Tone Check - White Noise

Tone Check is a protective mechanism implemented to prevent the sudden emission of excessively loud audio through the PlayAUDIO1U, which may be caused by corrupted data.

This feature specifically monitors the audio level of the designated "tone" track, corresponding to Channel 15 on the PlayAUDIO1U. If the audio level on this channel reaches or exceeds the threshold of -3 dBFS, Safe Mode will be automatically activated. Upon activation, the twelve rear panel outputs will be muted. This status is indicated within the Auracle X software interface by the presence of mute indicators (red 'X' overlays on the audio level meters) and by alternating red flashing LEDs in the audio LED section on the front panel of the PlayAUDIO1U. Newer firmware versions provide a dedicated Safe Mode screen displaying detailed information regarding the event. Further information regarding Safe Mode can be found at iConnectivity.com/safemode.

To disengage the mute function, double-click the small headphone knob located on the front panel of the PlayAUDIO1U.

Important: Before unmuting, it is crucial to address the conditions that triggered Safe Mode activation. This may involve reducing the output level of the tone track or LifeSine volume within your software, or disabling the process generating the excessive audio.

If Safe Mode activation is suspected to be the result of extraneous noise, such as white noise, it is recommended to inspect and potentially replace your USB cables and restart the device.

The presence of high audio levels across multiple channels, and not solely the tone channel, may indicate corrupted data leading to distortion, noise, or other undesirable artifacts. Potential causes of such issues include:

• Power and Grounding Anomalies: Instabilities in the power supply or grounding issues, potentially originating from power surges or inadequate shielding within USB cables, can introduce noise. The integrity of USB cable shielding can be tested using a multimeter, as detailed in our instructional video available [HERE]. Any cables exhibiting improper shielding should be replaced. We have observed consistent performance with StarTech cables. Additionally, all adapters, docking stations, hubs, and pass-through cables within the system should be carefully examined.
• Session Sample Rate Inconsistencies: The use of audio samples with differing sample rates within a session can lead to playback issues. Batch converting all samples to a uniform sample rate is recommended to mitigate such problems."