Double Bass Headway EDB 2 pre noise, is this normal?

[Barcza]

My Headway preamp produce more noise, than I could expect from quality gear...This noise comes when I crank up the gain knobs, the noise like a “white” nose, not like ground hum....It’s not a big problem on the stage when the band playing, but I surprised because no other gears of my (Aguilar AG500, Yamaha TRB active pre, Fishman pre etc.) produce that much noise, except my super cheap Vox Amplug produce similar white noise...I use with not original power adapter, but I choose it carefully for the required spec...
You have the same noise too?
Is this normal with Headway?

 

[Michael Drost]

I would contact Headway directly. They are very helpful and prompt. Headway is pretty quick with repairs as well.

I do not have white noise with my EDB2.

 

[kkenda11]

My EDB-2 definitely has the same white noise. For me it is quite apparent when compared to ultra clean pre-amps like the Grace Felix or my RME Babyface interface.

I still use my EDB-2 all the the time, and it has never bothered me when playing live. I can definitely see how it would be less than ideal for recording though...

 

[Ric Vice]

Same here, if you run the master volume at high levels 7-9 and the Channel volume control past 7 then you'll hear noise.

I don't really notice it when I'm playing the instrument through the EDB-2. I rarley push any of the EQ bands past flat which is 5 on on each of the controls and the reason there's a detent at that spot on all of the controls.

each of those controls, if you move them past center they will begin to produce noise relative to their frequency band.

 

[Barcza]

When useing it before my amps input, it not really noticable, but some times when I use it on no amp gig directly to PA, the noise really there on the monitors, it’s noisier than any other gears on the stage.....Other think, when compared with and without EDB before my Aguilar amp, I hear significantly less lows, bottom when EDB in the chain....Maybe this is a new thing, did not noticed that before....

 

[Barcza]

I checked the unit at home again, seems there is something wrong!
The noise is just on the 1st channel, the second channel seems almost quiet....the sound is also different on the first channel, it’s much weaker, thinner...

J,

 

[Paul Arkell]

I had a problem like this that I tracked down to having the phantom 9v power turned on while it was plugged into a pickup. I couldn't work it out at rehearsal, but it was pretty obvious when I got back home. Check the switch beside the Ch1 jack.

 

[Ric Vice]

Checked mine to see if the 9volt Phantom was on, it isn't. So that's not effecting the white noise that comes on when you have the Master or Channel volumes between 7-9. It's a good thing to know, though. There are so many switches all over the EDB-2 The crutial ones for 18v Phantom, Mute, Power and Notch all have LED indicators. Here's an interesting quote right of the front cover of the EDB-2's owner manual. "Now offering reduced noise levels!" so the manufacture doesn't claim "noise free". I do find that the line out of EDB-2 produces more volume into my powered MAS 1/8 ( First Incarnation) than the amp out on a Grace Felix.

 

[Barcza]

I think my unit has some problem, it produces more noise than before...
But overally the EDB 2 is not really quiet, maybe that’s the “cost” for the tons of features at the affortable price....

 

[Ric Vice]

I think my unit has some problem, it produces more noise than before...

Well, there have been a handful of EDB-2’s that developed noisy pots.
I had one and so did Rick Wolf. But that’s different from what you’re describing. On mine the Channel one Volume control had a weak spot and would drop out, I used Deoxit as a work around.

But overall the EDB 2 is not really quiet, maybe that’s the “cost” for the tons of features at the affortable price....

The cost of an EDB-2 is reasonable for the amazing number of features it provides.
The noise of my new unit isn't noticeable on stage unless I have to run it very loud,
and even then it's relatively quiet, not dead quiet, but not reasonable.

 

[Barcza]

Sequels:
I e-mailed to Headway company, they was extremely kind and helpful, I sent the preamp, and they repaired it without any cost, send back, and now working flawlessly, very quiet and the sound is much better!!! Some ICs are defected inside!
i just want to tell, Headway is a super nice company! Absolute respect!!!

 

[Ric Vice]

Sequels:
I e-mailed to Headway company, they was extremely kind and helpful, I sent the preamp, and they repaired it without any cost, send back, and now working flawlessly, very quiet and the sound is much better!!! Some ICs are defected inside!
i just want to tell, Headway is a super nice company! Absolute respect!!!

I’m glad they could repair it because the EDB-2 circuit board is extremely small and difficult to access. It’s not something even a qualified service technician can do without access to Headways schematics and the ability to source their parts.

 

[rickwolff]

Sequels:
I e-mailed to Headway company, they was extremely kind and helpful, I sent the preamp, and they repaired it without any cost, send back, and now working flawlessly, very quiet and the sound is much better!!! Some ICs are defected inside!
i just want to tell, Headway is a super nice company! Absolute respect!!!

This is great news for two reasons:

First - you have your pre-amp back and it's working better than ever, and
Second - always good to hear of excellent customer service from a bass-related supplier.

My experience with Headway has always been excellent.