Fixing the Roland TR-606 Hum When LEDs Are On: A Quick Guide

One possible cause of the hum is a ground loop. This occurs when there are multiple paths to ground, which can create a loop that causes interference. To fix this issue, you can try using a ground lift adapter or isolator, which can break the ground loop and reduce the hum. Another option is to use a power conditioner, which can filter out noise and provide a clean power source for your TR-606.

Another possible cause of the hum is a faulty power supply. If you’re using a third-party power supply, it may not be providing the correct voltage or current for your TR-606. This can cause the device to hum or produce other unwanted noise. To fix this issue, you can try using a genuine Roland power supply, which is designed to work with the TR-606 and provide the correct voltage and current.

What is the Roland TR-606?

The Roland TR-606 is a drum machine that was initially designed to be used with the Roland TB-303, a monophonic analog bass synthesizer, to provide a simple drum and bass accompaniment to guitarists without backing bands.

The TR-606 was built by the Roland Corporation from 1981 to 1984 and has since become an underground classic in the famous TR family of rhythm machines.

The TR-606 is a compact and portable drum machine that features seven analog drum sounds, including kick, snare, low tom, high tom, cymbal, open hi-hat, and closed hi-hat.

It also has a step sequencer that allows you to program up to 32 steps per pattern, as well as individual volume and accent controls for each drum sound.

One of the unique features of the TR-606 is its trigger capabilities, which allow you to use external devices to trigger its drum sounds.

This feature has made the TR-606 a popular choice for electronic musicians and producers, as it allows them to integrate its sounds into their setups seamlessly.

Unlike its siblings, the 606 doesn’t have a simple, straightforward narrative. Its tone comes from different circuits than what’s inside an 808 or 909.

The TR-606 endures for its crisp, punchy sound as well as trigger capabilities and extensive mods.

In recent years, Roland has released a software version of the TR-606, which is a detailed replica of the original hardware.

This software version allows producers and musicians to access the classic sound of the TR-606 without having to track down and maintain the original hardware.

Why is there a hum when LEDs are on?

If you have a Roland TR-606 and you notice a hum when the LEDs are on, you’re not alone.

This is a common issue that many users have experienced. The hum is caused by the LEDs drawing too much current from the power supply, which creates interference in the audio signal.

The TR-606 uses a simple voltage regulator circuit to power the LEDs.

When the LEDs are turned on, they draw more current than the voltage regulator can handle.

This causes the voltage to drop, which creates noise in the audio signal. The noise is most noticeable when the volume is turned down or when headphones are used.

To fix this issue, you can try a few different things:

• Use a different power supply: Some users have reported success by using a different power supply with a higher current rating. This can help to provide more power to the LEDs and reduce the noise in the audio signal.
• Install a voltage regulator: You can install a voltage regulator circuit to help regulate the voltage and prevent the LEDs from drawing too much current. This can be a more complex solution, but it can be effective if done correctly.
• Use an external mixer: If the noise is still too noticeable, you can use an external mixer to help filter out the noise. This can be a good solution if you don’t want to modify the TR-606 itself.

Overall, the hum when LEDs are on is a common issue with the Roland TR-606. However, there are several solutions that you can try to reduce or eliminate the noise in the audio signal.

How to Troubleshoot the Hum in Roland TR-606 When LEDs Are On

If you are experiencing a hum in your Roland TR-606 when the LEDs are on, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue.

In this section, we will discuss some of the steps you can take to identify the source of the problem and fix it.

Check the Power Supply

The first step you should take is to check the power supply.

Make sure that you are using the correct power supply for your Roland TR-606 and that it is providing the correct voltage.

You can check the voltage using a multimeter. If the voltage is not correct, you may need to replace the power supply.

Inspect the Circuit Board for Damage

If the power supply is not the issue, the next step is to inspect the circuit board for damage.

Look for any signs of physical damage, such as broken or corroded components.

You can use a magnifying glass to get a closer look. If you find any damage, you may need to replace the affected components.

Replace the Capacitors or Voltage Regulator

If you have checked the power supply and inspected the circuit board but still have not found the source of the problem, you may need to replace the capacitors or voltage regulator.

These components can wear out over time, causing issues with the power supply and resulting in a hum.

You can find replacement parts online or at your local electronics store.

In conclusion, if you are experiencing a hum in your Roland TR-606 when the LEDs are on, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue.

By checking the power supply, inspecting the circuit board for damage, and replacing the capacitors or voltage regulator if necessary, you can get your Roland TR-606 working properly again.

Preventative Measures

If you want to prevent your Roland TR-606 from humming when the LEDs are on, there are a few preventative measures you can take.

Here are some tips to help you avoid the issue:

Proper Grounding Techniques

One of the most common causes of humming in the TR-606 is improper grounding.

To avoid this issue, make sure that you are using a grounded power supply and that your TR-606 is properly grounded.

You can also try using a power conditioner to help reduce noise and interference.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is also essential for preventing humming in the TR-606.

Make sure to clean your TR-606 regularly, especially the connectors and switches.

You can use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust or debris that may have collected inside.

You should also check your TR-606’s power supply and cables regularly to ensure that they are in good condition.

If you notice any damage or wear, replace them immediately to prevent any potential issues.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips to help prevent humming in your TR-606:

• Keep your TR-606 away from other electronic devices that may cause interference.
• Use high-quality cables and connectors to reduce noise and interference.
• Avoid using your TR-606 in areas with high levels of electromagnetic interference, such as near power lines or electrical equipment.

By following these preventative measures, you can help reduce the risk of humming in your Roland TR-606 when the LEDs are on.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are experiencing a hum when the LEDs are on in your Roland TR-606, there are a few things you can try to fix the issue.

First, you can try using a different power supply to see if the hum persists. Some users have reported that using a different power supply can solve the problem.

Second, you can try cleaning the contacts on your TR-606 to ensure that there is no corrosion or dirt interfering with the connection.

Corrosion can be a problem in TR-606s due to liquid leakage from the C-cell batteries, due to them producing a corrosive vapour and/or due to some kind of inherent corrosiveness in the PCB material which is only important for the pins of the memory chips which are held at ~6V.

Third, you can try replacing any faulty components in your TR-606.

It is possible that a faulty capacitor or resistor is causing the hum, so replacing these components may solve the issue.

Finally, if none of these solutions work, you may need to take your TR-606 to a professional repair technician.

They will be able to diagnose and fix the issue for you.

Overall, the Roland TR-606 is a classic drum machine that is known for its crisp, punchy sound.

While the hum issue can be frustrating, it is important to remember that there are solutions available.

By trying the steps outlined above, you can get your TR-606 back to working condition and continue making music with this iconic instrument.