Noise reduction

Conallo · #1 05-25-2011, 10:07 AM

Here is my problem I am getting a TON of noise/hum on stage. I play a Ric 4003 through a GK 700 rb II amp head and a GK 4 x 10 neo cab. The single coil pups on the Ric I am sure have a lot to do with it. I also noticed the noise/hum increases the closer I am to my amp. The band I am in is a 5 piece, which means on the small stages we play I have no choice but to almost sit on my amp.

So hear is the question. What is the best way to reduce the noise/hum? I know there is plenty of gear out there. But on a teachers salary I can't really afford to go buy a ton if gear. Would love to, but economically not viable. Just looking for the best gear at reasonable prices.

Marginal Tom · #2 05-25-2011, 10:16 AM

First, check all of your cables. If that doesn't help, try a different power source (outlet or power strip).

phatbass · #3 05-25-2011, 10:25 AM

I use the ISP Decimator pedal when I need a noise gate.

Decimator Pedal

Don't know if it's in your budget, but it does the job and is transparent sounding.

Conallo · #4 05-25-2011, 11:04 AM

Cables are all new. Power outlets, well at the clubs your choice is limited. Power supply is a furman power strip. Would a power conditioner be a better choice?

As I was saying the hum/noise becomes more noticeable the closer I am to the amp.

mattfong · #5 05-25-2011, 12:39 PM

I had a good experience with the EHX Hum Debugger for getting rid of hum from single coil pickups and a noisy distortion pedal.

EHX.com | Hum Debugger - Hum Eliminator | Electro-Harmonix

BassMonstrum · #6 05-25-2011, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattfong

I had a good experience with the EHX Hum Debugger for getting rid of hum from single coil pickups and a noisy distortion pedal.

EHX.com | Hum Debugger - Hum Eliminator | Electro-Harmonix

I've heard good things about this one! Check out various youtube-clips. I was considering buying one until I found out that I had noise coming from noisy pedals. The Hum Debugger is good for pickup noise.

Quote:

Originally Posted by phatbass

I use the ISP Decimator pedal when I need a noise gate.

Decimator Pedal

Don't know if it's in your budget, but it does the job and is transparent sounding.

This one worked for me! Nice to see someone else here on TB use it.

Conallo · #7 05-25-2011, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattfong

I had a good experience with the EHX Hum Debugger for getting rid of hum from single coil pickups and a noisy distortion pedal.

EHX.com | Hum Debugger - Hum Eliminator | Electro-Harmonix

Was looking at this. Good to know. I'm pretty sure it has to do with the single coil pups. I have a Mexican made P-Bass and doesn't hum as much. It can't be pedals, because I don't use any. Straight from the 4003 into the GK head. I love the sound of the Ric, but those single coils can be a pain to perform with.

srxplayer · #8 05-25-2011, 01:34 PM

I use a Boss NS-2. My entire pedal board signal chain runs through it. I play a passive Jazz and the single coils will hum depending on how I set them. My Sansamp and Boss ODB-3 will hiss and / or elevate the hum depending on the settings as well so the NS-2 works great at keeping it all quiet.

Gubna · #9 07-10-2011, 12:23 PM

my SWR Mini Mo preamp gets a lot of radio stations through it. Would a ISP Decimator Pedal get rid of that, or is there something else I need?

xikbastard · #10 07-10-2011, 09:55 PM

ISP Decimator for me, if i am on a jazz (single coils) with lotsa fuzz, dirt pedal running thru it. its works good.

HairPig · #11 07-13-2011, 12:21 PM

+1 to ISP Decimator. Use it with my 4003 as well and works great.

rust_preacher · #12 07-14-2011, 01:18 AM

Amps with classic power transformers (big iron blocks) can be problematic, as the AC hum is spread around the amp uncontrollably. Adding iron or mu-metal shielding around the transformer or in the front grille of the amp is sometimes a solution. Marshall JCM800 and 900 series guitar amps are notorious for this problem. Also, if you use effects, sometimes the power supplies pick up and transmit hum.

I use a Boss NS-2 noise gate and it woks great. Also I have used a Rocktron Hush pedal with good results.

Footbutt · #13 07-14-2011, 08:05 AM

stop the problem at its source!

i had a noisey, buzzing Jazz Bass and you know what solved my problem? COPPER TAPE.
i lined the pickup cavities and the vol/tone/jack cavity with copper tape to shield the bass and BAM, no more noise!

i also did this to my Fender Jaguar and it sings now!

Gubna · #14 07-18-2011, 10:35 PM

so my problem isn't so much noisey buzzing, but radio stations coming through the preamp. could that be just based on my outlet (a source of NON grounding?)

alec · #15 07-19-2011, 03:21 AM

That suit could be the problem. It looks like it would pick up radio stations from Jupiter!

Bassmike62 · #16 07-19-2011, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srxplayer

I use a Boss NS-2. My entire pedal board signal chain runs through it.

You run the whole board through the send/return loop ?

slaphappychappy · #17 07-19-2011, 06:05 AM

Too much gain? Try the bass on the active setting?

Bassmike62 · #18 07-20-2011, 04:36 AM

BassMonstrum · #19 07-20-2011, 04:55 AM

Bass ---> effects ---> ISP Noise Decimator ---> amp.

That's how I do it. The ISP is last on the pedalboard.

Gubna · #20 07-20-2011, 01:51 PM

I tried the ISP Decimator with my Mini Mo Preamp, and while it does help a bit, when I play I can still hear radio signal...

Would a power conditioner help?