Please Help : Blow Problem with Kx Project

jmdassi · Mar 11, 2005, 05:51 AM

Hello Everybody
First sorry for my bad english but I'm french
Just a question :

I use my mini PC on stage with Brainspawn Forte Ensemble software (but it could be Cubase or Reason, that's not the point).

Here is my problem : the output signal has a lot of blow (parasited noise)...

I use Kx drivers with my Sound Blaster Live...

I try some tests and here is my conclusion :

on my sound blaster live there is 3 output mini jack ( front, rears and bass+center)
I use the front output to connect my mini pc to an ampli
Note : all the sound blaster output are stereo

I have buy a mini jack --> XLR male adaptator
When I use it, I have too much blow

If I use another adaptator mini jack --> classic output RCA (one red, one black) and if I just connect one of the two cable (for example red) to the ampli the blow is reduced ... I said reduce and not cancelled...
And this connection is not standard for most of audio mixer.

SO for me it's the fact to pass from stereo signal to mono signals.
Can you give me a solution to optimize quality of my signal or my connections between my Mini pC and another audio source like ampli or studio mixer ???
Thx for your precious help
JM

Toadly_Ossum · Mar 11, 2005, 11:14 AM

Try using the Rear Out jack instead of Front Out. From what i understand the Rear Outputs have a lower signal-to-noise ratio, Something to do with the DACS in the SB cards. In the kX mixer you have to use the "toggle rear<>front" .
http://kxproject.lugosoft.com/rear.php?language=en
here is a better explanation

Toad

Daniel Drummond · Mar 11, 2005, 03:11 PM

You should also keep the volume of the live outputs all the way up and use the amplifier's volume to control output. You could also unconnect all the unecessary kx dsp connections, specially disabling ac97, and use asio outputs in your app.

jmdassi · Mar 12, 2005, 04:39 PM

Hello,
First thx for your help !!!
I will try to use rear output as toad said ... thx for the tips

I will disabled AC97 to minimize the blow but I think i should have some problems if I keep the volume of the live output up because it depends on the mixer.
Sound professionnal prefers to have a low intensity signal that they can amplify on their mixer because if they have to mutch gain from the instrument (here it's my computer), the sound could saturate...
I try this this week and I give you some return !!
Thx again for your help
You're the best !!!!

JM

TravelRec. · Mar 16, 2005, 04:47 AM

Check also the whole audio-system, avoid ground loops (don´t use different power sources on different mains phases) and use short external signal wires. Connect all instruments and amplifiers like a star, with the computer in the middle. Don´t overdrive any input or output (check in DSP with Peakmeters). To get maximum sound performance and resolution, force the maximum signal level as close to 0db as possible. Finally (like said above) mute unused inputs and disconnect analog CD-ROM wires from the soundcard (if there are any).

jmdassi · Mar 16, 2005, 08:51 AM

thx for your help

The signal is better and the blow is minimize using the rear speakers output.
Good job

Thx a lot

See you

TravelRec. · Mar 18, 2005, 08:41 AM

Good to know. Sometimes it also makes a difference to move the card away from noisy sources, like power source, graphic card or the motherboard itself. Try to move the card into another PCI slot, this may give you some additional performance.

jmdassi · Mar 21, 2005, 04:39 AM

Thx TravelRec for your help

But I think it could be difficult to move the sound card.
I use a mini PC and all is optimize to be small.

But thx for the tips

I have done two lives this week and using the rear output was really effective...
I just had to move up the volume on my PC and, on the mixer, just a little blow ...
That's excellent !!!

Thx a lot for your help
See you