Why are my effects returns so noisy? Please help

[LemonTree]

is it normal to get a lot of hum and hiss on your aux returns? I read somewhere people use gates to control effects return noise when not in use but should they be that noisy in the first place?

They're clean with nothing plugged in but whenever I plug up my lexicon mpx100 or alesis microverb III I get a lot of noise. I've tried to balance it with the input/output knobs on the effect devices but to get an audiable return I need to crank the outputs.

The desk is an Allen & Heath saber 24/16/16/2

6 aux sends
6 aux masters
4 aux returns



I'm using send 5 for the lexicon and returning it (left/right) to aux 1&2 because they have dedicated eq

I'm using aux 6 to feed the Alesis and returning that left & right to aux 3 & 4

1 & 2 are pre/post switchable 3 to 6 are fixed post... I'm not sure I'm quite grasping the concept of this at all.

Can anyone help?

Alec

 

[Calwood]

Just a few things to check,....

Are there parameters on the effect devices?(not familiar with the 2 you mentioned) If so,..is there a master level in the parameters somewhere that you are overlooking?

Are you sending enough input from the channel to the send?
Try different cables.

Can you bypass the EQ on your returns,..if so,..does that help.

Try different send/return groups.(althouhg i'm sure you have already i bet.)
By the way,..the way you have it routed is fine.

Try another effects unit.

Try the noisy effects units in your guitar rig or something and see if its the effect unit itself,..some are prone to noise.

Also,..no,...aux returns should not be that noisy. I'm using a Behringer desk,..MX3282A,..and the aux's are extremely quiet.

Well,..that gives ya a few things to think about anyway,..hope some of it helps.

Take 'er easy,...

Calwood