828 MKII Static and Cracking Noises

[10AK]

My 828mkII has been making a static/crackling noise for quite some time. The mic levels light up in the display of the unit when the noise happens, and I have turned the mic levels down to prevent the noise from coming through on my monitors. However, I cannot plug a mic into the mic ins and record with them because the static/crackling noise writes itself onto audio tracks as I record. I have been on the phone with tech support, reset the unit, tested the cables, etc. Short of sending the unit in and buying the replacement (which I cannot currently afford), I was hoping someone here had the same problem and managed to fix it. I appreciate any help offered. Thank you.

[mikehalloran]

You have nothing to lose: Open the unit, remove and reseat any connectors you find - this restores a clean electrical path. Sounds like a bad shield allowing cross-track audio bleed. A bad cable can also cause this.

It could be a problem in your setup where you actually have feedback writing itself to tracks - usually occurs when headphones are up too loud or someone is using open-backed phones for monitoring.

[gribit]

10AK... I've got the same problem on Input 2... nothing connected, volume all the way down... the meter (of cha 2) act as if a signal is going inside the 828 (but it's just the Static and Crakcing noise... that I can record if 5 I start Logic to rec with Input 2. And if I do a stereo recording the noise will be just in the R channel!)...

Shall we "remove and reseat any connectors we find"?

Mikehalloran... I hope this could be easy to do! ...any other advice?

Thanks. (forgive my english)

[Frenghiz]

Same problem here. Mic channel two gives me a random crackle.. even with nothing attached and volume all the way down.

I have no idea how to reset this machine.. or any parts of it

[wvmusic]

My 828mkII is having random bursts of what sounds like white noise with nothing connected to the unit but the power cord and headphones. The SPDIF IN L meter jumps as well as the MAIN OUT L&R. I did a Factory Reset and the problem persists. I guess I'll try opening it up and reseating any connections. Has anyone else had any success with this procedure? Thanks!

[kgechols]

I have this same exact problem. Did anybody ever find a real cause and solution.

Thanks,
- Kyle

[vspiegel]

Having the same problem with 828MKII on channel one of Main Outs. Is anyone going to open 'er up and have a look see? If that works, I'll try it.

[frankcesco]

Same problem, strange signals from mic 2.. I haven't tried yet to open the audio card

[KarlSutton]

I've got similar issues - for $100 MOTU will send you a reconditioned one in exchange for your current one with a 30 day warranty I think.

[vspiegel]

I've got similar issues - for $100 MOTU will send you a reconditioned one in exchange for your current one with a 30 day warranty I think.

Do you know who I would speak to regarding this in Australia?

victor

[KarlSutton]

I don't know Victor, my guess would be the MOTU folks here in the states - they're located in Boston, MA.

[bob4u]

It's well known that MOTU 828 MKII have defective MIC/GUITAR inputs causing very annoying and unpredictable noises,
even with sensitivity TRIM set to minimum.
To proof it just *disable* completely MIC/GUITAR inputs and see if noises disappear.
The cause is in two potentiometers with defective terminals (not the usual wiper problem of pots).
They are IMPOSSIBLE to find in the market.
In this tutorial I will explain how to build compatible potentiometer, even on the mechanical point of view, and fit the problem spending only about 10 $ !!

https://youtu.be/LAkbV3UdqAg

Please be aware that all these modifications will obviously VOID THE MANUFACTURER's WARRANTY !

Enjoy!

[mikehalloran]

It's well known that MOTU 828 MKII have defective MIC/GUITAR inputs causing very annoying and unpredictable noises,
even with sensitivity TRIM set to minimum.
To proof it just *disable* completely MIC/GUITAR inputs and see if noises disappear.
The cause is in two potentiometers with defective terminals (not the usual wiper problem of pots).
They are IMPOSSIBLE to find in the market.
In this tutorial I will explain how to build compatible potentiometer, even on the mechanical point of view, and fit the problem spending only about 10 $ !!

https://youtu.be/LAkbV3UdqAg

Please be aware that all these modifications will obviously VOID THE MANUFACTURER's WARRANTY !

Enjoy!

"VOID...".

Nice tutorial. Is that yours or did you find it?


Frankly, my days of doing those kind of hardware hacks are behind me and, knock on wood, mine doesn't crackle. It's nice to know that, if/when mine does, that the recycling bin is not the only path for it.