have any to try?
 
It could simply be that it's unbalanced audio and your cables are near other cables and gear,
but it's still odd that it's a new problem.

The best bet is probably to use the balanced L+R outputs on the rear, straight into the audio box.
TRS cables at both ends.

Do you have any to try?

Yes, they're trs to xlr
Ill try
 
TRS cables at both ends.

;)

Going into XLR isn't a good idea.
If you put phantom power on by mistake you could seriously damage your keyboard and/or interface.
On top of that, the XLR input expects a very low level of signal, so a line level going in isn't a good match.

TRS to TRS is perfect. Both line level, balanced, made for eachother.
 
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