HELP PLEASE - 'Buzz' When Recording Zoom R16 As Audio Interface

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gvdv

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Hi,
I am having a strange problem with my Zoom R 16 when I use it as an audio interface with GarageBand '09- I am getting a 'buzz'/'static' sound when I start to sing into my mic. at a decent/adequate input level, and I would appreciate any help with this that anyone can give me.

I find this to be strange because I do NOT hear the buzz/static sound under the following circumstances:
1. When I use the R 16 in 'standalone' mode.
2. When I am in audio interface mode, and the computer is recording, but I am not singing close to the mic. (i.e., with a 'weak' input signal; when I move closer to the mic. to get a good level, I get the static sound).

I have tried to eliminate most variables by:
- Using two different microphones (one condenser, and one dynamic)
- Using the two different mic. inputs on the R 16
- Recording in Audio Interface, and 'Standalone' modes

As I noted above, I have no problems when I either sing quite softly (or from quite far away from the mics.), or when I use the mics. with the R 16 in 'standalone' mode; so, neither the microphones, mic. cables, nor R 16 inputs seem to be the problem (could be my singing, though ).

The only variables that I have not investigated are: changing the USB cable, and using a different audio interface (I can do the former, but not the latter).

One other thing that I should mention is that I am getting very little noticeable level in GarageBand visually (i.e., the track and master 'meters' in GB hardly register the signal, and the recorded waveform is virtually flat). However, this does not seem to make much difference, as the playback level (with buzz/static included, or course) of the recorded signal is fine.

I could be wrong, because it is a while since I did any recording and I cannot remember too well, but I think that the recorded waveforms of my vocals are usually visually more dynamic (I will check this tomorrow by looking at other tracks that I have recorded).

Has anyone else had this problem?

I would appreciate any help anyone can offer.

Thanks,
 
Thanks to everyone for all of the help.

Just in case anyone else stumbles across this thread and would actually like to benefit from people here trying to help out, you might find the following helpful and useful.

Just found this post ('10.6.8 latency issues with Zoom R 16') at the Apple Support Communities website, which seems to talk about exactly the problem that I had
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3152729

It appears that the buzz/crackling noises is also accompanied by latency issues which I also experienced a couple of months ago, and which I had thought was a separate issue.

It also appears that this problem is a result of the incompatibility of the R 16's driver and the Mac's 10.6.8 version of the Snow Leopard OS.

Good to have an explanation.
 
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