Banana Synth Woes

[ChrisW]

It's the first time I've had my banana type modular synths out properly - Modcan, Serge, Fenix etc....
They're just producing a tone of their own. It's pitched at the same frequency on every synths output.

-It's got to be a grounding issue.-

I've got them all powered from the same source. I've got a grounding cable rigged (banana plug to psu and rack housing) which used to work perfectly in London.
I'm just scratching my head now.
I've tried isolating the Fenix modular from everything else.
If I patch a raw oscillator straight to an output it works perfectly. No second tone, and I can change pitch frequency as you should.
As soon as I patch it to a filter, then a VCA it all goes haywire again.
It's more or less the same with all my banana modulars.
I just broke out a traditional mono synth and it's fine, normal.

So is there something about Australian power I'm not understanding? Or should I be doing something with these modulars different to how I worked with them in London?

[Thirteen]

That does sound like a grounding issue, better do some detective work with a multimeter I think.

[ChrisW]

I wouldn't know how to use a multi-meter if my life depended on it.
In truth I'm suffering by using a home office as a temporary studio.

I managed to get one of the synths going by patching in some cables I knew I wasn't going to use, but I keep coming across instances where I patch in a cable I do need and the hum/drop in level returns.

I was just hoping there was an obvious or quick remedy, so I could get this project finished.

Anyway, I'm muddling through for now.

[Thirteen]

Are all of the modules in the same chassis? If not, get some wire and ground each of the chassis together so that they have a common earth.

[ChrisW]

I'll try that.
I have two racks.
My London grounding rig has connections on both, so it should do as you say, but it's not working so well.
I'll make sure it's doing what you say.
I've got things for you to fix by the way - if you're up for it?

[NYMo]

Hi there,

Chris...that modular sounds pretty tasty...Serge and Fenix...you been holding
out on us ??

Photo would be great ;-)

Cheers
N
Y
M
O

[ChrisW]

Not holding out - - no one asked.
Just one Serge panel, plus the Fenix, and two racks of Modcan.
Just about all my gear has been in storage for nearly 5 years.
It's amazing that it still works now I'm slowly turning everything on.


Both our cameras are broken though. I was thinking of buying a new one tomorrow actually.

[amnesia]

I use to own 5 Serge Panels, a lovely modular , actually its the King of ANALOG modulars!

The Buchla 200e is the King of future modulars :-) I love mine

DO check out my Serge , EMS and Buchle vids here :-) http://www.youtube.com/user/cray56

ALso I am loving the iPAD :-)