Buzzing through the PA

[NZBassman]

I used to have a Warwick Profet 5.1, Warwick 4x10 and Ibanez TR Expressionist 4 string bass

I've been having problems with 'buzzing' through the PA - I plug bass into amp - DI amp to the desk and it buzzes... sometimes very loud, sometimes not. Ground lift on the amp does nothing

Anyway had a few problems with the amp (not grunty enough!) and bought an Ashdown EVO 900 III, but I am still getting the same problems when I DI to the PA

I've replaced my lead, had the bass looked at twice (both times told there is nothing wrong with it) and we've tried different channels on the mixing desk, but still get a buzzing sound!!

I use a DI box (cheap one admittidly) and that is pretty useless.

Anyone got any suggestions what else I could try??

 

[Floyd Eye]

Different DI box. IF your bass is fine and you've changed rigs...............

 

[Zooberwerx]

^^^ Yep, I'd go like this for starters: bass > known good DI > known XLR cable > mixer mic channel XLR input. Adjust trim until mic channel is saturated. Is the buzz present? We'll go from there. BTW, "known" = verified to be in proper working condition.

Edit: if possible remove all other external devices (mics, processors, etc.) for the experiment as these may also be suspect. Heck, I've even had a guitarist's amp, once powered up, introduce all sorts of noise into the PA and other backline gear.

Riis

 

[chienmort]

You say buzz not hum so I would try shielding your bass first and then a DI with a transformer. The second option is not cheap if you do it properly. You need a good quality transformer from say Jensen or Sowter ( other good transformers are available). The cost of a good Sowter or Jensen transformer is $80US plus and that is why you don't find them in standard amps.

If you try to shield you bass, use copper tape not sheet as it is too difficult to mould the sheet material around pickup cavities.

 

[two fingers]

Talk to me about the house or building where you are recording.

Other than that, chienmort has it under control.

 

[davidjackson]

Sorry if this is a really dumb question but if you are using an Ashdown amp why are you using a DI box between that and the PA? Why not just run straight in to the desk?

 

[Zooberwerx]

Sorry if this is a really dumb question but if you are using an Ashdown amp why are you using a DI box between that and the PA? Why not just run straight in to the desk?

I blew right through that in the original post...

To the OP: exactly how are you cabling / configuring the Profet connection to the mixer?

Riis