Clouds buzz problem

Eurorack
#1

Hey there,

I’m having a weird issue with my Clouds. Whenever I turn the Blend knob, I get a short buzzing sound from my VCAs.
Here’s a recording of the sound: https://www.dropbox.com/s/avdoc5gcsbghsnx/cloudsbuzz.wav?dl=0
(Never mind the ground noise, that’s a different story…)

I initially reached out for help over at Muffwigglers (https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=161123&highlight=) and someone there pointed out that it might be connected to the LEDs. And this seems to be a good trace. The buzz really appears whenever Clouds’ LEDs are on. I.e. when turning the blend knob, and when playing audio into the module.

I guess my main question is:
What’s the origin of this problem? Clouds? Or is it my VCA (Doepfer A-132-2)?

Thanks in advance!

#2

Which power distribution board and power supply do you use? Which other modules are connected to it?

#3

I’m using the Doepfer A-100 DIY Kit 1 PSU.
Here’s a pic of my setup/modules:

It’s not that much really.
That said, I also tried unpluggin most modules from the PSU, but the buzz still remained. So I highly doubt the PSU is overloaded.

#4

Hmmm… try moving Clouds closer to the power entry point.

#5

Thanks! The power entry point is literally right under Clouds already.

#6

No more ideas?
It really seems to be an issue with the LEDs on the Clouds.
I can’t use the module as long as this issue remains. Surely the manufacturer must have some kind of idea what’s going on here?
Thanks!

#7

I don’t have any idea what’s going on but I highly doubt it’s a defect of the module. Some power supplies and bus board combinations are more prone to induce noise than others.

#8

So, I haven’t been able to solve this problem yet, nor have I found any other people who have it.
As I said, my PSU is the Doepfer DIY Kit #1, not too uncommon, I’d say…

In addition to the original problem, I found something else. A high pitched buzz that is there all the time. It’s gone as soon as I unplug the Clouds from the PSU.
I guess it is the problem that was already mentioned here: http://mutable-instruments.net/forum/discussion/7123/clouds-self-noise-question/p1

Only that in my case the buzz is extremely loud and I can hear it all the time, even when making sound with my modular.

Are you sure that all in all this does not indicate that I have a faulty unit?

I really like the module, no offense, but as it is now I can not use it at all.

#9

Yes I’m sure, faulty units just don’t work. I can’t think of a failure that would result in a buzz.

You can try a refund from the shop from which you bought it.

#10

Hi, I have just had an identical problem to this and it was my PSU not the Clouds. I was using a lower amp rated wall-wart than the one for my PSU without realizing, so everything seemed to work. When I switched in the correct power brick, the buzzing went away.