TC helicon Voiceworks noise problem

[cedd]

Hi all

 

I have a TC Helicon Voiceworks in my rig, mainly for my own vocal processing when singing with the band.

 

I have found that in an empty room when the unit is connected (using the mic input, then line out to my desk) I get a high pitch whine, almost like the sound you get from a ground loop when you connect a laptop to a mixer. Just to reassure you though, it only sounds like that and has nothing to do with ground loops, it has been tested unracked, with different mics and with either a mixer or an SRM350 on the output. The noise is present each time.

 

It is not severe enough to stop me using the unit, but its there and in a quiet room can be heard. Certainly wouldn't like to use it on a recording.

 

The question is, is it to do with the DSP used onboard (I.e, does everybody get it?) or is it a fault on my unit? It is still under warranty but don't want to take it back if it's a quirk of the unit.

 

Any help much appreciated.

 

C

[PoppaDom]

If it is a quirk (and still under warrenty) is it a quirk that you are happy to live with? The fact you have isolated it and posted a question here makes me think you are not as happy as you could be with the device. Personally I would take it to the dealer and A/B it with an identical unit to determine whether it is your unit or the model in general, then decide whether you are happy with it. If you are not "goodnight viena"

 

Poppadom

[cedd]

Yeah that sounds pretty reasonable, they ordered the thing in for me so an A/B wouldn't be practical, but certainly if it's that noisy I wouldn't use it on a recording and as that's what she's primarily designed for, there's probably something up with it!

 

Just really interested in if other peole have had similair occurances? If it's a common fault it'll be far easier going back to the vendor (though I know I'm in my rights to either way if the goods are faulty.).

[the doctor]

I had the same problem just as you describe, I have found that tweeking down the many gain controls within the signal path can help, never have the output gain at maximum on the unit, I have it turned about half way to two thirds up this should minimize the problem, then try adjusting the input gain on the mixer, after careful adjustments recordings should be fine, I do not think it is a fault with the unit.