Unidentifiable Noise Problem

[watsonbl]

During both playback and recording, there are extremely loud, intermittent bursts of high pitch static that last for several seconds and occur randomly. Just to be clear, this is not background static as I have seen many people on here report, this noise completely blocks everything out. I am thinking it might be my headphones because I don't hear it when using my computer speakers, but it doesn't make sense that it would be a hardware problem since I dont have problems using them with other programs and devices. Furthermore, I have to use the headphones when recording to hear my output, so its not like I can do without them(as far as I know). New to the board, so sorry if this problem has already been addressed. Thanks

Operating System: Windows 7
Audacity version 1.3 Beta
Recording Device: Line 6 POD HD 400 effects pedal
Headphones: Shure SRH240

[steve]

It sounds like the computer is sometimes losing the USB connection. If the USB connection is lost then the audio signal becomes random data which sounds like very loud white noise.

Try using a different USB socket. If it's a full size computer, try using one of the sockets on the back. Don't use a USB hub, the audio device must be connected directly to the computer. Keep the computer CPU usage low - if CPU usage hits 100%, even momentarily, then the USB connection will be dropped and will take time to sort itself out, so avoid running other programs at the same time. Check your USB connections are secure and the lead is in good condition.

[watsonbl]

So I reduced the CPU usage( only running audacity), got a new USB cable, switched around USB sockets on my Gateway laptop, and still having the same problems. When I wiggle the USB cable at both ends, it doesn't seem to affect anything. However, the intermittent burst of white static are now starting to become long, continuous bursts with which then I must unplug and reconnect the cable in order for it to stop. Could it be the USB socket on the POD HD 400 pedal?

[steve]

Could it be the USB socket on the POD HD 400 pedal?

That's not impossible, but probably not very likely unless it feels a bit dodgy.
You're not using a USB hub are you?

Line 6 have a document about this issue: http://line6.com/community/docs/DOC-4282