Audio buzzing issue with Framemeister - HALP!

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C Sauce
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Audio buzzing issue with Framemeister - HALP!

Post by C Sauce »

So I've been recording a Sega Saturn game through my Framemeister's RGB port which is hooked up to an HDMI splitter that splits the connection to my TV and to my Game Capture HD 60. Recently I've been getting a constant high pitched buzzing noise throughout the recording (mostly notable in silent scenes). It didn't do that before.

You can hear the noise on the TV, but only if you turn the speaker volume way up, but in the recording software you can hear it at normal listening volume (so it got amplified by something). I've tested out my NES and Sega Saturn (2 different SCART cables), and I've replaced the SCART converter cable, yet the noise is still there. When I connect my PS3/PS4 into the Framemeister via the HDMI port, however, I DONT get any audio noise. Swapping HDMI cables and using different splitter ports didn't fix the problem either.

The only thing I can think of is that the RGB connection on my Framemeister got damaged somehow, which means I would have to buy ANOTHER Framemeister. Does anyone know what the problem might be and how to fix it so I don't have to replace my Framemeister (which might not even solve the issue)?

Thanks!
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Ziggy
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Re: Audio buzzing issue with Framemeister - HALP!

Post by Ziggy »

C Sauce wrote:So I've been recording a Sega Saturn game through my Framemeister's RGB port which is hooked up to an HDMI splitter that splits the connection to my TV and to my Game Capture HD 60. Recently I've been getting a constant high pitched buzzing noise throughout the recording (mostly notable in silent scenes). It didn't do that before.


Could be the splitter. Have you tried hooking the XRGB directly up to the HD60, then output the HD60 directly to your TV? Take the splitter out of the chain, and see if that helps.

Could also be bad RGB cables for your Saturn. The PS3/4 doesn't have any audio interference, but it's a pure digital signal all the way. The Saturn outputs an analog signal, and the cable you're using most likely has audio and video inside the one cable and not shielded from each other. You can try hunting for another cable, or look into how you can "break out" the audio, if you're handy with that sort of thing.
C Sauce
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Re: Audio buzzing issue with Framemeister - HALP!

Post by C Sauce »

I've hooked it up directly to the HD60 and I still get a buzzing noise. Also, both my NES and Saturn RGB cables never had buzzing issues for months, so it would be strange if both cables just decided to get damaged at the same time.

Are the chances higher that it's the cables, or is the RGB In on the Framemeister being damaged a legitimate possibility?
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Ziggy
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Re: Audio buzzing issue with Framemeister - HALP!

Post by Ziggy »

I wouldn't say the cables got damaged, just that they were never good to begin with. Try playing any game that has a mostly white screen. Does the buzzing noticeably increase on white screens?

The RGB in on the Framemeister is a mini-DIN port, which can get weak after repeated plugging/unplugging. It's not the most durable type of socket. You can try adjusting the plug on the input while you hear the buzzing and see if anything changes. Try pressing and holding it in firmly, or gently rocking it left/right or up/down.

You can try plugging in an analog source to the front S-Video/Composite input and see if you get the same type of buzzing through there. This wouldn't rule out the cable, per se, but if you get the same type of buzzing it'll at least show you that the problem isn't limited to the RGB input.
C Sauce
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Re: Audio buzzing issue with Framemeister - HALP!

Post by C Sauce »

I've tried composite cables and get zero buzzing or hissing.
C Sauce
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Re: Audio buzzing issue with Framemeister - HALP!

Post by C Sauce »

Also, I've fiddled with the mini-DIN cable while I heard the buzzing to see if there was some angle or something that made it stop, but no such luck =/
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Ziggy
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Re: Audio buzzing issue with Framemeister - HALP!

Post by Ziggy »

I've had a few people tell me that they've developed problems with the RGB input. The video will turn all funky colors because one of the RGB signals isn't there, and they have to adjust the plug. I've noticed this starting to happen on my own Framemeister, it's inevitable when you're constantly plugging/unplugging such a connector. It really noticeable when it happens to one of the RGB lines, but the same exact thing can happen to the audio L or R line.

I know you said you tried jiggling the cable around and that didn't seem to help, but this could still be the problem. You could try testing each pin on the cable for continuity to see if there's any problems there. Or, it could be the mini-DIN input on the XRGB. The socket for one of the audio pins could be damaged, or maybe one of the solder pads on the PCB popped. It's not too hard to test for. If the input IS the problem, it's not impossible to fix, but you need to be handy with a soldering iron.
C Sauce
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Re: Audio buzzing issue with Framemeister - HALP!

Post by C Sauce »

Ah, I'm not able to solder :(
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KalessinDB
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Re: Audio buzzing issue with Framemeister - HALP!

Post by KalessinDB »

This now kinda makes me want to get a mini din switch. They're selling for like $15 shipped on eBay for a 4 port. One port for the mini din to scart cable, one for the straight thru to NES, maybe one for 2600 if I ever do that.

Cheap and a good way to protect my framemeister.
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C Sauce
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Re: Audio buzzing issue with Framemeister - HALP!

Post by C Sauce »

I'm confused, what does the mini-din switch do/how does it help my problem? Haven't heard of these before
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