Re: Yamaha Clavinova w/Rumbling Sound

Sep 25, 2022 Last reply: 3 years ago 4 Replies

I have the same problem on a C 430. I’ll be playing either quiet or loud and then a hear A rumbling noise that kind of trails off for a bit and then comes back. Did you ever find out what the root cause was?


I have a Yamaha CLP-411 Clavinova that is about five years old. It has
> developed an occasional rumbling sound that comes from both speakers.
> It only lasts a few seconds at a time, is unbelievable loud, very low in
> pitch, and sounds just like wind noise on a microphone. Seems to happen at
> random times although more common when someone is playing it. Volume
> control position has no effect on the noise volume but does sometimes seem
> to affect the timbre of the noise. It goes away when you plug headphones in
> (you don't hear it in the headphones).
> Without the benefit of a service manual/schematic, I have tried to trace the
> analog audio signal with an oscilloscope to at least determine from which
> stage the noise is coming. I'm suspecting it's originating in the power amp
> section - the amps are IC "bricks", one for each channel but since it's in
> both speakers equally I'm thinking it's not them. Due to the sheer volume
> of the noise it actually loads the power supply to a point where signals at
> all stages are affected. I did change the filter cap in the dc supply. No
> improvement.
> I did read some newsgroup accounts of noise in the Clavinovas being due to
> dirty contacts in the volume control... I'm picking up some contact cleaner
> today and will try that but I'm not too optimistic about it.
> Any experience with this problem or guidance much appreciated.
> Mike

There's an important clue in the text: "It goes away when you plug headphones"

My guess(tm) is it's some form of microphonics. That's where the speakers cause some electribuc component to vibrate, which then causes audible noises in the speakers. If the gain and phase of the amplifier is correct, it will produce low frequency feedback, which is the rumbling noise you hear. If the noise was a high pitched squeal, then it would be high frequency feedback.

In your case, you have a "C 430". That might be a Yamaha NX-C430 speaker system. The system does not have any built in amplifier(s), so there's nothing wrong with the speakers. I suggest you remove your speakers from the amplifier or receiver case, and the microphonics will likely be reduced or stop.

Incidentally, you're only 19 years too late to catch the original posters.

You might check boards for degrading adhesive employed in tack-on or harness security, in this case - after the volume control section.

RL

Incidentally it also happens with headphones so I’m a bit flummoxed. Oh and btw I have a CLP-440. Next stop Yamaha…

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