Daktronics

SportSound/Audio: Cracking/Crackling/Popping coming from the system.

Potential Symptoms

  • There is a popping / crackling / snapping / hum / buzz sound present on the audio system.

Environment

  • Product: SportSound
  • Component: Microphone / Mixer / Speakers / Amplifier
  • Control System: Audio

Cause

  • Popping / Cracking can be due to a faulted component, or improper connection/configuration.

Resolution

  • Repair/replace/configure faulty component or broken/loose connection.

Diagnostics

  1. Is the cracking and popping present in the headphones when connected to the headphone output of the mixer? This is to check to see if its coming from a particular input of the mixer/rack versus the sound system.  If coming from a particular input, try and use a different input or source to narrow down the problem.
    1. Use the PFL or Solo buttons to listen to individual channels, or undo all to listen to the main out (operation may vary by mixer)
  2. If it seems to be coming from all sources, check the connection with the On/OFF switch. Something could be loose or broken.
  3. The analog side is more prone to noise. If there is noise that is present on the line and the analog line is not properly shorted (pins 2&3) this can cause noise.
  4. If the isolation transformer (TRX1 T-1130) got hit or is damaged that could cause noise. Typically it's in the form of "hums and buzzes".
  5. If there is noise leaking on the analog line inside the control enclosure  from the output of the transformer to each amplifier, that could be a source. Due to the fact we have the isolation transformer it doesn't short pins 2&3 from the output of the transformer to each amplifier.  To check this you would want to unplug the XLR input/output one at a time until you find out where the noise is coming from.
  6. If it is coming from a particular output of an amplifier, you could try and work around it by using a different output, update the firmware, or replace the amplifier.
  7. If the cracking and popping is still present when disconnecting the analog cables on the amplifiers and you know it's not present at the rack, than its coming from the speakers.  You can shut off one amplifier or mute one amplifier at a time using Monitor Panel software to troubleshoot the problem down to a certain area.
  8. Additionally, when using the monitor panel you should be able to see noise on the line and if its above around -20dB it would be audible and a source.

Related Article:

For issues with feedback, see SportSound/Audio: Feedback coming from the system.

KB ID: DD3718035

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