A Designs HR500 Hum

[Mixing Suite]

Originally Posted by JimK

I have an HR500 rack with 2 Helios 500 EQ-Pre's in it. The right (b) slot produces an awful hum whenever I turn the low frew EQ switch on. I flip flopped the 2 EQs and whatever one is in this B slot has this same HUM.

I got this rig from VK and was wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to clear this up? They have been helpful but I am wondering if this problem is inherent in this rack unit?

The HELIOS barely fit (they are tight) and I am thinking that some component might be connecting to some metal inside the rack.

Thanks in advance,
Jim

The opening's for the modules are tight on the HR500 making it a pain in the ass installing certain modules.

Placing certain modules directly beside a PSU can result in some unwanted noise, usually a hum or buzzing sound due to inadequate shielding.

[Brad Lunde]

Originally Posted by JimK

I have an HR500 rack with 2 Helios 500 EQ-Pre's in it. The right (b) slot produces an awful hum whenever I turn the low frew EQ switch on. I flip flopped the 2 EQs and whatever one is in this B slot has this same HUM.

I got this rig from VK and was wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to clear this up? They have been helpful but I am wondering if this problem is inherent in this rack unit?

The HELIOS barely fit (they are tight) and I am thinking that some component might be connecting to some metal inside the rack.

Thanks in advance,
Jim

It is not inherent. Maybe give A Designs a call? Peter is very responsive.

Brad

[TAVD]

Loosen the nut securing the power transformer and rotate it until the noise goes away, then re-tighten. Yes, they all do it. Inductors in the EQ's are especially prone to noise that you won't hear otherwise.

[Brad Lunde]

Originally Posted by TAVD

Loosen the nut securing the power transformer and rotate it until the noise goes away, then re-tighten. Yes, they all do it. Inductors in the EQ's are especially prone to noise that you won't hear otherwise.

While Tom is totally right that rotating the transformer can works for this, from the factory perspective, we'd prefer folks not open units and start experimenting, especially since AC is very near by. You'd be surprised what we have seen back at the factory from some well meaning person trying to follow a recommended fix. I just had a Tube Tech Mastering Multiband get damaged in shipment, but the owner tried to fix it and destroyed all the switches. Cost $800 to repair! Freight costs are so low within the US, its always best to let the factory repair if they can, warranty service centers if they can't.
Brad

[Jonathan@FPA]

Originally Posted by Brad Lunde

While Tom is totally right that rotating the transformer can works for this, from the factory perspective, we'd prefer folks not open units and start experimenting, especially since AC is very near by. You'd be surprised what we have seen back at the factory from some well meaning person trying to follow a recommended fix. I just had a Tube Tech Mastering Multiband get damaged in shipment, but the owner tried to fix it and destroyed all the switches. Cost $800 to repair! Freight costs are so low within the US, its always best to let the factory repair if they can, warranty service centers if they can't.
Brad

Brad is right to suggest you send it back to A Designs. I am sure that Peter [and Brad] will want you to be a happy customer. We have found the 500HR to be well designed, with a good PS, and have experienced no issues with it at all. You might want to take care with mounting any piece of gear with a PS near your modules [or anyone's as some PS can radiate a bit, especially another piece above or below it]. We currently use the 5000HR to demo our 500 series modules, which I feel says a lot. It's a good piece. Our modules strictly conform to the VPR spec and fit in it without issue. We also shield our stuff well... Good luck and happy tracking!

Best-
Jonathan

[JimK]

Hi,

Peter Montessi contacted me and walked me thru the procedure over the phone. I got the HUM to be very quiet (but still there) making the unit useable for me (tracking mostly guitars and bass).

I was very impressed by the customer service offered here and would highly recommend doing business with this organization.

Thanks everybody and yes, the turning of the transformer was the ticket.

Jim

[Keith Sylvester]

I have the same issue with my Fivefish pres. I have an X-72 and an X-12. The 72 is far worse (bigger x-former?) and the right slot is the worst of the two. I still have it in the left but it's less obvious. I like tracking vox with the 72 but the hum/buzz makes it impossible. Will the trasfo rotation fix this issue? Would love to hear more on exactly how to do it - I'm fairly handy with opening up a box and fixing stuff...

[Temp Love]

Originally Posted by JimK

Hi,

Peter Montessi contacted me and walked me thru the procedure over the phone. (SNIP)
I was very impressed by the customer service offered here and would highly recommend doing business with this organization.

Ain't no better.

[pan60]

I have no noise issues at all, I wonder how the well the Helios is shielded? I have not had one in as of yet my just be a fluke?
But, not everything it seems is engineered to always play with everything else?

Originally Posted by Temp Love

Ain't no better.

Ditto!
Thats what I love about A-Designs and other companies in this industry. Aside from amazing quality and sound, service! Service me as much and most often more then anything to me. Who care how something sounds if there is no service.