Technical Bulletin: 664 XLR Inputs with Unbalanced Output Devices
Based on reports from the field and from Sound Devices in-house tests, a high-frequency noise at 80 kHz (visible on the meter but not audible) of roughly 10 dB may occur if the following criteria are met:
- interconnecting equipment with unbalanced outputs to the 664’s balanced XLR inputs,
- the 664 is powered from external DC,
- the 664 has a serial number below KA0813326000.
This noise condition is caused by power-supply-noise coupling into the mixer through the unbalanced connection. This condition does not appear when unbalanced outputs are connected to the 664’s balanced TA3 inputs.
664 mixers with a serial number after KA0813326000 are not susceptible to this condition.
Temporary Remedy:
Several temporary remedies will address this condition, including :
- connect unbalanced outputs to the 664 XLR input through an isolation transformer,
- power the mixer from internal AA power.