Some white noise being generated while pressing keys

Freak MicroFreak
#1

Getting the common questions out of the way first:

  • The only things plugged in are the provided power adapter and headphones in the headphone jack, so it’s not a USB issue
  • It’s on the latest firmware (5.0.0.2084)
  • I’ve already Googled the question, but other threads either deal with exclusively line output, have constant noise instead of only when playing, or are unanswered

Steps to reproduce:

  1. Turn on MicroFreak with only the provided power adapter and headphones plugged in
  2. Start a new patch
  3. Set the master volume to max
  4. Set the preset volume to max
  5. Set the cutoff as low as possible
  6. Play a note. White noise is generated and can be heard through the headphones, and stops when the note is released

I’ve discovered a couple other things. The volume of the noise seems to follow the envelope parameters (E.g. longer attack makes the noise gradually come in). It also happens when a note is triggered with external MIDI input instead of the keybed. Are all MicroFreaks like this or is it only a problem with mine? Does the MiniFreak behave similarly?

#2

I don’t notice any problems like that on mine.

Are you starting from an init patch with the BasicWaves oscillator type selected?
Do you hear the expected tone along with noise, or just noise?
When you turn the Cutoff knob, does the filter affect the sound of the noise you hear?

Have you tried re-installing the firmware?
Is this a new MicroFreak that has done this since you got it, or if not, when did this problem start?

#3

I tried doing the firmware re-install after reading your reply, but the noise is still there. This is a MicroFreak I bought new and it’s been doing this since I got it.

Yes, I’m starting from an init patch with BasicWaves selected, but the exact oscillator type doesn’t matter since it happens with all of them.

I do hear the expected tone along with the noise. The main reason I put “Set the cutoff as low as possible” in the reproduction steps was to make sure the normal oscillator noise is as quiet as possible so someone could hear the noise I’m referring to. As far as I can tell, changing the cutoff or resonance doesn’t affect the noise. The only things I’ve found that affect the volume of the noise are the master volume, the preset volume, and the envelope’s attack, delay, and sustain parameters.

#4

There’s definitely something not right with it, so I’d exchange it for another one if you can, or contact Arturia support.

1 Like
#5

I am not an electrical engineer but that sounds like something faulty in the AMP stage. If possible, I would exchange it or speak to Arturia.

#6

HI @avistome and welcome to The Sound Explorers Forum!!

It does sound like something is not as it should be with your unit.
Depending on how old the unit is, if it’s still under warranty, depending on the consumer legislation in your part of The World; you may be able to get a refund or replacement from the vendor.
Failing that, definitely log in to your account to contact The Arturia support team to see if they can assist.

HTH!