I can hear the radio station

[cbbart]

I am using a sm57 to an art tube preamp to digital multi track, and can hear a faint radio station. It is not the mike and not the cables or multitrack, could possibly be the art tube. I also can hear the same station on my computer speakers sometimes when they are turned down all the way. How can I trouble shoot the pre amp or does this sound like it may be a problem with the power supply? Thanks

 

[Bob's Mods]

You live close to a radio transmission tower. This can be tricky to get rid off. Quality cables like Monster's mid grade, I think their professional series could help. A filter network of 20 pF caps can help but this is an advanced subject. Probably the easiest thing to do is move your cables and gear around, try many different positions.

Bob the Mod Guy

 

[TimOBrien]

While you should probably be using shielded cables,
by FCC law it's the RADIO STATION's responsibility not
to cause interference.

Listen and find out what station it is and call their engineer (talk nice and they'll help you.)

 

[GoreGorge]

i have a problem with this with my Vox guitar amp. When i put it on overdrive i can hear radio and i cant get rid of it. Ive learned to live with it haha

 

[Mindcore]

it worked for spinal tap..sorta.

Defiantly inform the radio station.

 

[Insightnsound]

I had this same problem a few months ago while trying to setup my small studio. It ended up being the beri mixer that was causing this problem, returned it for a Yamaha and the problem went away. So, I would say check out everything in your recording chain. More than likely this is a very easy fix.

 

[jaykeMURD]

Go find the nearest radio tower and wire it with 600 LBS or c4 (plastiqe). That aught' to take care of that interference. Seriously though, get in contact with the FCC and let them know what's going on...see if they can help.

 

[firby]

Use the SM58. It has the filter.

HAHA

 

[LeeRosario]

Yeah, thats just bad shielding. Either in your cables or somewhere inside the amp.


As for that FCC law, I'm not too sure. I always thought consumer electronics are the ones that are not suppose to interfere with other electronics.

And to further that, it happens every once in a while with air communication. I would pick up radio interference (a great mexican station) in the middle of an instrument guided approach in the FT lauderdale area. So Im not too sure how well the FCC keeps up with interference.


A remedy that I know of is that a lot of high end recording studios install chicken wire inside the walls to act as a metalic net around the studio. I don't know how you can apply that to your amp, but maybe it'll point you into the right direction.

 

[easychair]

As for that FCC law, I'm not too sure. I always thought consumer electronics are the ones that are not suppose to interfere with other electronics.

.

Bingo. Calling the station still might be a good idea, those guys know about this stuff, and may be willing to share if you are friendly. Most likely one of the fixes already suggested will work, though. It may also be on your AC, a power strip with some RF protection may help.

 

[bitsandvolts]

i have a problem with this with my Vox guitar amp. When i put it on overdrive i can hear radio and i cant get rid of it. Ive learned to live with it haha

What kind of vox amp is it? Is it an old one or a new PCB one?

If it's an old one, there should be a resistor between your input and the first tube, either pin 2 or 7. this resistor is usually a 68k resistor. Placement of this resistor will be critical in preventing crap like radio signals from getting into the amp...if the resistor is at the input jack (an often used, but very useless place to put this resistor), take the amp to a tech and have him move the resistor to the tube socket...it'll fix the problem...

If it's a new one, can't help you, but I would at the very least call vox and bitch.