ZZ9000AX card and Paula distortion - AX issue?

MNT ZZ9000
1

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  • Amiga model: A4000
  • 680x0 CPU: 68060 50Mhz via BFG9060
  • RAM Configuration: 16meg fast + memory per BFG9060 and ZZ9000
  • Kickstart, AmigaOS Versions: 3.2.2 KS and 3.2.2.1 Amiga OS installed
  • ZZ9000 Firmware version: 1.13
  • ZZ9000 Driver version: 1.13
  • Monitor model: compatible LCD
  • Other Zorro cards: None

I just recently received my ZZ9000AX card - thank you.

I installed it and got mp3 audio working without issue. However, there is substantial distortion when the Paula audio cable is connected. In order to remove all interference, I need to disconnect the wire completely.

I tried routing the audio out of the RCA ports on the Amiga, and into the ‘AUX’ RCA ports on the AX card, but once again, there is substantial distortion.

Does this imply there is an issue with the AX card?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Bryan

2

Same problem here on my a4000/bfg setup. Mp3 works fine but Paula sounds awfull!

3

Hey guys,

I am hesitating to add the AX topup to my ZZ9000 in a stock A3000+BFG060 (latest firmware)… Everything works beautifully “as is” now (RTG and Ethernet, not bothered by USB), especially love the passthrough/flickerfixer allowing to smoothly autoswitch between RTG and Amiga video.

Couple of questions:

  • I see there are potential problems with adding an AX module to 060 equipped BFG config Amiga, with the AX-paula passthrough doesn’t work properly? Bit unclear is it’s due to people having “renewed” motherboards (TX or AA+), apart from this thread which seems to affect people with stock A4000+BFG. Did you manage to work something out, and find workarounds and get it to work without external rca cables?
  • Also I can’t find much feedback out there about the latest versions of AHI/MHI being more compatible with AX, allowing to play mp3s etc, although when things go quiet it’s usually because it starts working fine for people, and they move on! :wink:

Couple of other options out there now (Amiblaster, Prelude refresh), but it would make sense to try to maximise the ZZ9000 goodness and keep a zorro slot free!

4

It’s not only a BFG-related issue. I’m having the same noise/distortion in a 4000D with TF4060.
Someone in another forum mentioned using the CD-ROM input on the 4000D mainboard. I’ll be trying that soon. Unfortunately, this won’t work in your case since the 3000 doesn’t have a CD-ROM input on the mainboard.
I hope MNT finds/works on a fix to resolv this issue.

5

Thanks for taking the time to respond HomeLate.
Is there any way to escalate this somehow? MNT is very quiet these days on this forum so maybe try contacting their support directly by email maybe?
If they still care about this line of products, they should really try to remain the “passthrough” ninjas: I love my ZZ9000 for what it can do with the video management, and was hoping it’d be the same for audio - much simpler on paper!
On a related note, how do you mix the two then currenly? External mixer?

6

I have the ZZ9000AX connected to the ZZ9000, as explained in the manual. I read in another forum post to put the connector, coming from the ZZ9000AX, into the other direction on the ZZ9000 AAUD header. Ground (black) is the middle pin. This reduced the ground/activity noise a little bit. But there’s still some audio crackling noise noticable.
I’ll be connecting the ZX9000AX to the CD-ROM header soon and see if that will be any difference.

I think MNT are focussing more on their other products. I don’t think the audio issues can be fixed with a driver update.

An external mixer is a good idea! If the CD-ROM header doesn’t work, that will be the only viable solution.