R3 Problems -- Used unit with noise/hiss, left channel only

[Metsik]

I just purchased a used R3 from Guitar Center (thankfully bought a warranty too) and am having some issues setting it up. Namely the audio doesn't work in Windows.

My setup:
My audio interface is a Presonus Firebox. I am running two 1/4" cables from the L/R output channels on the R3 to the front two input jacks on my Firebox. For MIDI input I have a USB cable running from the R3 to my PC.

My host:
Ableton recognizes the R3.

MIDI Ports/Input setup as:
R3 1 MIDI IN,
R3 1 KBD/KNOB,
Both set up with Track, Sync, and Remote switched ON.

Control Surface is set to NONE,
Input to R3 1 MIDI IN,
Output is R3 1 SOUND.

In addition Ableton is picking up tempo sync from the R3 (when I turn the knob the BPM changes accordingly).

Now the problem: AUDIO.

I'm not getting any in Ableton. In fact, the only way I even hear anything from the synth is prior to Windows bootup. The problem with that is the sound only arrives from my left speaker (KRK RoKit 5), and is noisy with lots of hiss. No right channel output from my speaker at all. Then once the Windows XP loading screen finishes, sound cuts out and I'm back to square one.

I've installed the latest R3 editor, restored factory presets, and updated to the newest Korg USB MIDI drivers. Still, no sound in Windows.

What do you guys think? Should I return the unit and buy a new one? Do I need a new audio interface with better preamps?

Any help would be greatly appreciated -- thank you.

[Metsik]

UPDATE: Ableton now reads the audio data via a return track, but there is a lot of noise (hum and hiss). Sigh, time to search the forums.

[X-Trade]

What I can tell you, is any issue you have with getting audio into your computer is with your audio interface and DAW and has nothing to do with the R3.

There is no 'compatibility' with audio connections - it is just an analog signal like a guitar or anything else, going to the inputs on your interface.

The USB only provides a 'virtual' MIDI connection for controlling and editing, but some have noticed HF interference from the USB connections.

[Metsik]

Got it -- the synth seems to be working fine now as far as getting audio and MIDI going.

Now the problem seems to be a noisy signal. Would switching from USB to MIDI cables help? My Firebox audio interface doesn't have MIDI in so I'd have to look into a replacement.

I've also tried lowering the signal input gain and increasing the master volume on the R3 which has done away with a good deal of the noise, but if I run a compressor on the signal you can still hear it.

[X-Trade]

Have you tried first just unplugging the USB and just playing the R3's keys to record/listen an audio track?


That would determine if the noise is from the USB.