How to reduce noise/buzz in output

[Chris Paget]

I recently bought an Electro Harmonix English Muff'n to add warmth and get the tube overdrive with bass, but just don't use it now because of the buzz it adds. It's especially noticeable when idle but even audible on softer songs.

What would be a recommended pedal (or method) for reducing the buzz?

[dave_bass5]

You could put a noise gate after it. This should cure the noise when you aren't playing.
Is it adding buzz or enhancing the buzz you already have but dont normally hear?

I got a VT bass pedal last week and was horrified at the amount of noise i was getting. Turns out the noise was already there but the VT was boosting it (as in boosting the highs).

You could check to see if your bass is properly shielded i guess.

[wetzelman1]

yeah, check your cables and power supply. I used to blame my pedals but now I blame bad cables and dirty power. Grabe some aluminum tape and throw some extra shielding inside any plastic pedals you might have.

[bongomania]

Noise gates are usually horrible, tools of the Devil Of Sucky Tone. The real problem is almost certainly a noisy power supply or bad patch cables, so diagnose those before doing anything else. Use an isolated power supply and new (or known-good) cables, and make sure you are not standing right near a fluorescent light or a "dimmer" light switch or any other major EMF source.

[rratajski]

I just got an ISP Decimator on the cheap and I notice no difference in tone on both of my basses. It's fantastic!!!

In this case, definitely do as the other members suggested first before buying pedals. A quality cable can make a difference.