MegaDrum - noise signal.

[i-nep]

I've just got a brand new module, so I'm a bit dummy here. I was using Yamaha dtexpress before, and this behavior looks new to me. Could someone help me with the direction at least?

So the issue is: I've connected the only one pad to the module and it started to generate noise MIDI signals. I tried to use a different cable -- manufactured or made by myself, different pads -- Yamaha PCY100, Roland 15CYR, Yamaha TP70S, different input, even if the cable is not connected to anything, result is the same. However if I trigger the pad, I see this signal and it's much higher then thale noise sign.
Here is a screenshot what I see in the MegaDrumManager.


Can some threshold setting help here? If yes what exactly? Is there any global setting for that or should be set for every input?

Thanks.

[dmitri]

The MIDI Log shows Notes 46 and 26 triggering but the pad's settings you show are with Notes 53 and 51. Show settings of the pad with Notes 26 and 46.

[Kabonfaiba]

This behaviour is normal, if you plug a jack in without any pad attached it will just be an antenna for noise, so you must plug in a pad, or nothing at all. But either case, the self triggering must be stopped before you can proceed with any meaningful calibration.

Nobody really says this; but Megadrum Manager must not be used in state that is flooding the USB bus with information. You get all sorts of problems; SysEx errors, unable to save, send or get calibration updates.

It's much better if you identify which input is causing the issue, unplug it, lower gain to 0, raise the threshold to 80 or so, and start again.

[i-nep]

Dmitri, the settings for the snare input (notes #37 and #38) and generated noise is in the attachment.

Kabonfaiba, No difference what input I use, and also not connected pad is not an issue here (as i tried connected and disconnected pad). If I connect the second input, I see the new notes which corresponds to the input. By connect I mean just plug the jack into the socket.

What I found out additionally. When the module has only power connected, it works perfectly according to the built-in LCD display - no noise, but the pads trigger the signal as expected. But when I connect to my mac and launch MegaDrumManager or any other midi software (Addictive drums, built-in Midi Configurator), it starts flooding. On Win machine module starts flooding right after I connect to the USB. Perhaps it depends on when the OS tries to initialize the MIDI device.

Also I tried to change the gain (set to 2) and threshold (set to 70) on the specific pad in different combinations, finally the noise disappeared, but the pad has become very insensitive.

[Kabonfaiba]

Kabonfaiba, No difference what input I use, and also not connected pad is not an issue here (as i tried connected and disconnected pad). If I connect the second input, I see the new notes which corresponds to the input. By connect I mean just plug the jack into the socket.

What I found out additionally. When the module has only power connected, it works perfectly according to the built-in LCD display - no noise, but the pads trigger the signal as expected. But when I connect to my mac and launch MegaDrumManager or any other midi software (Addictive drums, built-in Midi Configurator), it starts flooding. On Win machine module starts flooding right after I connect to the USB. Perhaps it depends on when the OS tries to initialize the MIDI device.

Also I tried to change the gain (set to 2) and threshold (set to 70) on the specific pad in different combinations, finally the noise disappeared, but the pad has become very insensitive.

Understood, it seems you have a pretty severe case of abhoritant noise being tranmitted just by the interaction between your computer(s) and Megadrum. It's not uncommon but it does seem to vary by person / setup. I suspect it's because the power delivery via USB is just too simplistic.

For example, I have the exact same issue as you but I get it in short bursts, not sustained noise:

Capture.PNG

The gain directly affects how much the noise is boosted, so I've worked with the problem, to a point where I only have my rim piezos go spastic every so often.

You should be able to find the balance too if you continue tweaking, you just won't be able to have as sensitive pads.

The secondly solution is to use a MIDI cable, to an audio interface, and run Megadrum from external power. Less elegant, but less problematic with noise, probably. I believe carrying MIDI messages inside +5 volts is the real issue.

[dmitri]

Do I understand it right that:
1. You connect MegaDrum to Mac. No noise.
2. You connect a pad to MegaDrum. Still no noise.
3. You start MDM and you get noise.

Did I understand it right?

[i-nep]

Dmitri, correct.

[dmitri]

Maybe you create a MIDI loop through MegaDrum?

[dmitri]

Sorry, it cannot be a MIDI loop judging by the MIDI Log.
Can you try to connect MegaDrum through a powered USB hub?

[i-nep]

Dmitri, unfortunately I don't have powered USB hub, we'll try to get it to test.