Hey guys, I e-mailed Korg about my situation but it's been a few days and I haven't recieved a reply yet. I'll begin by mentioning my equipment...
Focusrite 18i20 Interface
Planet Waves Unbalanced 1/4 15' instrument cables
Yorkville Balanced 10' instrument cables
Link Audio 1/4 Stereo to 2 1/4 Mono cables
Mogami XLR Microphone cables
Korg EMX-1 (Tubes Bypassed)
I'm recording each drum and synth part individually for EQ purposes. I use the midi trigger on my daw to have all parts in sequence for easier mixing. Ideally, I'd have 4 outputs to record at once due to the 3/4 and L and R outputs, to which I pan hard left and right. When recording I set each drum and synth part to record at -18db. The output on the EMX-1 is set to full with master and tube volume in order to have a better SNR. If i crank the preamp pots too high then you know what happens. The problem is a faint buzz in each individual track- whether the master volume and tube gain is down on the emx-1 or not. As it is faint it's no big deal- 14 tracks of it though is a whole other story. It basically takes over the whole mix like a a silent but deadly fart. FYI, the inputs on the focusrite are balanced.
After several attempts of trouble shooting the results are as follows:
Planet Waves Unbalanced- Buzz on all outputs including headphone
Yorkville Balanced- Buzz on all outputs EXCEPT HEADPHONE
Link Audio 1/4 Stereo to 2 1/4 Mono- depends on how it's set up. Stereo input on any emx-1 outputs with monos going into the interface have buzz. Having the stereo going into the focusrite with the monos going into the emx-1 no buzz. However, both of the mono inputs need to be plugged into the emx-1 otherwise there is a buzz
I have used DI boxes that I rented with the unbalanced cables to no avail. This I used with Mogami microphone cables for my outs.
I feel it's also important to mention that this buzz was there even before I modded the circuit board to bypass tubes. I did this hoping it would fix it, but it didn't- however, it did clean up the sound and get rid of the hissing which makes it worth it!!! Also, the focusrite can handle unbalanced ins because when I use a direct line with my guitar then there is no buzz...
Conclusion so far...
I could use a balanced cable out of my headphone jack and use the stereo to mono cable for 3/4 outs but that only allows me to record 2 tracks at once and puts a damper on my productivity. I would really, really love to do the 4 inputs at once as I have so many more vocal and guitar tracks to work with and time is worth so much! I've got to get out of the basement once in a while- so I've been told.
I have a few possible solutions which may or may not work, and I'd love to hear your guys' input, (no pun intended), on this issue as well.
Is it possible that instead of using balanced and unbalanced instrument cables I use mono or stereo cables? The Link audio works and is a stereo to 2 mono and that's what's got me thinking about it.
Are modding my balanced cables to make pseudo- balanced cables worth it? Could it make my situation even worse?
Could I have a ground loop and the DI boxes I rented were busted hence there was no difference in signal?
The power supply I'm using is not the same one that came with the unit. I've had the EMX-1 since 2005 and the supply broke 2 years ago. This one is nearly identical but not from Korg and a different brand... could this be affecting the unit in a negative way?
Lastly, i modded my powerbar to take out the ground and electrocuted and ended up electrocuting myself- don't ask. Needless to say it didn't work.
Thanks in advance you guys, I really appreciate any and all suggestions you may have for me!!!!!!!!!!!
EMX-1 Cables (Buzz in Recordings)
Moderators: Sharp, X-Trade, Pepperpotty, karmathanever
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holdencoughfield
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2015 7:45 pm
- Location: Ontario
I see you discovered why you should never defeat the AC grounding on any device. People have died.
As to your questions, first there is no real difference between a "stereo cable" and a "balanced cable" except that a cheap stereo cable may be made of non twisted pairs, which is important for balanced signals. There is rarely ever any difference between "mono cable" and "instrument cable". As always you want to use the highest quality you can afford. Also you might make sure your not plugged into an AC circuit with noisy devices on it like fluorescent and even some LED lights.
Yes it might be of some benefit to make "Psuedo balanced" cables, I'll assume since you mentioned it you know how to construct them.
Are you recording into a laptop? Sometimes you can get better results running on battery than plugged in though this usually isn't an issue with external audio interfaces.
Yes your replacement EMX PSU could be a cheap noisy piece of crap.
When you used the direct box did it have a ground lift switch? Did you try it in both positions?
Do you have the focusrite interface set for line and not instrument?
You could try a balancing transformer for line level instead of a direct box, which drops the output to mic level forcing you to apply gain at your interface.
You could record hotter than -18, but if the noise is in the signal you will just amplify it.
Also if the noise in already in the signal, no transformer or special cable will remove it.
I'd look at the replacement power adaptor first myself.
Happy hunting!
As to your questions, first there is no real difference between a "stereo cable" and a "balanced cable" except that a cheap stereo cable may be made of non twisted pairs, which is important for balanced signals. There is rarely ever any difference between "mono cable" and "instrument cable". As always you want to use the highest quality you can afford. Also you might make sure your not plugged into an AC circuit with noisy devices on it like fluorescent and even some LED lights.
Yes it might be of some benefit to make "Psuedo balanced" cables, I'll assume since you mentioned it you know how to construct them.
Are you recording into a laptop? Sometimes you can get better results running on battery than plugged in though this usually isn't an issue with external audio interfaces.
Yes your replacement EMX PSU could be a cheap noisy piece of crap.
When you used the direct box did it have a ground lift switch? Did you try it in both positions?
Do you have the focusrite interface set for line and not instrument?
You could try a balancing transformer for line level instead of a direct box, which drops the output to mic level forcing you to apply gain at your interface.
You could record hotter than -18, but if the noise is in the signal you will just amplify it.
Also if the noise in already in the signal, no transformer or special cable will remove it.
I'd look at the replacement power adaptor first myself.
Happy hunting!
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holdencoughfield
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2015 7:45 pm
- Location: Ontario
Thanks for the reply, sigma! Yes, I've learned my lesson albeit as painful as it was. Thankfully not worse.
The interface and emx are both plugged into two seperate powerbars as I have many other items plugged in ie. my guitar amp (fender quad reverb), voodoo lab power supply for pedals, laptop, monitor speakers (yamaha hs8), keyboard (microkorg), and off the top of my head i can't remember. It doesn't matter if everything is plugged in or not, and if my laptop has the power supply plugged in either, I still get the buzz.
Yes, the DI's did have ground switches and neither the ground lift nor regular positioning worked.
When the line level is set on the interface, it basically just works like the preamp in that the signal is raised- a little too high in my opinion as the snr becomes a little out of wack. Either way, the buzz still persists.
I'll try the balancing transformer however it doesn't matter how low the preamp is on the interface, when this faint buzz is recorded and then layered it comes out in the mix later. no matter how quiet it is recorded.
I don't think the noise is in the signal because I could get it to record without the buzz if I used the balanced cable in headphone jack or the Stereo to 2 mono in any of the outputs.
I'll try the adapter suggestion first. Perhaps I'll bring all my equipment to the local music shop and try a variety of things there. I keep renting, buying, and taking their suggestions on things only to have to go back because it doesn't work.
I'll begin with the adapter- I know they have a used EMX SD there that's on display. Will the power supply be different than that of my EMX SM which I have? I'll follow this up with the balancing transformer. If they have an isolated ground plug then I will try that on the Power supply of the EMX. Lastly, I'll make the pseudo balanced cables and see if that has any effect had all my trials failed.
I'll let you know what the result is either tonight or tomorrow! Thanks once again.
The interface and emx are both plugged into two seperate powerbars as I have many other items plugged in ie. my guitar amp (fender quad reverb), voodoo lab power supply for pedals, laptop, monitor speakers (yamaha hs8), keyboard (microkorg), and off the top of my head i can't remember. It doesn't matter if everything is plugged in or not, and if my laptop has the power supply plugged in either, I still get the buzz.
Yes, the DI's did have ground switches and neither the ground lift nor regular positioning worked.
When the line level is set on the interface, it basically just works like the preamp in that the signal is raised- a little too high in my opinion as the snr becomes a little out of wack. Either way, the buzz still persists.
I'll try the balancing transformer however it doesn't matter how low the preamp is on the interface, when this faint buzz is recorded and then layered it comes out in the mix later. no matter how quiet it is recorded.
I don't think the noise is in the signal because I could get it to record without the buzz if I used the balanced cable in headphone jack or the Stereo to 2 mono in any of the outputs.
I'll try the adapter suggestion first. Perhaps I'll bring all my equipment to the local music shop and try a variety of things there. I keep renting, buying, and taking their suggestions on things only to have to go back because it doesn't work.
I'll begin with the adapter- I know they have a used EMX SD there that's on display. Will the power supply be different than that of my EMX SM which I have? I'll follow this up with the balancing transformer. If they have an isolated ground plug then I will try that on the Power supply of the EMX. Lastly, I'll make the pseudo balanced cables and see if that has any effect had all my trials failed.
I'll let you know what the result is either tonight or tomorrow! Thanks once again.
The Smart media version used a 4 pin connector that kind of looks like a midi plug if I recall Correclty, and is 9V AC. The SD version uses a 12VDC Barrel Connector, So no they are not compatible.Which makes me wonder where you found a non original power supply for the SM version, Are you sure the voltages are correct on the correct pins?
Also could you try just the EMX and the laptop plugged into the same power strip? Even other devices that are "OFF" Could be putting noise on the line. It's a long shot, but it is free to try...
Also could you try just the EMX and the laptop plugged into the same power strip? Even other devices that are "OFF" Could be putting noise on the line. It's a long shot, but it is free to try...
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holdencoughfield
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2015 7:45 pm
- Location: Ontario
So I just got back from the shop. I realized there that the PSU's were different, haha.
(Just so you know, I've tried with only the EMX-1 and the interface plugged into the same powerbar, and using only the EMX-1 in one input with the interface into a completely seperate input with no success either).
I couldn't use the balanced transformer because they didn't have one. They also didn't have have a ground lift plug or a power supply for the EMX-1. So all I could do is try different cables and do the same tests that I applied at home. The results are as follows...
EMX-1 SD at shop
Unbalanced cables on any outputs results in a buzz.
Balanced cables on any outputs have NO BUZZ.
From this I can only assume that the ground on my EMX unit is screwed up. Whether that be where the output transformer is/ where the PSU input is, or the PSU is screwed up. I can't remember if the original supply had a ground pin in it or not but the one I received as a replacement doesn't. It is an
ALESIS Model No: ACO9-25D
Input: 120 VAC 60Hz 35W
Output: 9VAC 20VA
Hopefully the problem only goes so far as to just being the power supply as I don't feel like spending the money on a new EMX unit. Let alone, having to reprogram everything on it as well... They couldn't figure out which power supply the EMX-1 originally had so I couldn't order it. Could you tell me which one you may have at home?
(Just so you know, I've tried with only the EMX-1 and the interface plugged into the same powerbar, and using only the EMX-1 in one input with the interface into a completely seperate input with no success either).
I couldn't use the balanced transformer because they didn't have one. They also didn't have have a ground lift plug or a power supply for the EMX-1. So all I could do is try different cables and do the same tests that I applied at home. The results are as follows...
EMX-1 SD at shop
Unbalanced cables on any outputs results in a buzz.
Balanced cables on any outputs have NO BUZZ.
From this I can only assume that the ground on my EMX unit is screwed up. Whether that be where the output transformer is/ where the PSU input is, or the PSU is screwed up. I can't remember if the original supply had a ground pin in it or not but the one I received as a replacement doesn't. It is an
ALESIS Model No: ACO9-25D
Input: 120 VAC 60Hz 35W
Output: 9VAC 20VA
Hopefully the problem only goes so far as to just being the power supply as I don't feel like spending the money on a new EMX unit. Let alone, having to reprogram everything on it as well... They couldn't figure out which power supply the EMX-1 originally had so I couldn't order it. Could you tell me which one you may have at home?
You're lucky you didn't fry yourself and/or your gear! 
Grounding is very important for many reasons, most buzzing/hiss/noise comes from bad or no grounding. Some older homes don't even have grounded sockets except for the kitchen/washing area. I think that's a lawful requirement in those rooms. But I have experienced the weirdest problems in these old homes.
In my previous house I used to get shocks from my laptop, only when I used the socket in the kitchen I didn't got shocks. None of the grounded sockets in the other rooms were actually grounded. I ended up running a extension cable from the kitchen. Another option is to get an electrician to fix the grounding. But that will cost much more than an extension cable. Specially if you need an extra grounding pin
Nowadays whenever experience weird behavior from equipment I check if it needs grounding and if yes, if it actually has grounding.
Grounding is very important for many reasons, most buzzing/hiss/noise comes from bad or no grounding. Some older homes don't even have grounded sockets except for the kitchen/washing area. I think that's a lawful requirement in those rooms. But I have experienced the weirdest problems in these old homes.
In my previous house I used to get shocks from my laptop, only when I used the socket in the kitchen I didn't got shocks. None of the grounded sockets in the other rooms were actually grounded. I ended up running a extension cable from the kitchen. Another option is to get an electrician to fix the grounding. But that will cost much more than an extension cable. Specially if you need an extra grounding pin
Nowadays whenever experience weird behavior from equipment I check if it needs grounding and if yes, if it actually has grounding.
I sent this to Apple several months ago. Still no reply!
Waiting by the fax machine for an answer.Dear Apple Computer, Inc.
Hope you can help me with a problem on one of your computers.
I have a secondhand first-generation Bondi Blue iMac which I use to play old computer games. But I have a problem - it keeps crashing.
I removed the power supply and installed one from a CB radio rig that belonged to my uncle. I also bypassed the CRT display and connected the video card's output to a Sony projection TV I found on the side of the road.
Full disclosure, I plugged the power supply into a soviet-era petrol-operated emergency generator because I like to play Doom in a flooded out bomb shelter to increase the experience's verisimilitude.
So do you think I need to reinstall the system software? If so, can I get a replacement CD-ROM or Zip disc? The gypsy from whom I bought the Mac did not have the system software handy.
Any help is appreciated.
Sincerely,
-A Disappointed Customer
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holdencoughfield
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2015 7:45 pm
- Location: Ontario
Here's the reply I received from Korg today...
"Double checked and this adaptor is no longer available for sale with no replacements. My apologies, but we can’t source this from Korg anymore."
So for anyone with an EMX-1 SmartMedia card version, you'll never be able to get a proper power supply from Korg again.
All Long and McQuades in Canada only have the SD version so I won't be able to try and see if one with a proper power supply has the same problem.
That being said, I'd like to ask if anyone is using an alternate PSU for the unit and what models are they? Also, is there a schematic someone knows about to build it from scratch? If I didn't throw out the old one I may be able to fix it but there's a slim chance it's still kicking around...
Also- I might make another thread for this- but does anyone have an original EMX-1 Smart Media PSU they could sell me? I'll pay big money!!;)
"Double checked and this adaptor is no longer available for sale with no replacements. My apologies, but we can’t source this from Korg anymore."
So for anyone with an EMX-1 SmartMedia card version, you'll never be able to get a proper power supply from Korg again.
All Long and McQuades in Canada only have the SD version so I won't be able to try and see if one with a proper power supply has the same problem.
That being said, I'd like to ask if anyone is using an alternate PSU for the unit and what models are they? Also, is there a schematic someone knows about to build it from scratch? If I didn't throw out the old one I may be able to fix it but there's a slim chance it's still kicking around...
Also- I might make another thread for this- but does anyone have an original EMX-1 Smart Media PSU they could sell me? I'll pay big money!!;)
There's no reason this would't work. Same specs, same connector. There's no magic in the Korg branded ones. Just advanced age and use.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HQRP-Power-Supp ... 5b0894ffe1
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HQRP-Power-Supp ... 5b0894ffe1
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holdencoughfield
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2015 7:45 pm
- Location: Ontario
I'm not kidding you, I already sent a message to this guy right after posting here to see what he can do about same day shipping! At least I know I'm on the right track! Thank you very much for your response:) I guess as soon as I receive it I will be able to make a conclusive update. Thank you everyone for your support!!!
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holdencoughfield
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2015 7:45 pm
- Location: Ontario
Update:
I purchased an original Korg power supply on ebay for the purpose of completely eliminating the possibility that the problem stemmed from the wrong PSU. Unfortunately it made no difference. There goes $90 and I'm back to the drawing board...
I thought that maybe the mod to bypass the tubes might have been acting up or something and I had a look under the hood again. I was getting this buzz before I did the mod but just to be absolutely sure I checked to see the wiring was stable and made deeper grooves for the lines on the board. Still, to no avail.
So, I started to toy around with the various cables as it was already open. I also looked at the board which displays the LED lights and what not. I turned it on at this point to monitor and see if anything I might do would make a difference. Big mistake! All of a sudden all lights went dim except the back light but with no text. After a few minutes of freaking out over the fact all data was deleted, I looked online to find it was only a blown fuse. I don't have the time to sit around and wait any longer to order a new one so I found the mod to fix it and fortunately everything was back to normal. Except the buzz. Buzz still there.
My last point of action was to make a pseudo balanced cable however I'm absolutely positive I did it wrong and wasted a cable. Nevertheless, buzz is still there. Will try and find a pre-made cable and try this again.
I'm running out of options now. I know that this problem can be fixed as I witnessed at my local music shop the buzz is non existent on the SD model. If anyone has any other suggestion then please, please share. I'm desperate!
I purchased an original Korg power supply on ebay for the purpose of completely eliminating the possibility that the problem stemmed from the wrong PSU. Unfortunately it made no difference. There goes $90 and I'm back to the drawing board...
I thought that maybe the mod to bypass the tubes might have been acting up or something and I had a look under the hood again. I was getting this buzz before I did the mod but just to be absolutely sure I checked to see the wiring was stable and made deeper grooves for the lines on the board. Still, to no avail.
So, I started to toy around with the various cables as it was already open. I also looked at the board which displays the LED lights and what not. I turned it on at this point to monitor and see if anything I might do would make a difference. Big mistake! All of a sudden all lights went dim except the back light but with no text. After a few minutes of freaking out over the fact all data was deleted, I looked online to find it was only a blown fuse. I don't have the time to sit around and wait any longer to order a new one so I found the mod to fix it and fortunately everything was back to normal. Except the buzz. Buzz still there.
My last point of action was to make a pseudo balanced cable however I'm absolutely positive I did it wrong and wasted a cable. Nevertheless, buzz is still there. Will try and find a pre-made cable and try this again.
I'm running out of options now. I know that this problem can be fixed as I witnessed at my local music shop the buzz is non existent on the SD model. If anyone has any other suggestion then please, please share. I'm desperate!
I'm sorry for your useless buying (and i have to say that an original emx-1 smartmledia supply should be priced 10-40$ not much, it's only a transformer and a switch ! any electrical people know how to fix/replace it) 
You have to know that EMX-1 Smartmedia and SD have totally different power supply.
Smartmedia deliver AC current 9V~ with no earth pin on it.
SD deliver Continue Current 12V=
I did not read your entire post, maybe try to ground the EMX with a ground cable to the focuswrite (screw the cable to the rear of EMX) and try with both un-balanced and balanced cable.
PS : where did you get the tubes bypass mod ?
You have to know that EMX-1 Smartmedia and SD have totally different power supply.
Smartmedia deliver AC current 9V~ with no earth pin on it.
SD deliver Continue Current 12V=
I did not read your entire post, maybe try to ground the EMX with a ground cable to the focuswrite (screw the cable to the rear of EMX) and try with both un-balanced and balanced cable.
PS : where did you get the tubes bypass mod ?
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holdencoughfield
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2015 7:45 pm
- Location: Ontario
I know the PSUs for the SM and SD are different as I've done a side by side comparison between the two. It being a desperate act to get a quick fix I purchased the power supply on ebay from someone who was selling it for 30 USD. Shipping was also 30 USD and then there were custom charges as well to which the conversion to CAN brought the price up to the 90 that I paid for. I get that I was ripped off but this being really important to me, I am willing to get a fix no matter what the cost!
The tube bypass mod link is this one over here- http://midierror.blogspot.ca/2014/09/by ... d-emx.html
I think I'm going to buy the SD card model from the shop as I've witnessed that it doesn't experience this issue that I'm having. If I do so, can I get my songs as they are transferred to the SD model by using a Smartmedia to XD card converter, then an XD to SD card adapter to the computer, and then load the songs from the computer to an SD card? From the various links I've found on ebay all of these should cost about 40 CAN together.
I'd like to be able to do the tube bypass mod on the EMX-1 SD as well. I'm almost positive this buzz was there prior to doing the mod, but I suppose I may be wrong and I would find out only after performing the mod. Before I do though, does anyone know if you can buy the circuit board separately from Korg or any other sources?
The tube bypass mod link is this one over here- http://midierror.blogspot.ca/2014/09/by ... d-emx.html
I think I'm going to buy the SD card model from the shop as I've witnessed that it doesn't experience this issue that I'm having. If I do so, can I get my songs as they are transferred to the SD model by using a Smartmedia to XD card converter, then an XD to SD card adapter to the computer, and then load the songs from the computer to an SD card? From the various links I've found on ebay all of these should cost about 40 CAN together.
I'd like to be able to do the tube bypass mod on the EMX-1 SD as well. I'm almost positive this buzz was there prior to doing the mod, but I suppose I may be wrong and I would find out only after performing the mod. Before I do though, does anyone know if you can buy the circuit board separately from Korg or any other sources?