INTERACT FORUM

More => Old Versions => JRiver Media Center 19 for Windows => Topic started by: Stream_HD on March 30, 2014, 01:07:37 pm

Title: Crackling noise in Test Tone in DSP Settings
Post by: Stream_HD on March 30, 2014, 01:07:37 pm

I am trying to calibrate my new 7.1 system with the DSP settings, using the test tone and it has a loud crackling within the noise tone generator.  I do not hear any crackling when playing music or movies, only during the test.

The only things I am adding is a 10DB volume raise on the master output and a channel order.  Even if I disable these two features it does it.

Using Dirac Live output to exasound e28.  I do not remember having this issue when I was using my 5.2 setup for so long.  I simply added to rear speakers, copied my 5.2 zone and modified it for the additional 2 speakers (channel order).

Even if I test my 5.2 setup which has always worked it crackles when doing test tones now.  I am on version 19.0.117.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Title: Re: Crackling noise in Test Tone in DSP Settings
Post by: Stream_HD on March 30, 2014, 01:32:23 pm

It's almost as if it's some type of distortion because when I raise the gain in JRiver it gets worse, but if I turn JRiver gain down, and then crank up the DAC volume control it's not there.

Title: Re: Crackling noise in Test Tone in DSP Settings
Post by: mwillems on March 30, 2014, 01:47:45 pm

Quote from: Stream_HD on March 30, 2014, 01:32:23 pm

It's almost as if it's some type of distortion because when I raise the gain in JRiver it gets worse, but if I turn JRiver gain down, and then crank up the DAC volume control it's not there.

It sounds like you're driving JRiver's output into clipping. How are you adding the 10dB of boost to the master output? In PEQ?  Or somewhere else?  How are you offsetting the 10dB of boost on the master output? Most digital audio is mastered to peak at 0dBFS.  That means if you add 10 dB of boost to all channels without offsetting it somewhere you're almost guaranteed to get clipping.  

But JRiver normally deals with clipping by turning down the volume temporarily so it doesn't clip (that's what clip protection does).  If clip protection doesn't apply to the test tones for some reason that may be why you don't hear it with program material (because JRiver is quietly turning it down when it would otherwise clip).  

Regardless, I'd suggest checking that you haven't disabled clip protection, and then make sure that you haven't added any boost without offsetting it.

Title: Re: Crackling noise in Test Tone in DSP Settings
Post by: Stream_HD on March 30, 2014, 04:35:47 pm

It looks like I really was clipping.  I just noticed the peaking percentage which is directly underneath the clipping protection enabled.

Sounds like I need to turn up the gains on my speakers and DAC's and reduce the gains I have in JRiver to balance out the whole system.

Thanks

Title: Re: Crackling noise in Test Tone in DSP Settings
Post by: magnust on March 31, 2014, 04:59:30 am

I still think the idea that the DSP button (the one that turns blue if you output bit perfect) should blink red when clipping or when clipping prevention happens. So I'm just in here nagging about me wanting it  ;D  It would make it obvious for all users if accidentally ending up in that situation. Everyone understands the meaning of a red thing blinking in sync with sound peaks. And then to get to the bottom of why it's blinking..... you should actually click on it. Perfect IMHO  ;D

Title: Re: Crackling noise in Test Tone in DSP Settings
Post by: Stream_HD on March 31, 2014, 08:36:50 am

I agree some type of a more obvious "your clipping" system would be great ;D.