Zoom B2.1u - Hiss Hum and Loss of Volume

[BH12neil]

OK I have just set up my first pedalboard, a Gator powered by Gators own power brick. My chain is as follows:-

Stingray - EHX Bass Big Muff Pi - Zoom B2.1u - GK 1001 RB II amp

The Muff seems to work OK although I think I may be losing some volume when the Zoom is in the chain, if I take out the B2.1u the Muff works perfectly as does everything else. Its the Zoom that is causing all sorts of problems. I get really bad hissing, humming and loss of volume on many of the settings and the interference is driving me mad. I have gone back through the chain and all seems ok until the Zoom enters the equation.

Should I move the B2.1u before the Muff in the effects chain, would that help, I realise my cables could be improved upon and I am in the process of doing that in any case, but they are by no means cheap and nasty ones.

Any help would be really appreciated because I have only recently purchased the Zoom and I am now wondering whether I made the right choice. That said, I know many of you are very happy with your Zoom B2.1u's so I must be doing something wrong somewhere.

Just a final point, please bear in mind that I am new to all this and still have problems understanding terminology, so for the moment keep it as simple as possible and treat me like the idiot I am.

Kind Regards,

BH12neil

[JakeDPR]

Does the Zoom have its own power supply? Those things take a lot of power

[bongomania]

I would definitely NOT run the Zoom on the Gator's power supply. It needs its own wall wart, with higher current available, and an isolated ground.

[BH12neil]

Yes the Zoom is run separately directly to mains via an adapter

Regards

BH12neil

[bassbrad]

The trick to getting the best sounds outta the B2.1u or B2 it to tweak all the input and gain levels to get the best overall sound, the stock patches are full of issues.
First create a blank, neutral or empty patch with everything off, then use the level control in the ZNR/Mix block to find your unity setting. Save that setting then use that as your starting point for all succeeding patches. Careful with the levels when you add compressor or drive sounds.

I personally use a patch that has a bit of room reverb as my neutral sound. My other main patches use the Bassman or Studio pre with a nominal gain setting.

[NickLomango]

Originally Posted by bassbrad

The trick to getting the best sounds outta the B2.1u or B2 it to tweak all the input and gain levels to get the best overall sound, the stock patches are full of issues.
First create a blank, neutral or empty patch with everything off, then use the level control in the ZNR/Mix block to find your unity setting. Save that setting then use that as your starting point for all succeeding patches. Careful with the levels when you add compressor or drive sounds.

I personally use a patch that has a bit of room reverb as my neutral sound. My other main patches use the Bassman or Studio pre with a nominal gain setting.

+1

All my patches are also created on bp mode. I set everything to zero or off (EQ included) and start working from there. I barely use the stock patches with my band, I like them when I play solo at home. Peace