EHX black finger to sansamp DI: massive problem!

Discussion in 'Effects [BG]' started by Kingkananga, Jan 8, 2009.

  1. Kingkananga

    Kingkananga Guest

    Jan 5, 2009
    UK
    I run from my bass into a Electro Harmonix Black Finger compression into a SansAmp bass DI and to my amp.

    When I first set this up and turned on I got a horrendous high pitched continuous squeel that was really loud, I instantly tried to fiddle with different settings on the sansamp and then I gave up because the noise was destroying my brain!

    The other day I decided to try and have another go, after taking my BF out of the effects run for a while. Same noise again, this time I quickly turned the post gain on the Black finger right down and it dissappered.

    Ive now got a good tone so im not too fussed about pissin about with it but I have no idea why this was happening.

    I play a gibson thunderbird which I know has very high output pickups, as high and even higher than some active, but dont know if it is this or something else? :confused:

    any ideas?
     
  2. stflbn

    stflbn

    May 10, 2007
    Nashville
    Initially try to have the BLackfinger running at 'unity gain' (meaning when you stomp it on your volume doesn't jump, or not much), then run it into your Sansamp.

    I'd expect you were over-killing signal into the Sansamp, or had the Presence knob on the Sansamp set way high which can get 'twitchy' sound wise from my experience.


    Some thoughts at least having not used a Blackfinger.
     
  3. Kingkananga

    Kingkananga Guest

    Jan 5, 2009
    UK
    I know what you mean about presence on the sansamp but I try and not set this too high, its set at 2o'clock so its punchy but not all there (this about the same as where the blend is)???
     
  4. Ric5

    Ric5 Inactive

    Jan 29, 2008
    Colorado
    I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
    Check your cables.
     
  5. Kingkananga

    Kingkananga Guest

    Jan 5, 2009
    UK
    brand new planet waves cables, between all routes too and their sheilded in the right place.

    Im really confused by this one.

    Thanks for your help though
     
  6. atheos

    atheos

    Sep 28, 2008
    Tampere, Finland
    Could it have been feedback from your amp? :D

    You know, compression causes that. Usually bass feedback is low hum but it can also be that guitar'ish high squeal.

    EDIT: OK, compression doesn't CAUSE that but it helps it happen and boosts it.
     
  7. My guess is it's feedback- the pickups are microphonic. See if it happens with the volume controls on the bass off. I bet it doesn't.
     
  8. michaelc

    michaelc Guest

    Apr 17, 2007
    C-ville Michigan
    A little off topic, but has anyone else messed with using the black finger as a distortion effect? I've gotten some awesome tones out of putting some cheap Sovtek 12AX7 WB's and a Groove Tubes 12AX7-C in it. It's almost perfect but not quite. Anyone else have any tube suggestions?
     
  9. RickenBoogie

    RickenBoogie

    Jul 22, 2007
    Dallas, TX
    When I was using a Black Finger, I noticed one of the settings, (lamp/LED), made a noise like that. Or, the other switch, (squash & whatever). Check that out, too.