Boss ME50B Hissing

[das216]

I like this unit a lot. My signal chain is as follows:

Bass/ME50B/Acoustic Image Focus 2R/Avatar B212Neo.

I only have this hiss when I pluck the strings. As if, some noise is being amplified from the effect. I don't get the hiss when I plug directly into the amp. When I'm just holding my bass, it's quiet.

The hiss seems to follow the dynamics of the plucked string.

Is this just a function of the unit itself or is there something wrong here? Ideas to remove this?

Thanks

[sarcasticon]

1. Have you tried plugging a headphone into the ME-50B? That way you can hear whether the effect is adding the hiss, or whether you should also look into the cables / amp.

2. What settings (effects + position of each knob) are you using when you get that hiss? As mentioned in the manual, some effects will lead to increased noise, in particular when you set the gain rather high.
If you can specify all these settings, I could have a look whether I experience a noticeable hiss as well.

3. Have you adjusted the noise reduction knob, and how much does this help?

[bongomania]

That does sound like a noise gate or expander has been engaged in the fx engine.

[das216]

I tried adjusting that noise reduction knob on the back and it seems to have helped. I forgot about that thing.

Thanks!

[GGTBass]

Hi, I too have just encountered exactly this same annoying hissing. Unfortunately the noise reduction knob does nothing to cure the problem. Like das216 I like the unit very much but the last few outings with it have been a real pain. Again, like das216, the hiss only sounds when a string is plucked and decays along with the note. With the band in full flight it is less noticeable out front but in those 'quieter' moments it's toe-cringingly horrible.

The hiss occurs when no effects are selected (on playing a note) but is particularly bad when using the phaser or chorus.

If anyone has any other suggestions I would be most grateful. I've tried different venue, guitar, pup, and amp combinations all with the same result. Taking the unit out of the chain removes the problem. I can only surmise the ME50B is picking up something but I've come to a dead end.

My thanks in advance for any advice forthcoming that might help kill this problem and preserve my sanity.

[Bassman 100]

I have the same problem. Worse with active basses.

A.) Try turning down the treb' from the ME50-B and increasing it from your bass to compensate. Any Joy ?
Plan

Plan "B": Use batteries to power the ME50-B instead of mains, you may not wish to do this,-but try it,-works for me. Any joy ?

[GGTBass]

Thanks Bassman 100.

Have tried turning down the treble. You are right about that. It does help to a degree.

Interesting point about using batteries. I haven't tried that.

Since posting the last couple of outings have been fine. No noise whatsoever. I guess maybe it's down to the venue power set up and the overall environment. Theatre dimmer packs give me enough headaches as it is without this additional hissing.

Thanks for posting. Its good to know I'm not the only one with this problem.

[muso55]

Hi All,

Try this one! as Iv'e been having the same problems and now the unit preset sound are brill.

1. concentrate on the basic Eq setting on the unit before sorting the presets.

2. If the sound is like an electronic snare type his when you tap the guitar string without playing a note,do the following:

Go to the compression unit top left and turn it off by rotating the knob to the bottom setting.
Try tapping the strings again , if it has been reduced,alter the 3 compression knobs to improve hiss reduction.
Greg