Quantum HD8 strange crackle noise on startup

[coro]

hey all (and @Trucky since I know you own the HD8)

Do you also hear a crackling noise when switching on the HD8?

This an audio recording of the noise which always sounded strange to me and not "healthy".
Weird thing is that if I keep switching the unit off and on the crackling disappears. And if I wait 4-5 seconds and start the unit on again it does reappear.
I'm investigating with tech support and I'd love to double check with other owners

Any word from you is super appreciated

HD8 On Crackle-1760281974-6502341.mkv

drive.google.com

 

[tester_5000]

Hello,

I own an HD2 and the same thing happens with my interface, exactly as described.

As a side note: When I turn on the interface, the following error always appears in the Win11 event log:
"Event 3, PaeQuantumUSB - Audio Controller initialization failed.”

However, everything works perfectly.

 

[coro]

that's interesting
I don't get any error tho (Win 11 too)
Thanks for sharing

 

[brmichael]

I own a HD8, but there is no crackle noise.

However, I get the error message in the event log. When I switch my HD8 on before starting the computer, the message's timestamp is the time I started the computer. When I start the computer with the HD8 off and switch on the HD8 later, the message's timestamp is the time I switched on the HD8.

@coro What's the firmware version of your HD8? The latest version is 2.23. It comes with Universal Control version 4.7.0.106978 (Windows).

 

[coro]

I own a HD8, but there is no crackle noise.

However, I get the error message in the event log. When I switch my HD8 on before starting the computer, the message's timestamp is the time I started the computer. When I start the computer with the HD8 off and switch on the HD8 later, the message's timestamp is the time I switched on the HD8.

@coro What's the firmware version of your HD8? The latest version is 2.23. It comes with Universal Control version 4.7.0.106978 (Windows).

latest for both Michael

 

[IndigoBeatz]

Same here. it's like the startup sound for this unit i guess

 

[brmichael]

@coro Ok, then there is no newer firmware that might help.

The sound is very strange. Hard to believe that the interface produces this kind of sounds by itself.

I assume that your interface was connected as an ASIO device when you recorded the crackling. If so, I suggest checking all inputs including the loopback inputs of your interface.

 

[coro]

@coro Ok, then there is no newer firmware that might help.

The sound is very strange. Hard to believe that the interface produces this kind of sounds by itself.

I assume that your interface was connected as an ASIO device when you recorded the crackling. If so, I suggest checking all inputs including the loopback inputs of your interface.

I find the same... also because, as you've heard on the video, it's inconsistent (but also consistent)

Right yesterday night I thougt about trying a new extender which I will soon

 

[Blademan]

I have the HD 2 and have both the sound upon switching the device on and the error in the system.log. I never thought anything about the sound. I think it is just the electronics starting up. I always turn on the audio interface before the speakers. For the error in the system log I created a ticket and this was the response of support:

"Not to worry about that message, if its not affecting the HD2 in any way then it is likely just a "delay" when the device and computer boot up. The driver might be ready before the Quantum HD2 and gives an error, its nothing to worry about."

 

[brmichael]

For the error in the system log I created a ticket and this was the response of support:

"Not to worry about that message, if its not affecting the HD2 in any way then it is likely just a "delay" when the device and computer boot up. The driver might be ready before the Quantum HD2 and gives an error, its nothing to worry about."

Sometimes I start up my computer with my HD8 already on. Sometimes the HD8 is off during computer startup and I switch it on later. I get the error in the system log in both cases. But this doesn't affect operation of my HD8, it always works fine.

 

[Restrayned Studios]

Good morning, I recently purchased the HD8 and upon turning it on for the first time, also heard the weird crackling noise when powering on. My first impression is it sparking inside the unit and shouldn't be making that sound. As noted above, I also can turn it on and off quickly and the sounds disappears, but waiting 3-4 seconds brings it back. Might be a capacitor charging up, but I do not get confident vibes when powering this unit on. I will be exchanging the unit for another through Sweetwater so I will keep this post up do date.

 

[SwitchBack]

To me that sounds like a relay or two switching. Just for the fun of it try very slowly inserting a jack plug into a front input. does that trigger the clicking sound? Or it can be a soft switch power relay. Just thinking aloud here

NB. Not a great idea to switch gear on and off repeatedly. Residual charges can clash with inrush currents to create voltages exceeding component specs. Just so you're warned.

 

[Restrayned Studios]

Good morning, I recently purchased the HD8 and upon turning it on for the first time, also heard the weird crackling noise when powering on. My first impression is it sparking inside the unit and shouldn't be making that sound. As noted above, I also can turn it on and off quickly and the sounds disappears, but waiting 3-4 seconds brings it back. Might be a capacitor charging up, but I do not get confident vibes when powering this unit on. I will be exchanging the unit for another through Sweetwater so I will keep this post up do date.

Just as an update, Sweetwater sent me another unit, kudos to Sweetwater, those employees are on the ball! Just got the new HD8 plugged in and again same sounds coming from powering up the unit. I'm hoping this is a "normal" sound when powering up, as it is different than the relay click I hear. It's the scratchy/electrical zap sound, followed by a relay click and then the unit lights up. Going to open a ticket with Presonus to see what they have to say about it.