First time multi-fx user...

jbl71004 · #1 01-28-2009, 10:38 AM

Hey all. I've only used individual pedals in the past, but I'm now messing around with a boss me-50b. My amp is an Eden Nemesis 410. I've never had this trouble before, but when using the boss, anytime I crank up any of the effects, and especially when I blend in more than one, I can't turn up the volume on my amp without getting a HUGE amount of humming from the amp. Even with the noise suppressor turned all the way up on the boss, it's pretty bad (and that's not even with the effect(s) used anywhere close to its max setting). Is there something simple I can do to avoid this or do I just need to mess around with the settings some more (I haven't had a ton of time to work with it but I'm beginning to think there's something I'm doing wrong or missing)? Thanks for any and all advice.

Zooberwerx · #2 01-28-2009, 10:49 AM

Are you powering the ME-50B with the wall-wart or batteries? Every time I hear the term "hum", I think ground-loop. Try running the unit on batteries only and get back to us; we'll go from there.

Riis

jbl71004 · #3 01-28-2009, 10:55 AM

I actually have a power adapter on the way since we're going to be playing out soon, but up til now I've only used batteries.

Zooberwerx · #4 01-28-2009, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbl71004

I actually have a power adapter on the way since we're going to be playing out soon, but up til now I've only used batteries.

Okay. Well now it sounds more like a gain mismatch somewhere in the EQ or Compressor provided you have all your effects off and the unit wired up correctly (input / output jacks, no bad cords). Turn down the outputs levels in both sections and turn up the Eden's volume. Still humming? BTW, I despise the noise suppressor on those things....turn it off for the time being

Riis

FreaqyFrequency · #5 01-28-2009, 11:45 AM

Also, you might try isolating the problem by plugging into the ME-50B and then into the Return jack of the Effects Loop. Then you can see whether it's the input stage on the Eden or the ME-50B itself.

stflbn · #6 01-28-2009, 11:54 AM

One thing to keep in mind about multi effects units (or many effect units in general)... it's very easy to to overboard with gain or the effects in general. As with almost any effect, if you push them to hard they get noisy which greatly increases any hidden noises that may be in your sound that you may not be aware of.

My suggestion is to rely on the abilities of the ME-50b for the tone and effects, but don't allow yourself to increase volumes with everything used. Try to keep the volume relatively similar whether an effect or tone is active or off.

At a loss for the word for it... Gain Neutral or something like that. I'm having an old fart moment at the moment.

A lot of times people go hog wild with effects and gain and different tones and then wonder why they hear all kinds of new humm or noise or clank or such when really it's been there all the time, it's just that the added gain and effects enhance the negatives.

.

jbl71004 · #7 01-28-2009, 11:57 AM

All of the chords work okay when used by themselves, so I think I'm fine there, and I'm pretty certain everything is hooked up correctly as well. I'm actaully at work right now, but I'll use your advice when I get home later. I CAN say that the problem isn't there when I'm just using the compressor on the boss or everything is bypassed. It's only when I incorporate the filter and/or drive-synth and/or delay that the humming starts. The higher I turn the volume OR the level of the effect the worse the humming. Anyway, thanks much zw.

stflbn · #8 01-28-2009, 12:01 PM

Sounds like the effects are enhancing something that's there in your line or bass that you're not really hearing normally.

Is the bass well shielded? Have you tried any other basses into the ME-50b?

jbl71004 · #9 01-28-2009, 12:01 PM

Thanks for all the other advice as well!!

jbl71004 · #10 01-28-2009, 03:38 PM

I do have another bass I can use. I'll also try that when I get home.

jbl71004 · #11 01-29-2009, 07:37 AM

Well, I got some results, but now I have another question for those who know more about this stuff than I do (that would be everybody!). I usually play my fender jazz (mine has s1 switch) with pickups in series, but recently to get some different sounds when recording I was just playing with my pu's in parallel mode (they've been set in that position the whole time I've had the humming issue). Well, I first got out my P Bass to see if there was still humming, and there was none! I got out my jazz again, put the pu's in series mode, and again... no humming! I put the pu's back to how they've been during this whole ordeal (parallel mode) and the humming was back loud as ever. My question: Why is this happening and what can I do about it? Once again, thanks for all input in advance!

AndyLES · #12 01-29-2009, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stflbn

At a loss for the word for it... Gain Neutral or something like that. I'm having an old fart moment at the moment.

Unity Gain.

jbl71004 · #13 01-29-2009, 02:04 PM

Any ideas?

Zooberwerx · #14 01-29-2009, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbl71004

Well, I got some results, but now I have another question for those who know more about this stuff than I do (that would be everybody!). I usually play my fender jazz (mine has s1 switch) with pickups in series, but recently to get some different sounds when recording I was just playing with my pu's in parallel mode (they've been set in that position the whole time I've had the humming issue). Well, I first got out my P Bass to see if there was still humming, and there was none! I got out my jazz again, put the pu's in series mode, and again... no humming! I put the pu's back to how they've been during this whole ordeal (parallel mode) and the humming was back loud as ever. My question: Why is this happening and what can I do about it? Once again, thanks for all input in advance!

Take it to a decent tech for eval. I hate messing with electronics. Once again, when I hear the term "hum", I think ground loop.

Riis