Audible Ticking at rate of bidrectional polling from multibox

S

subsynth

Active Member
I have a rjm multibox as the primary midi hub of my setup.

In/Out with Fractal FM3 and the 7 pin bidirectional MIDI to RJM GT16 (and power)
I have a few other midi devices using the TRS out and the standard MIDI thru goes to even more devices.

Everything works fine, but I've tried to incoprorate a midi controlled loop switcher and there is an audible tick, which is amplified when a loop is engaged.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f_KMju9ttXymQA1EGxQcuYwWjOnMP1am

it matches the flashing blue light on the multibox at the polling rate.

I've tried two different midi controlled switchers with the same results. I have tried different midi cables, using independent power supplies, etc. There is no remedy.

Is there anything else I can try? The only solution I've seen elsewhere is to use a midi merger that filters out active sensing from the midi messages but I was hoping for space, power and financial reasons to not have to buy another piece of kit. Is there a different jumper set up I could potentially try with the multibox? Anything else?
 
I tried a Disaster Area DPC Micro and a pedalnetics FXLooper.

I have no issues when using a one control minimal looper (without midi)
 
Can you check the jumper settings inside the Multibox and let me know how they're positioned?

When MIDI clock or data results in clicks or ticks in the audio path, that's usually a result of a piece of audio gear picking up those messages and not an issue with the device sending that data.

By the way, the video you linked is coming up as 0 bytes.
 
Last edited:
The only jumpers I've changed from default were for the TRS Jacks.

The ticking is only present when the GT16 is connected via 7 pin.
 
Please let me know how you have everything connected to the Multibox.
 
IN/Out to Fractal FM3
7 pin to GT 16 bidrectional MIDI and power
one TRS jack set to TYPE A to FXLooper.
Have also tried using the 5 pin MIDI Thru for the same connection to the looper.
Another TRS jack is confiugred for Chase bliss and connects to a pedal there as well.
 
Thanks for the suggestion.
No change. I was able to source a midi merger that filters out "Active sensing" or polling data, I'm going to see if that will alleviate the problem.

Are there any concerns leaving the JP11 grounded? or should I switch it back?
 
Regarding JP11, I don't think there are any concerns leaving it as is, but if all the other DIN jumpers are in default positions, then it might be easier going forward knowing that even JP11 is in its default position.
 
This always ends up being an issue with the MIDI signal leaking out somewhere. You could stop the messages from being sent, but I find it's better to actually solve the noise issue, to avoid future problems.

What kind of MIDI cables are you using, exactly? There are more than a few cables out there that are not properly shielded, especially the flat kind.

FYI, you can turn off Poll State in the Devices settings for the FM3. That will reduce a lot of the periodic communication between the FM3 and GT, at the expense of some synchronization - changing presets, scenes, etc. directly on the FM3 won't cause changes on the GT.
 
rjmmusic said:
This always ends up being an issue with the MIDI signal leaking out somewhere. You could stop the messages from being sent, but I find it's better to actually solve the noise issue, to avoid future problems.

What kind of MIDI cables are you using, exactly? There are more than a few cables out there that are not properly shielded, especially the flat kind.

FYI, you can turn off Poll State in the Devices settings for the FM3. That will reduce a lot of the periodic communication between the FM3 and GT, at the expense of some synchronization - changing presets, scenes, etc. directly on the FM3 won't cause changes on the GT.
Click to expand...
I have tried multiple midi cables, I have tried not having anything else plugged into the multibox but the controller and the midi conrolled loop switcher. The tick is present whenever the RJM GT16 is connected and the blue light is flashing.

I will try messing with the poll state. I typically do everything from the controller.... But I need to know what effects blocks are on / off and keep all of that in sync so I will see how it works with it off..
 
Regarding MIDI cables... If there is continuity from Pin #2 to Pin #2 on both ends that is a good sign that the MIDI cable (at least) has the necessary ground connection from one end to another. The only way to confirm that the cable is actually shielded, is to open up both DIN plugs (if they are metal) and confirm the Pin #2 connections are done with the shield/drain wire. If the MIDI cables have molded plastic ends then that's not possible.

I would also recommend you reach out to the manufacturers of the loopers because it's possible that there's a grounding issue with their gear. Maybe they are already aware of it and have a fix in place that they can recommend.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top