Should I be hearing this much HISS??

  • Thread starter Thread starter bluelonestar
  • Start date Start date
B

bluelonestar

New member
Hi,
I have an Aardvark Direct Pro 24/96 plugged into Event PS6 monitors using Monster Cable Standard 100 Gold Tip 1/4" cables.
A very annoying HISS is present either when music is on or off. It's somewhat low but it really bothers me when the music is off. The monitors just have a constant hiss. When the music is on and loud I don't notice it. I think it's coming from my computer. It's definitely present in my recordings.

If I record 1 track with a little hiss, I can live with that. But say I'm doing 20 tracks, all with a little hiss on each..that little hiss is going to build up and it's eventually going to contaminate my entire recordings. Is it normal for me to be hearing this? Is the Sound Card not doing it's job?
Anyone ever have a similar problem? Maybe I'll post a small MP3 of a guitar track. Then maybe someone kind enough to download could shed some light on this.
-Tom
 
Also...

It could be an operating level problem. Like you may be feeding a +4 output level from the soundcard to a -10 input on the amp.

Double check to make sure that you have all your operating levels right. Your manuals are the best place to start with checking this.

Good luck.

Ed
 
What is TRS/Tip Ring? It doesnt say that anywhere on the packaging. I guess I would have to say they look like Tip Ring to me. They shouldnt be the problem though. I plugged my tape deck into the monitors with the same cables and got no noise. I also plugged the headphone out jack on the Aardvark directly into the left monitor, and no noise. But I think that's because they are of lower impedance. I don't think the manuals are too helpful when it comes to setting all this stuff up right.

I'm using Aardvarks built in preamps and I'm going directly into the monitors. I can control the input on the back of the monitors. It has a little screw that you turn. Right now they're set at 0dB...which is slightly above right in the middle. I can turn it down a lot or I can still turn it up a lot. When I go louder the hiss is unbearable though. I monitor out in the software at around -24dB b/c the speakers are just too loud otherwise...set at 0dB. Maybe I should just turn them down?? That might get rid of the hiss. But then will I still be hearing everything accurately?
-Tom
 
Work it backwards

In order to get rid of the hiss, you need to determine it's origin. I would start at the monitors and work backwards in the chain. If I am not mistaken, you have powered monitors. If that is the case, just turn them on without anything else. If the his does not exist, turn on the next thing in the chain and so on. You will eventually get to the culpret. It is hard to determine a solution without knowing the source.

Good luck.
 
TRS means tip-ring-sleeve. Instead of one insulator band separating two parts of the jack, there are two so that there are three parts of the jack.
 
thanks for all your help everyone.

I've checked the monitors with other units besides the computer. So I know it's not them. I think the hiss is coming from the computer.

i spoke with a gentleman today at Sam Ash. He said my particular sound card is generally a quiet one. He also informed me that I should just lower the monitors and crank the levels in the software. I've done just that, and so far I barely hear any hiss...and the music is nice, clear, and loud. He said I wouldnt be losing any frequencies. Monitoring should be accurate, but without the hiss.
-Tom
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top