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Mac emits screaming noise during log and transfer
I am using FCP 6.05 to log and transfer AVCHD clips into bins. The process works as it is meant to and I end up with ProRes 422 with the audio intact.
The problem is that during the transfer process the Mac Pro emits a very loud screech until the file is transfered and then it stops. The noise is like a distorted bleep that is on for about 2 seconds then off for 2, on for 2 etc. It’s like a warning noise but there seems to be nothing wrong. If I pause the transfer it stops but returns a few seconds after I restart.
I cannot work out where the noise is coming from but turning the internal speakers to mute does not silence it. Is it the warning beep speaker or can a graphics card make a noise? Placing my ear by the machine does not isolate it.
I have tried tranferring from both the original SD cards and from internal and external hard drives. I have written to 3 different internal hard-drives too. The problem remains.
I cannot find reference to this on the Web and the guys at Apple are mystified. Has anyone come across this problem? It’s keeping me, the wife, the kids and the cat awake at nights!
The Mac is a Mac Pro running OS 10.4.11, with 5Gb RAM and 2 x 3Ghz Quad-core Intel Xeon. So it shouldn’t be short of power!
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5 Replies
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Do you have an UPS (power backup) attached to this Mac?
If so, that is probably what is beeping. You’re pulling too much load through that backup while it is compressing. We’ve had that in the past. The solution is either to get another backup to spread the load or remove some items from the backup.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Biscardi Creative Media
HD and SD Production for Broadcast and Independent Productions.STOP STARING AND START GRADING WITH APPLE COLOR Apple Color Training DVD available now!
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That is the quickest reply and solution I have ever received. You are right. The UPS is right next to the Mac and is making the noise. It was only when I put my head between the two I discovered this.
I am surprised that a relatively simple transfer process could draw so much power. I will run an amp test with the Mac idle and transferring to see what the additional load is.
Any idea what part of the Mac is so power hungry. The noise is not on when I am rendering.
Anyway, thanks very much for your help Walter.
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[Scott Thomas] “Any idea what part of the Mac is so power hungry. The noise is not on when I am rendering. “
The fans and processors are my best guess. The Macs draw quite a bit of power by itself. Also any hard drive would too.
Just depends on how much stuff you have connected, how much they all draw normally, and then that little extra draw is enough to send it over the top.
I would suggest getting another backup to move some things over to it or get a larger UPS. I have one UPS for each Mac and Hard drive combo. Nothing else goes on them. My VTRs and other equipment run through power conditioners.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Biscardi Creative Media
HD and SD Production for Broadcast and Independent Productions.STOP STARING AND START GRADING WITH APPLE COLOR Apple Color Training DVD available now!
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Good detective work, Walter.
You UPS is probably undersized for the load. Here’s a walk through configuration utility that might help find the size you need:
https://www.apcc.com/template/size/apc/index.cfm
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Few stats to follow up.
The Mac draws 0.15amp when switched off
Peaks at 1.28amp when starting up during loud fan noise phase.
Settles down at 1.07amp (which is 251 watts on the UK 230 V supply)
While transfering files power draw went up to 1.84amps or almost 400W.Try putting four 100w light bulbs in an area the size of a Mac and it makes you think how much gas/petrol a Mac uses and switch it off when not in use.
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