Ampeg Sub Blaster - Problem!

[tc666]

I just bought an Ampeg Sub Blaster and it arrived in the mail today, but I've got a little problem

It sounds great. The problem is that when I'm not playing (but the pedal is turned on) there's a weird noise. Even when the volume on the instrument is turned off.

It's a pulsating, irregular sound. A little like an old motorcycle. If I roll off the octave the noise dissapears, so that's where it's coming from.

Is it supposed to be like that?
Somebody recognize the problem?

/TC

[DosiYanarchy]

first question i guess is: how are you powering it? is it possible that its drawing more current than your power supply can handle? I say this because i have similar problems with my Micropog, PogII, Tonfactor Bass fuzz saw, Hardwire Chorus (but funnily not the delay) and my Prunes & custard.

my second questions is: is your bass particularly noisy in general? the Sub Blaster could actually be reacting to the noise comming from your bass and amplifying it to audiable levels.

[tc666]

Originally Posted by DosiYanarchy

first question i guess is: how are you powering it? is it possible that its drawing more current than your power supply can handle? I say this because i have similar problems with my Micropog, PogII, Tonfactor Bass fuzz saw, Hardwire Chorus (but funnily not the delay) and my Prunes & custard.

my second questions is: is your bass particularly noisy in general? the Sub Blaster could actually be reacting to the noise comming from your bass and amplifying it to audiable levels.

1. It's powered with a T-Rex Fuel Tank junior with 120 mA per output. The Sub Blaster needs 2.5 mA (according to specs) so that's not a problem.

2. I've tried it with several instruments with the same result. I get the feeling that it's reacting to something but I can't figure out what

/TC

[DosiYanarchy]

i also use the FTjr and although the outputs are isolated, it does seem to suffer more than any other power supply ive used (including much cheaper ones). Although i think you're right about the mA - it probably doesnt use much, the only thing i could suggest is try it with a wallwart or a battery and see if it still happens.

PS: i used to have a Scrambler (and more recently a Scrambler clone) - gotta love those ampeg pedals

[tc666]

Originally Posted by DosiYanarchy

i also use the FTjr and although the outputs are isolated, it does seem to suffer more than any other power supply ive used (including much cheaper ones). Although i think you're right about the mA - it probably doesnt use much, the only thing i could suggest is try it with a wallwart or a battery and see if it still happens.

PS: i used to have a Scrambler (and more recently a Scrambler clone) - gotta love those ampeg pedals

I've tried other power supplies and to run it om batteries, with the same result

PS. Apart from that, it's definitely the coolest pedal I've owned.

[whoatherechunk]

Not normal. I have one and it does not do this. I will do some gut shots if you like perhaps something got fried?

[tc666]

Originally Posted by whoatherechunk

Not normal. I have one and it does not do this. I will do some gut shots if you like perhaps something got fried?

Some gut shots would be really appreciated.

/TC

[whoatherechunk]

few questions. is it vintage, does it have a battery compartment (if so try it), do you ever hear this noise even without the sub blaster? maybe it a pickup white noise shielding problem?

[tc666]

Originally Posted by whoatherechunk

few questions. is it vintage, does it have a battery compartment (if so try it), do you ever hear this noise even without the sub blaster? maybe it a pickup white noise shielding problem?

- No, it's not vintage.
- I've tried with the battery, but the same result.
- No, I never hear this noise without the sub blaster.

It's like if it starts to work with a too low signal. I only have to turn up the volume on the instrument (without playing) for it to start making the noise.

/TC