strange high pitched "noise" on outputs

[Tim Kleinert]

I've just noticed that one of my G2Xs has a weird defect. It outputs a soft constant high pitched frequency on all outputs. I don't know if this has always been so or if it has got worse -I only know that it has started to bother me. It makes this unit unfit for professional recording. That's how loud it is.

The fact is also interesting that this "high pitch noise" is loudest on output 1 and gets somewhat a little less pronounced with 2, 3 and 4.

I've roughly measured the frequency - it's around 1,1k, somewhat more than two octaves above middle C.

What could this be? Anyone else had this? I remember a thread along time ago where there was some discussion about the MIDI chip clock bleeding into the audio (searched for that one, but couldn't find it). Could this be it?

[sheridan]

Hi Tim,

do you hear the noise even when there are no patches loaded in the slots?

Is the noise constant, ie. a tone, or is it noise?

Finally, is it at 1kHz, or is it high pitched, like hiss?

[blue hell]

Makes me think of a ground loop involving USB signals (which is always troublesome (as in too loud for recording) when I use my laptop). Pulling out the USB connectors from both G2s should stop it then.

[Kassen]

[Tim Kleinert]

Thanks for your comments.

OK, I should be more specific.

The high pitched tone is always present, regardless of patches being active/inactive/loaded or whatever. It starts within a second or so when powering up the unit and remains constant until power down.

It isn't 'noise' as such, but rather a quite defined pitch at about 1,1k.

The pitch is also not correlated to USB or MIDI activity, as no USB or MIDI connection is present at the moment.

Weird stuff ...

[blue hell]

[nbozic]

Try moving it to another room with as few electronics and cables as possible, and listen to it again.

If the noise is still there it's likely that one of the electronic components in the synth is defective. If there's no noise then you'll have to trace the cause of the interference.

[sheridan]

It doesn't sound at all well... might be time for a service?

[Tim Kleinert]

I don't think it depends on location, as I have a second G2X here which performs flawlessly under the very same physical conditions. I've tried it.

I'll do some other experiments, maybe even open it up and have a peek (the warranty is expired anyway). If I find nothing suspicious-well, off to the shop.

Thanks for your replies.

best,
tim

[dasz]

Tim,
I feel for ya. I had sticky variation buttons on one of my G2 Keybaords (both expanded)

Instruction to taking the g2 apart.
http://www.clavia.se/G2/V1_10/G2expansionboard.pdf

/Dasz
ps.: The panel adjustment procedure is a scary (at times) but functional solution.