Sampling and Noise Reduction

[TOMMiE P]

I've tried sampling off of my TR 909 drum machine and am unable to use anything because of the atmospheric noise it produces. Does anyone know how to reduce/ eliminate the noise?

[SensualPanda]

What are you using as an audio interface / DAC? A good condition TR-909 should be completely useable in terms of sampling.

[TOMMiE P]

Thanks for the reply,

I am using a Focusrite 18i6 interface. The 909 is in great condition and everything works as it should. I've tried adjusting the volume on the 909, but that doesn't help at all. I've also tried using an EQ 8 and finding the frequency of the noise to eliminate it, but no luck. I'm not sure what else to try or adjust except to buy sound forge, which is a last resort...

[Quez]

I'm not sure but I remember reading something about using the "Gate" to isolate noise frequencies in the manual.

[chrk]

I am using a Focusrite 18i6 interface.

What are you connecting where and with what sort of cable?
TSR plugs won't work, as the 909' outputs are unsymmetrical.

Would you post a sample? - Maybe someone is able to hear the problem.

[TOMMiE P]

I think that might be my problem, as simple as it is. I have tried using the gate and that didn't work. So should I purchase unbalanced TRS? And thank you for all of the replies!

[chrk]

So should I purchase unbalanced TRS?

No, that doesn't exist.

Balanced = TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve)

Unbalanced = TS (Tip-Sleeve)

The TRT 909 has unbalanced outs, the Scarlett's inputs accept both.
But if you use TRS between them, you're asking for trouble.

[Khazul]

What kind of noise is it? Wide frequcny hiss or like low frequency hum or low level background digital noise?

If its general hiss - then a gate will do the job and this can be used to help with other issues as well.
If digital noise, the perhapas the cable are picking up noise from nearby computers, wifi etc - higher quality cable can help, but often the best help is a psuedo trs cable (basically TS at one end and TRS at the other - cold and ground are connected together at the TS end, but only really useful when the interface has floating balanced inputs (transformer coupled for eg).
If low frequency hum (mains) then perhaps its a main earth issue/ground loop - common when using many PC laptops and a common problem in many US homes and old wired homes elsewhere.