Yamaha DTXpress/DTXplorer/DTXtreme

Hmm, interesting problem. For startes, I'd suggest this test. Try feeding
some MIDI notes to the DTXpressII from an alternate MIDI source, maybe a
keyboard or an external drum pad or some such. See if the "click" goes
away when the data comes from a source other that the computer that is
doing the recording. If the noise does go away, you may have a ground
loop.

In theory, the MIDI spec calls for an Opto-Isolater to be placed  between
the two pieces of MIDI equipment exchanging signals. This is done by
sending current to a small LED encased in opaque plastic with a
light-sensitive transistor. When the LED lights up, the transisitor
conducts and the signal is passed on to the next piece of gear. This is
supposed to eliminate noise between the units. However, the SHEILD of the
MIDI cable (depending on the design of the equipment) may provide a path
to ground for the unit. If this is happeneing in your situation, then the
clicks may be a symptom of a ground loop. Ground loops occur when there
are two paths to ground between two audio sources. Ground loops can do
nasty things to audio signals like induce noise (usually 60hz buzz) or
amplify signals that would otherwise be under the noise floor. There is a
simple fix for this and surprisingly cheap. Look here:

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F002%5F001%5F019%5F008&product%5Fid=270%2D054

This is a ground loop isolator from radio shack (cat#270-054) and it's
pretty decent for testing and/or quick fix of ground loop issues. Of
course, another more expensive path would be to convert the output of the
DTXpressII to Digital and then use the SPDIF input from the soundblaster
to receive the signal. Doing so would require far more $$$ for a device
such as this:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=030307105050066138252065649555/search/g=home/detail/base_id/104847

But it might be a bit much to shell out $2200.00 to solve this problem..
:) Anyway, hopefully this will provide some insight into the problem and
at least on low-cost option to try. Let us know what you discover. :)

Vern

-- 
Vern Graner CNE/CNA/SSE     | "If the network is down, then you're
Senior Systems Engineer     | obviously incompetent so why are we
Texas Information Services  | paying you? Of course, if the network
vern@... www.txis.com  | is up, then we obviously don't need
Cell 507-7851 Desk 328-8947 | you, so why are we paying you?" VLG



okant said:
> This is actually about DTXV2 and also posted to Yamaha_DTX group. I
> don't know if it applies to DTXPress as well, just trying my luck.
>
> I have a problem when connecting my computer to DTXV2, here it is:  The
> goal is to use the sequencer on my computer to send MIDI data to  DTX,
> and record at the same time (as wav file) in my computer. My
> computer's MIDI OUT is connected to DTX's MIDI IN; and DTX's main L+R
> output is connected to computer's LINE IN. While this setup works  fine
> to record successfully, I also hear (and record) an annoying  click for
> each and every MIDI message sent. If I connect DTX's L+R to  my stereo
> instead, I don't hear those clicks. If I reroute my
> stereo's LINE OUT to computer's LINE IN, clicks again.
>
> Strangely, if I also connect DTX's MIDI OUT to computer's MIDI IN the
> clicks seem to dissapear, but this time I get a lot of background
> noise.
>
> Whatever the setup is, DTX headphone output is always crystal clear.
>
> My sound card is Sound Blaster Audigy, and I'm using a joystick to
> MIDI converter cable.
>
> Does anybody have a similar problem? Is there a solution?
>
> Note that if I record (as wav file) any of the DTX internal songs,
> there is no click at all!
>
> Thanks,
> Okan
>
>
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