|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 48
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 48 |
So my battle weary pair of headphones gave up the ghost and I had to buy a new one. The new one is better. Everything sounds clearer, including an old suspicion of mine: the headphone/monitor output on my audio interface is quite noticeably louder on the left channel! That always "kind of" bugged me, but now it's too clear and uncomfortable. I suppose there is nothing I can do but replace the interface... Is there? 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,395
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,395 |
Always thought the same thing about my interface until I had my hearing tested. Its not the interface, its me. Definitely some hearing loss in my left ear. Ain't getting old fun?!!
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2024, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 48
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 48 |
Always thought the same thing about my interface until I had my hearing tested. Its not the interface, its me. Definitely some hearing loss in my left ear. Ain't getting old fun?!! That thought occurred to me, but connecting the headphones to the computer's onboard sound card or my tablet disproves that theory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,691
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,691 |
What is the interface device?
Does it have a master balance somewhere that could have been altered at some point in time and be the root cause?
It's pretty easy to do on some interfaces ..
others it's buried a little deeper in the menus and harder to find
for some it just doesn't exist.
Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 48
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 48 |
Lexicon Omega. http://lexiconpro.com/en/products/omegaSadly, no balance control. Sometimes, I can reduce the problem by jiggling the volume knob slightly. The pots are really bad on this interface. I've seen complaints about them elsewhere.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,691
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,691 |
Yeah, the POTS affecting the output could definitely be a factor.
Tried cleaning them?
Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,543
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,543 |
Reverse the cans on your head and confirm it.
So, does the interface have a software control panel? Many do and there are input and balance controls in there as well as EQ and other things.
Be sure it's not something like that.
Also look at the DAW you use and be sure you have things centered and balanced.
I'd wager it's a software or setting in the DAW on how you mix. If the other cans didn't show it to be louder on the left, that could have been done by you without knowing it. You had a deficiency in the cans and to compensate you turned one side up more in the recording process.
It could be a lot of things besides the interface being left biased.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 48
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 48 |
Yeah, the POTS affecting the output could definitely be a factor.
Tried cleaning them? I don't know how to clean them. I don't believe they will come off. Reverse the cans on your head and confirm it. Yes, confirmed.  So, does the interface have a software control panel? Many do and there are input and balance controls in there as well as EQ and other things. No. Just drivers. If the other cans didn't show it to be louder on the left, that could have been done by you without knowing it. You had a deficiency in the cans and to compensate you turned one side up more in the recording process. I've connected these headphones directly to the computer's onboard sound card and to a tablet, and they sound unbiased.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,687
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,687 |
This is from the website:
A REAL MIXER
Unlike standard computer I/O boxes based on a patch bay concept, the Lexicon Omega Studio is designed and built around the same paradigm as large-format recording consoles. An 8-input, 4-Bus, 2-output USB I/O mixer with inserts, instrument input, MIDI I/O and complete metering and monitoring functions gives you the freedom to record up to 4 tracks at once and mix without the need for additional mixing hardware.
This is what we're talking about. Play with the mixer and check the levels and balance. If that's ok then open up Cubase or whatever DAW you're using and check that balance as well.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 48
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 48 |
The problem with that approach is that the interface puts bias on the headphone output, which will be passed on (in reverse) to the recording if I try to "fix" it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,691
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,691 |
First and easiest test to clean them is to twist it back and forth a bunch.
Just spin it left/right a bunch, then reset.
Do this for Pan, Gain, whatever dials may be affecting the signal.
If 'dirty' is heard or noticed a spray cleaner may be in order, along with some more twisting back and forth.
But I'd start with twisting each dial back and forth a few times and then returning to original position, and checking.. Have the speakers/headphones on at the time so you can hear if one of them is getting dirty (you'll hear it when you turn it).
Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
First and easiest test clean them is to twist it back and forth a bunch.
Just spin it left/right a bunch, then reset.
Do this for Pan, Gain, whatever dials may be affecting the signal.
If 'dirty' is heard or noticed a spray cleaner may be in order, along with some more twisting back and forth.
But I'd start with twisting each dial back and forth a few times and then returning to original position, and checking.. Have the speakers/headphones on at the time so you can hear if one of them is getting dirty (you'll hear it when you turn it). +1. http://store.caig.com/s.nl/sc.2/category.188/.fRegards, Bob
Last edited by 90 dB; 05/26/17 01:43 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732 |
Yup, before I gave up my last mixer if I had a knob that would start to get noisy I sprayed cleaner on it and turn it up and down about 100 times until the noise went away.
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,205
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,205 |
Open your Windows audio settings and check the balance for all your playback settings. Typically you can get to these settings by clicking on the speaker icon in the bottom, right corner of your screen or through control panel.
Jim Fogle - 2024 BiaB (1111) RB (5) Ultra+ PAK DAWs: Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8 Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,543
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,543 |
This is from the website:
A REAL MIXER
Unlike standard computer I/O boxes based on a patch bay concept, the Lexicon Omega Studio is designed and built around the same paradigm as large-format recording consoles. An 8-input, 4-Bus, 2-output USB I/O mixer with inserts, instrument input, MIDI I/O and complete metering and monitoring functions gives you the freedom to record up to 4 tracks at once and mix without the need for additional mixing hardware.
This is what we're talking about. Play with the mixer and check the levels and balance. If that's ok then open up Cubase or whatever DAW you're using and check that balance as well.
Bob Yup exactly. When you installed the software, it's very possible the mixer/control panel also installed but you didn't notice it because if it's like mine, it didn't create a desktop icon. Look in the start menu and check for a folder named for the interface or something very similar. Open it and look to see if there's an executable in there. That's where my control panel was hiding. You can create a desktop icon from there.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,165
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,165 |
The problem with that approach is that the interface puts bias on the headphone output, which will be passed on (in reverse) to the recording if I try to "fix" it. I understand that you are saying only the headphone output is out of balance with the left side being more dominate? correct. So, if you compensate the headphone imbalance by adjusting the mic/line LR balance, then the recorded balance (which is correct and only becomes imbalanced by you manually adjusting the pan knobs)? If the above is true, that indicates the problem is isolated to the headphone circuitry. There is likely an internal bias adjustment that would take any TV/CB type repair shop longer to get access taking the case apart than to repair. Likely cost if that's all they find wrong will be their minimum bench charge. Certainly cheaper than replacement cost. Just speculation on my part taken from the information listed here on the forum post but I'd suggest getting an electronics technician to look at it before disposing of it. Charlie
BIAB Ultra Pak+ 2024:RB 2024, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 824
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 824 |
Have you tried cleaning the headphone output jack?
Chris
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 48
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 48 |
Many replies here. Many, many thanks. I really appreciate it. When you installed the software, it's very possible the mixer/control panel also installed but you didn't notice it because if it's like mine, it didn't create a desktop icon.
Look in the start menu and check for a folder named for the interface or something very similar. Open it and look to see if there's an executable in there. That's where my control panel was hiding. You can create a desktop icon from there.
Interesting idea, but it didn't work in this case. I could only find two folders: one contains executables to uninstall and reinstall, the other contains two DLL files. I don't think this interface has any kind of software based control panel. Open your Windows audio settings and check the balance for all your playback settings. Typically you can get to these settings by clicking on the speaker icon in the bottom, right corner of your screen or through control panel. That doesn't help either. I don't have the problem when using the internal sound card, I just have it when I use the USB interface. First and easiest test to clean them is to twist it back and forth a bunch. Just spin it left/right a bunch, then reset.
If 'dirty' is heard or noticed a spray cleaner may be in order, along with some more twisting back and forth.
But I'd start with twisting each dial back and forth a few times and then returning to original position, and checking.. Have the speakers/headphones on at the time so you can hear if one of them is getting dirty (you'll hear it when you turn it). Yup, before I gave up my last mixer if I had a knob that would start to get noisy I sprayed cleaner on it and turn it up and down about 100 times until the noise went away. That makes sense and sounds like the best lead. I will have to go out and see if I can find that spray cleaner, and give it a try. I'm just unsure about it because the knobs won't come off and they don't look like they will allow any liquid to get into their shaft wells easily enough. But I will try. Have you tried cleaning the headphone output jack? No, I haven't, and I've never heard about that. How does one clean an output jack? Is there some particularly appropriate brush or swab for that kind of job? (...) If the above is true, that indicates the problem is isolated to the headphone circuitry. There is likely an internal bias adjustment that would take any TV/CB type repair shop longer to get access taking the case apart than to repair. Likely cost if that's all they find wrong will be their minimum bench charge. Certainly cheaper than replacement cost. I hope you're wrong, but you could be right. I will try the cleaning first before I resort to... uh... surgery.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
Try cleaning the pots without the cleaner first. Dry. Rotate each pot 100X's from left to right, sometimes pots are “sealed” and won't benefit from lube, but rotation will spread the internal lube around the pot. For the 1/8 jack, just plug the plug in and out of the jack multiple times. Lube will work here: spray some lube on the plug and work it in and out of the jack. Deoxit is the best I've found: https://www.amazon.com/D5S-6-DeoxIT-Spray-Contact-Cleaner/dp/B071DZVYSCRegards, Bob
Last edited by 90 dB; 05/28/17 11:40 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,165
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,165 |
Isopropyl Alcohol 90% will also work to clean post and jacks. Foam tipped swabs are preferred over cotton tipped Q-tip swabs.
Charlie
BIAB Ultra Pak+ 2024:RB 2024, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Video - Band-in-a-Box® DAW Plugin Version 6 for Mac®: New Features for Reaper
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® - Update Today!
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® Video - Over 50 New Features and Enhancements!
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® Video - DAW Plugin Version 6 New Features
The Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® Free Bonus PAK!
Along with the 50+ new features added with Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac®, we've also released an awesome collection of new Add-ons! On top of the 222 new RealTracks (+50 bonus RealTracks), we've also released new MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, "Songs with Vocals" Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 3, Playable RealDrums Set 2, and two new sets of "RealDrums Stems."
Order Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac during our special (which ends July 31st) and you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK that includes a lot of these new Add-ons:
- MIDI Styles Set 88: "Look Ma! More MIDI 11: SynthMaster"
- Instrumental Studies Set 20: New Orleans Piano
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 40: More SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 43: Rock & Pop Keys
- Artist Performance Set 15: Songs with Vocals volume 5
- Playable RealTracks Set 3
- Playable RealDrums Set 2
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles, with audio demos
- RealCombos 2024 Booster PAK:
*For Pro customers, this includes 35 new RealTracks and 58 new RealStyles.
*For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 45 new RealStyles.
*For UltraPAK customers, this includes 28 new RealStyles.
- RealDrums Stems Set 6: More Pop, Rock & Country
Want even more new Add-ons? Boost your Free Bonus PAK to a 2024 49-PAK for just $49 and add even more new Add-ons to your collection:
- 50 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks & RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 89: "Look Ma! More MIDI 12: Funk, Jazz & Blues Keys"
- Instrumental Studies Set 21: '80s Hard Rock Guitar
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 41: Jazz Comping & Soloing Piano
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 42: Soul & New Orleans Keys
- Artist Performance Set 16: Songs with Vocals volume 6
- RealDrums Stems Set 5: Jazz, Latin, Funk & World
Listen to Demos of the Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK: https://youtu.be/ZezLjinyb-4
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® Video - Boot Camp: Working with the Newest Features!
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® Videos: One-Stop Shopping!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums65
Topics82,382
Posts743,942
Members38,761
| |
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean