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I'm new to setting up gear and I'm trying to figure out how to set up my board to my computer so I can record 8 tracks into pro tools, then play back from pro tools and mix on my board.

Heres what I did. I have a mic line going into the board, then the direct outs going into my Delta 1010's input, and that going to my PC. I'm recording just fine. Then I put the direct outs of the Delta 1010 to the 25-32 track inputs of the board so I can mix on the board afterwards.

The problem is, when I hooked up the outputs of the delta 1010 to inputs of 25-32, I'm getting a constant hum in every channel. Whats the best way to record into pro tools from a 24-48 channel board and have my mix play back through 25-48 or just through the speakers.

Heres my gear:

Eurodesk MX9000
Delta 1010 x1 (I plan on getting one or two more once i figure out the problem)
A PC I built running pro tools m powered 8.
A pair of Alesis M1 active speakers.

Also I want to run the sound too the speakers from the board. Should this be going out of the main mix outs or the main balanced outs?

Here are some pictures of whats going on.
Samson Audio - Servo 200

Samson Audio - Servo 200

picture 3 shows the levels on the meter bridge, they are constantly at those levels.

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Comments

RemyRAD Sat, 07/23/2011 - 05:35

And you see, the problem is operator error, overall. The pictures don't work for me either. Now let's talk about, um, hum. Your problem is a ground loop problem. At least that's part of the problem. It points out an important problem, proper grounding procedures. This can be a rough topic as simple fixes can create shock hazards. A general audio rule of thumb is to ground at the source but not necessarily on the receiving side. This can be applicable to both balanced & unbalanced connectivity. Many computer devices cause this problem due to their directly coupled switching power supplies. There is no isolation with these types. You really need to get yourself an AC voltmeter. And you needed to prove that the power differential between all chassis of every piece of equipment is never more than a few volts. If you're looking at 50 to 110, you're looking death in the face. And believe me you wouldn't be the first to die that way. Of course, you are not using a digital mixer. You seem to be indicating you want to use the analog mixer as your control room centerpiece. That's perfectly fine. It should also be your master ground point. Although I have found it nearly impossible to completely eliminate some ground loop issues with all consumer laptop/desktop computer systems. So in certain situations, you might take the chance but you shouldn't do so without the AC voltmeter to verify any possible risk. Guys die when they are holding their guitar strings with their hands and their lips touch the metal ball on the microphone. And it's hello Jimmy John George Janus and Jimmy. Elvis is not dead. He's Michael Jackson.

Shocking stories are a blast of high energy
Mx. Remy Ann David