Crack Ticking Noise/ Microphonics [resolved]

[mrying]

Hi everyone!! 

I just finished building my crack amp. When I plug in my headphones into the crack there is a ticking noise and a bit of microphonics on the right channel of the headphones. It is still there when I turn the volume all the way down, I tried to unplug the Rca interconnects and when no source is connected.

Not sure what is causing this?

Thanks a lot!!

 

[Strikkflypilot]

Did voltage and resistance tests check out?

 

[Grainger49]

The proper way to assess noise with no input is to short the inputs.  Either use a shorting plug as Doc describes here:

http://bottlehead.com/smf/index.php?topic=586.0

. . . or use jumpers on each channel.  Those would go from the center conductor to the ground tab.  This eliminates all outside influences.

 

[mrying]

yes the Voltage and Resistance test has been done. Everything seems fine. Weird because after a good hour or so the ticking and micro phonics were gone. I am guessing the tubes warm up and the sound went away. The background was pitch black after the hour. I will test it out again tonight and see if the tubes have to warm up first?

Thanks guys for the replies! 

 

[Paul Birkeland]

there is a ticking noise

This is often your cell phone interfering.

-PB

 

[adydula]

I had my crack near my wireless router and heard lots of clicking and strange noises.....moved it a few feet away and the clicking goes away....lots of external things can induce nosie
into the crack.....

Alex

 

[mrying]

Thanks guys, I do think it is the cellphone and wifi signal. My router is literally right beside the amp!!

Thanks for the input!!

Ying