Clicks during playback | Tsunami Super WAV Trigger

Sensors Sound & Audio
1

Hi everyone,

I’m working on a project using two Tsunami Super WAV Triggers, each playing mono sounds routed to 4 audio outputs. Both boards are powered via USB by separate 5V 2A power supplies.

The first board I tested and programmed works perfectly. However, the second one has occasional clicks during playback — but only during louder, more intense parts of the audio.

I’ve run several tests to troubleshoot this:

  • Used the exact same setup as the working board (same sounds, same SD card, and same power supply)

  • Played only one sound at a time and also tested using the sample sounds from the SparkFun guide

  • Reinstalled the latest mono firmware from the Robertsonics website

  • Reformatted the SD card

  • Re-exported the audios using Audacity.

Two observations:

  • I noticed that when I shorten the tracks to around 10 seconds, the clicks are significantly reduced — though still occasionally present.
  • I don’t get any clicks when using the reference audio files from the guide (perhaps because they are very short?).

Here I share some samples of the sound. The sounds were recorded connecting the recorder to one of the audio outputs via a mini jack.

It’s helpful to have a fully working board for comparison, but I’m out of ideas at this point.

Do you have any idea what might be causing these clicks?

2

Usually a not quite fully compatible SD card.
This might be helpful.

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3

Sorry you’re having this issue. Can you please tell me which version of Tsunami you’re using - original, Qwiic 32-voice or Qwiic 25-voice? Also, can I assume that you have swapped the microSDs card between the two to see if the problem follows the card or stays with the Tsunami? What microSD card are you using?

If the noise is truly related to the energy level of the audio, then that points to clipping or some other level-related issue. What are the audio outputs connected to and how are you listening? Can you disconnect one of the offending outputs and listen to it through headphones?

2 Likes
4

Many thanks for your reply!

I’m using the Tsunami Super WAV Trigger (Qwiic version), purchased from Mouser under the reference WIG-18159: Access to this page has been denied.

I’ve already swapped the microSD cards between the two Tsunami boards, and tested with several different cards — including a SanDisk Extreme V30 A1 U3 (HC) 32GB. The issue consistently occurs on the same Tsunami board, while the other one works perfectly under identical conditions.

The audio outputs in use are 2, 3, 4, and 5. I’ve tested both by connecting headphones directly via mini jack, and using 6.35mm mono jacks connected to a sound card and speakers. The exact same setup produces clean audio on one board, but noticeable clicks on the other.

The only relevant pattern I’ve noticed so far is that the clicks seem to decrease somewhat when I shorten the track length — though they still occur occasionally.

I really appreciate your help and any further suggestions!

5

Thank you! I’ve tried a few different SD cards already, but I’ll definitely check others from the list

6

You didn’t say, but I’m guessing from the symptoms, and from looking at your recorded output, that you are using the 25-voice Tsunami. You can tell from the CPU part number: If it ends in “N19”, it’s the 25-voice. It turns out that a small percentage of the 25-voice Tsunamis have a tolerance issue with the DAC PLL which causes these clicks. I developed a firmware fix that is now installed during production, and I suspect you have one such unit that was purchased before this fix was in place. I haven’t updated the firmware download page since so far this firmware has only been required for new production runs.

Give me a couple of days to update my website with the updated versions. If you prefer not to wait, send me a note through my website contact page and I can email it to you directly. Please confirm that you’re using the 25-voice Tsunami, and let me know if you’re using the stereo or mono version.

Sorry this slipped through the cracks. All of SparkFun’s inventory was updated with the new firmware when we discovered the issue, but distributors like Mouser may have had inventory that was unavailable to update.

2 Likes
7

Hi!

The CPU part number ends in N20.
I believe it’s the 32-output version, as it has the same product reference as this one. I purchased it in March.

I’m using the mono firmware version and have updated it to the latest available (v2.03m).

I actually just bought a third Tsunami to make sure I can complete the project this week — it’s for a sound installation that will be presented next week in France :slight_smile:

I must say, it’s an incredible board and has been a huge help in my work.

Thanks again!

8

Interesting. Please do reach out via the Robertsonics contact page - I’d like to have you try a newer firmware version to see if this is the same issue and need your return address to send email to you. Thanks.

9

I emailed you updated firmware to try out - Please let me know if you did not receive it. It would be very helpful to know the results of that test. Thanks.

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10

Just saw your email (it had landed in my spam folder, unfortunately).

I’ve now tested the updated firmware you sent (v2.12m), and it worked perfectly!!
Thank you so much for your help and quick support, @robertsonics!

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