MXR BOD distorts with basses in passive

[scubaduba]

Just got one of these pedals. Sounds great as long as I leave my basses in active mode. As soon as I switch to passive the pedal gets real noisy. Basically distorted. Why is this? Something wrong with the pedal?

[Robertron]

How distorted? Can you post any recordings of this distortion?

What are your settings with the BOD? If you turn down the volume on both octaves is the distortion still there?

[scubaduba]

It's just really fuzzy. Buzzing. Like static on AM radio. Doesn't matter how the settings are adjusted.

What's interesting is I tried connecting bass to compressor to BOD and the noise goes away. But connecting any other pedal first doesn't fix the noise. Strange.

[scubaduba]

Here's a simple recording.
First is bass in active with BOD bypassed.
Second is bass in active with BOD activated.
Third is bass in passive with BOD bypassed.
Fourth is bass in passive with BOD activated.

http://home.comcast.net/~ctromp/BOD.wav

I've tried more than one bass with same effect.

[scubaduba]

Some more details. I can minimize the static by keeping dry knob below the noon position.

Static does not seem effected by girth/growl position at all.

As soon as I flip switch to active on bass all static goes away.

I've also tried plugging in my NSD EUB which is passive and have the same problem.

Any ideas?

[scubaduba]

140 views and no ideas? I'm really bummed about this

[P-oddz]

Sorry man, no experience with the BOD - and not much of an an electronics expert either, but it does sound faulty. Can you take back the unit and try another version? I've never had any octaver respond in a similar way. I would assume if this was a common occurrence, there would have been threads about it.

Sorry that's about all I can offer...

[WaldoNova]

I have a BOD but no bass with an active/passive switch. I am not hearing any issue with the clean but am hearing what you are talking about. Something is up with the BOD IMO. you should take it back to where you bought it or somewhere that stocks and fixes MXR gear. It seems wierd to me that it only happens when you are using the passive mode of your bass.

[scubaduba]

I sent the audio file to JimDunlop tech support. We'll see what they say.

[Matt Dean]

I use the BOD with a passive bass and do not experience that. I think your unit is broken.

[B.C.]

Well the only thing I can think of is an impedance issue. What bass are you using? I've used both an Active Mike Lull and a passive Fender Jazz with no problems.

[scubaduba]

Here's what I've tried:

Worst offender = Zon Sonus (Basslines; active/passive switch)

Second bass = G&L L2500 (stock pre/pups; active passive switch)

Electric upright bass = NFS NXT (passive only)

[scubaduba]

The bass in the audio clip is the Zon.

[B.C.]

Originally Posted by scubaduba

Here's what I've tried:

Worst offender = Zon Sonus (Basslines; active/passive switch)

Second bass = G&L L2500 (stock pre/pups; active passive switch)

Electric upright bass = NFS NXT (passive only)

Ok, I'm going to venture a guess at the defective pedal as I have a similar pickup config with no problems.

Hope you get it resolved quickly

[scubaduba]

I thought defective too. But I actually tried the basses with a second BOD. Same problem.

[B.C.]

Originally Posted by scubaduba

I thought defective too. But I actually tried the basses with a second BOD. Same problem.

Ok, I will play with my BOD tomorrow in passive mode on my Mike Lull with Basslines. I'll let you know what happens

[M Sterling]

I have a BOD and the only distortion I ever experienced like that is when I cranked the internal mid boost control too high. Did you open it up just to see if maybe the internal pots are not adjusted properly. Good luck.

[scubaduba]

POts are fine. It's happening on more than one BOD.

[scubaduba]

Update: Dunlop says they can't explain it. 3 different BOD's. 3 different basses.

[alec]

Have you tried it through different cables/a different rig/at a shop?