Hi everyone
I apologize in advance if this is something really obvious, but I am new to the motif rack and have been tearing my hair out over this problem......
I am using an EWI5000 connected to the Rack XS over midi. The sound from the main outputs is just as I expect it to be. However, the headphone socket output is, well, odd. It sounds almost as if it is getting its signal only from the effects - lots of chorus/reverb and very sluggish response to any note changes from the EWI. The main output is crisp, responsive and has the right amount of reverb etc.
The rack is brand new, has been loaded with Patchman soundbanks but I have not messed around with any other settings.
Help.... please!
Regards
Richard

RP3110 - 18 January 2020 12:41 PM

Hi everyone

Welcome to the forum.

 

RP3110 -

I apologize in advance if this is something really obvious, but I am new to the motif rack and have been tearing my hair out over this problem......
I am using an EWI5000 connected to the Rack XS over midi. The sound from the main outputs is just as I expect it to be. However, the headphone socket output is, well, odd. It sounds almost as if it is getting its signal only from the effects - lots of chorus/reverb and very sluggish response to any note changes from the EWI. The main output is crisp, responsive and has the right amount of reverb etc.

Most users wouldn’t consider what you’ve described to be of obvious nature.

This problem is typically caused by a missing ground/common connection. When that happens, both sides of the headphones are connected in series across the two “hot” leads of the L/R headphone outputs. That results in only difference signals between the two channels being reproduced in the phones, due to phase cancellation - any signal in common to L/R disappears, leaving mostly ambient sound. Effects such as panning, phasing, delaying, etc., result in different signals in the two channels, and are therefore what’s most prominent when the common connection is lost. This can also cause the attack part of the sound to be mostly lost, making it seem that response to note-on is delayed.

 

RP3110 -

The rack is brand new, has been loaded with Patchman soundbanks but I have not messed around with any other settings.

The PHONES output is taken from the main outputs, but goes through an additional amplification stage, and through internal cables and connectors to reach the front panel jack. New or not, there could be a connection problem - sometimes it’s as simple as a connector not fully making contact, or perhaps a bad solder joint.

The first thing to do is verify that the headphones themselves are OK by connecting them to other gear. Sometimes a poor connection can be caused when an adapter used to convert from a 1/8"(3.5mm) to 1/4"(6.35mm) plug fails. If possible, try another pair of headphones, preferably one with a 1/4” plug (not requiring an adapter).

If you’re certain that there’s no issue with the headphones (or adapter, if used), since the Rack XS is new, it should probably be exchanged for another one.

Thank you very much for this: I will borrow some headphones with a proper 1/4 jack. I am using a pair with a screw on adaptor (Sennheiser HD360 Pro) and they work fine in other 1/4 inch sockets e.g. on my X32 mixer.
For the moment I have put a work around in place, which may actually become a permanent arrangement. When I first got the rack motif, I thought I would be able to use the “assignable outputs” to feed an in ear monitor system. However, reading the FAQs on the Yamaha website I now realise that it is not possible to have a voice go to both main and assignable outputs. The solution is to use an old 1U rack mounted mixer to split the main out signal. That mixer has a headphone socket (which works with my headphones), plus multiple stereo outs which I can use to send audio to my FOH mixer and to my in ears.
I will update when I have tried the 1/4 ‘phones.
Best wishes
Richard

I’ve now tested various combinations of headphones and adapters. All work with other equipment, but only some work with the rack. I guess that means some kind of issue with the headphone socket. I’ll take it back to the store and try it there - will ask for a swap if the fault can’t be replicated on another rack. Thank you again for your help.
Best wishes
Richard