I got a new Markbass LM2 and it seemed too noisy so I started checking a few things.
Carvin 210 w/tweeter off.
All EQ and gains @12o'clock.
Active bass (Ibanez sr480)
30 ft cord.
This was too noisy. I thought something was wrong with the amp. The noise level was directly related to the preamp gain. No noise with preamp off and master up. I could hear it clearly standing up from 3 ft away.
Unplugged the bass at the amp input. Noise was audible, but barely and required a closer listening distance to hear it (2 ft?).
Plugged the bass in with its volume off and the noise could be modulated with the bass treble/mid control.
Plugged the 30ft cord in only (no bass). Noise also increased. That cable is apparently microphonic also.
Some noobie questions then:
- What active preamps do not degrade the noise floor noticably?
- What brand of cord is the least microphonic?
- For a recording situation are passives quieter than actives?
