What is creating this fuzzy/static sound?

[bass12]

I recorded this track (see attachment) the other day and then realized that there is some static/fuzziness in places. I'm going from an Avalon U5 and then into an RME Babyface (via XLR) and then into Logic. After recording the attached track I was getting the same fuzzy effect while playing (not recording) until I plugged directly into the RME with my bass (eliminating the U5 from my chain). Then the fuzziness stopped. I was about to begin troubleshooting to find out out whether this was an issue with the XLR cable, the Avalon, the XLR input of the RME, etc. but now I'm no longer getting the static effect. Nevertheless, I'd like to figure out what was going on. Could the Avalon have been overheating? Bad electricity in my apartment? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

BTW, I was initially getting this fuzziness with two different basses in passive mode and with two different instrument cables (so those two factors can be eliminated). I was also getting fuzziness regardless of input level.

 

[silky smoove]

I can definitely hear it. My first guess was going to be that the output gain of the U5 was pushing too hard into the input of the Babyface or possibly the converter just downstream, but this isn't that. It sounds electrical to me in that "maybe there's a cold solder joint somewhere in the chain" sort of way. About all you can do is process of elimination. Play through just the U5 using a pair of headphones off the rear panel. Play for a while and see if you hear the same thing. If not do the same test with just the Babyface. If nothing, try connecting them. If it shows up there start switching out cables. If that doesn't fix it... at that point I'd be at a loss. Good luck!

 

[bass12]

I can definitely hear it. My first guess was going to be that the output gain of the U5 was pushing too hard into the input of the Babyface or possibly the converter just downstream, but this isn't that. It sounds electrical to me in that "maybe there's a cold solder joint somewhere in the chain" sort of way. About all you can do is process of elimination. Play through just the U5 using a pair of headphones off the rear panel. Play for a while and see if you hear the same thing. If not do the same test with just the Babyface. If nothing, try connecting them. If it shows up there start switching out cables. If that doesn't fix it... at that point I'd be at a loss. Good luck!

Thanks for the reply. I’ve been playing through my original set-up again today and so far no issues with the fuzz. If I hear the offending noise again I will follow your suggestions and report back.