MPC 500 emits White Noise

Reviews and questions about the entry-level MPC500
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MPC 500 emits White Noise

By thebluntrappa Wed Jul 25, 2012 8:18 am
I got the MPC 500 about a month ago (my first mpc) and i have just stated to make beats and record them into audacity, at first it worked ok but now there is static that starts as soon as the mpc is turned on. This static is emitted from both the headphone jack and the main outputs. It is faint but noticeable on the mpc but when recording into audacity it is very loud. At first I though it was a cord problem but due to the fact I can hear it through my nice headphones I believe it to be a problem with my mpc. I've seen similar post on the forum but they are rather old and do not contain answers. I also thought this was rather odd due to the reveiws of the 500 saying the sound was very clear. :hmmm:

Also I read about the back light being an issue, my problem still exists with the back light off (there is a difference but its not that big)
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Re: MPC 500 emits White Noise

By Ill-Green Thu Jul 26, 2012 5:16 am
Are you using batteries or the AC adaptor? If its batteries then there is your problem because low or even half-juiced batteries can make the 500 sound wonky.

But if its powered by AC then the problem is definitely internal. You might wanna try to open it up and and spray some Contact. One dude resoldered the wires and it was working like new again.
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Re: MPC 500 emits White Noise

By Ill-Green Thu Jul 26, 2012 8:15 am
Some things that can cause white noise in magnetic recording devices (like mics, guitars, etc):
- Fluorescent lights, keep in mind LCD monitors that don't use LED back-lights have fluorescent lights in them.
- Tubes, can be picture tubes, power tubes, any kind of electronic tube that isn't shielded generates a lot of white noise.
- Nearby CB/HAM radio operators, if this is the case though cranking the volume up will reveal a voice.
- Refrigerators, need a good 20ft or so from these to be far enough that a mic wont pick up the noise.

There are some steps you can take to minimize the in-coming noise.
- Put all of your equipment on a common ground line. Just run an insulated wire to all your metal equipment, scrape off a little paint so it makes direct contact with the metal surfaces. Can solder it, screw it, glue it, or tape it down, as long as it stays connected. If you have any old network/phone cables the wire in those is a good choice. I use alligator clips with my guitar equipment so that it can be broken down easy.
- If possible to open your mics without damaging them, line the inside with aluminum foil tape, make sure the foil is as smoothly pressed against the casing as possible. You can find foil tape at most hardware stores for around the same price as duct tape.
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