Clicking noise on VS-700R [solved]

I'm a bit of a noob so please be gentle!

I've just bought the V-Studio (console and IO device) and so far, I'm loving it... great sound and easy to use. I do have one issue (at least I think it's an issue), the VS-700R box occasionally makes a clicking noise, a little like a relay switch flicking on and off. It seems to happen at random intervals and will occur several (about 8 times) a minute. The strange thing is, the V-Studio replaced an EMU 1616M (PCI) which did the same thing. Is this just normal behaviour from IO devices these days or, am I doing something fundamentally wrong with a setting of some sort?

Other than that, I'm very impressed with it.

LOL... yeah, hope it doesn't blow up!

Just stuck my head under the desk and definitely heard the clicking coming from the 700R... it's not very loud and am almost able to live with it; I'm just worried it's clicking due to some issue as I really don't want it to break 3 days after I bought it... that would be a real bummer!

It is weird that the EMU did the same thing, that's why I though it may be normal. But then, you wouldn't really want noises like that in the background when trying to focus on your music so I figure maybe it's not normal and it's something I've done wrong. Having said that, I followed the installation instructions to the word.

Have your power checked, especially in the socket you're using. If you're not getting the proper voltage, you could be damaging your gear, regardless of whether or not you're using a surge protector.

Didn't smell anything from that arcing? An audible arc usually produces a quite distinctive smell. You should check your input plug prongs for carbon spots-dead spots-discoloration. Mostly blackened spots, darker spots or a general blued look to the prongs in the plug in. If it doesn't look bright and shiny in a copper sort of hue, it should be replaced.

This is an important issue! The makers of these power leads are getting sloppy and the tolerances are getting poorer. This means that sometimes these cables do not fit well into their back panel rear mounted sockets. There was an article about it in Australia's 'Audio technology' magazine recently about this.

You should use the new power leads that came with your V Studio system. They seem to be well made and fit nice and tight.

Arcing can be also be very small, non audible and non smellable too but still be causing problems for the power supplies. It is not a bad idea to throw these leads out once and a while and fit new ones.