Audio Feedback/60 Cycle Hum Help?

    Hey guys, to record my Kemper I am running it into my Steinberg audio interface via analogue cables (which is the worst choice I know) but my interface doesn't have support for XLR or SPDIF so it was the only option. I actually have two issues, the first is that the headphone audio when the headphones are plugged into the interface (and not the kemper) is noticeably worse (tone is worse + quieter),but immediately sounds better/normal when the headphones are plugged into the Kemper instead... I need them plugged into the interface though, how can I fix that?


    The second issue is that, the Kemper's audio has pretty significant feedback (60 cycle hum) even without using the interface, but it happens in the interface too. The only way I have been able to get rid of the feedback is to put the Kemper's noise gate to about 8 which is pretty high imo and don't want to use it like that, does anyone know what might be causing this issue, or how to reduce it naturally? For reference, it's not my headphones, the cables are all brand new analogue cables, my Kemper is also brand new, my equipment is all right next to my PC, PS4, Switch, xbox, 2 PC monitors, and TV, the electrical outlet works fine, my guitar also works fine. So I'm not 100% sure what the issue may be but I think it may be too close to other electronics.

    the headphone issue is normal. The KPA has a very good headphone amp which may be better than the interface. Also, when going into the interface on TS connections some interfaces can’t bypass the mic preamps which can overload and affect the tone. Further, the KPA headphone signal is stereo and has the space function turned on. If your interface is summing to mono this will have an effect. As for, space there is an option to turn on space for other outputs so give that a try.


    the hum shouldn’t be there. I rarely have my noise gate above 2 (3 at the absolute max). Do you get this with the KPA disconnected from absolutely everything else? Guitar - KPA - Headphone with nothing else even plugged in?

    Quote from Wheresthedug

    the hum shouldn’t be there. I rarely have my noise gate above 2 (3 at the absolute max). Do you get this with the KPA disconnected from absolutely everything else? Guitar - KPA - Headphone with nothing else even plugged in?

    Yeah if the noise gate isn't above 6 for me the feedback is just unbearable. Still present when KPA is disconnected from absolutely everything else. It seems like the feedback gets worse the closer my guitar pickups get to my PC. Must be some type of mechanical component, or material in the PC interacting with the guitar pickups causing it to happen. I think I might just have to buy a better interface that can support SPDIF cables for a better sound.

    Quote from Wheresthedug

    SPDIF cables are unlikely to improve the problem you are describing. It sounds more like the guitar pickups are suffering from interference. Are the single coil or HB? Are they properly wax potted?

    I have an MH-1000 with Seymour Duncan HB pickups. I bought the guitar new so I assume they do that in the factory, I have never messed with it like that.

    Quote from Wheresthedug

    OK. Do you have any other guitars you can test it with or any other amps. You want to methodically go through the signal chain from beginning to end to find the source. Bear in mind that you said it happens with and without the interface. Therefore, SPDIF cables can’t be the cause.

    Yeah, I will test it with my flying v. Although at this point I am 90% sure the pickups are the issue because the feedback gets worse when I move the guitar closer to electronics, and lessens up when I move further away. This was an issue even before I had the Kemper when I was using VST amps like BIAS FX through the same Steinberg interface. I'll also plug it into a plain old Peavy 6505+ amp to see if it goes away cause maybe the wattage on the PC could be messing with the electronics somehow, but either way I'll diagnose everything I can and will probly end up switching the pickups to some more reliable ones that are single coil. I actually already bought a new interface anyways because my current one doesn't have enough input slots to support both the Kemper and the XLR cable for my microphone, so hopefully that will improve the tone a little or something but mainly just a quality of life purchase.