Does the Sound Lab faceplate need to be grounded?

wallace · Joined: Mar 24, 2011 Posts: 8 Location: mexico

Hi everyone, this is my first post and my first synth build. I'm just about done with the wiring of my sound lab. I noticed that the weird sound generator project page includes directions on grounding the faceplate. The SL page seems to make no mention of it, just wondering if thats because it's a given or because it's not necessary. Cool

jordroid · Joined: Jan 17, 2010 Posts: 193 Location: ithaca, new york

Hello and welcome!

Grounding the faceplate may help to reduce noise by acting as a shield, but is not necessary for the circuit to operate. If you are using a metal panel it's probably best to ground it, lest it act as an antenna for external interference.

Make sure to let us know how the sound lab comes out, it's a great little synth!

regards,

jordan

wallace · Joined: Mar 24, 2011 Posts: 8 Location: mexico

Thanks Jordan, I'll go ahead and ground it then. I'll post a pic once its finished... I just hope it all works!

jordroid · Joined: Jan 17, 2010 Posts: 193 Location: ithaca, new york

Monolab · Joined: Dec 03, 2009 Posts: 2 Location: Norway

I hope you can help, i've just completed wiring on my Soundlab Mini Synth.. when i come to test sound.. all i get is a buzz from the output also when i touch the metal faceplate.. sounds to me like a Grounding /Earthing problem , it's my first build so any ideas / advice oh wise members of the forum ??
help

Pehr · Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 12:49 am Post subject:

have you connected the potentiometers ground to the PCB-ground?

Monolab · Joined: Dec 03, 2009 Posts: 2 Location: Norway

yeah!! they are connected to the PCB Ground..

Pehr · Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2011 12:55 pm Post subject:

and the output-ground to PCB-ground?

Clack · Posted: Thu Oct 20, 2011 2:55 am Post subject:

Are your output jacks insulated? plastic? try connecting the case to GND with a crocodile clip to see