Problem with my set up - WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP

[Mdolla212]

Im sorry if this is in the wrong forum, and if it is please re-direct, but I have this problem with my set up if anyone could point me in the right direction it would help.

Ok this is my set up:

Mic: Rode NT1-A
Pre Amp: M Audio Fast Track USB
Phantom Power II
2 XLR cables
Panasonic Headphones

This is the problem:

There is a static noise coming from the headphones, it's not a background noise, its a noise that is there inbuilt it seems (my set up has been fine for 2 yrs since now..same settings etc)...First I thought it may be the xlr cables, and i went to a store and they got me 2 new xlr cables and the mic worked fine on their pre amp with the new cables.. So im not so sure if its the mic thats the problem...

Perhaps its the M AUDIO? or the Phantom Power?...this static noise turns up and down when i increase the output on the m audio pre amp but its still there even when i turn it very low (it has the static on my previous setting which never had the static)

If any of you could let me know what you think the problem is itd be much appreciated

 

[Shadow_7]

You might check the USB cable. and/or connector. Sounds like a normal flaw with budget gear though. It might also be the headphones, how many times have they been dropped. Although not likely to have a correlation with the other devices gain if that's the case.

 

[Mdolla212]

thanks for your reply..

yeah the headphones haven't been dropped before and they work fine when plugged into an ipod for example... hmm so it could be just the USB cable of the m audio?...is there anyway one could buy that seperately instead of re-purchasing the m audio again

 

[Shadow_7]

The USB cable should be pretty standard. Comes with a lot of digital cameras, printers, and other computer accessories. Just swap it and see if it makes a difference. About $5 - $40 from walmart depending on length and stuff. Not that it is the cable, could be the connection. Any good with a soldering iron / screw driver? Could also be the mic or cable, or other things.

When I got my first Mobile Pre, I had to swap the cable. The cable the guy from craigslist gave me with it worked if I pulled the end connected to the device halfway out. But it worked without special tricks with a different cable.