Noise gate vs feedback

[Steamtronic]

Hi, I recently bought a Sansamp BDDI to add some dirt to my Ric. I run it into the fx return of my Peavy headliner, which basically goes straight into the power amp and comes out at full volume (master volume on the amp doesn't work in that config for whatever reason). Not an issue playing live, however there is a very high pitched whistle generated that only goes if you cut all the mids & highs (not acceptable for our music). Could be feedback, could be something called "self oscillation" which BBDI's are apparently prone to generating in basses (isn't that a fancy term for feedback?)

Question: would a noise gate be best placed given the issue appears to be feedback of some form? Before or after the DI?

 

[bongomania]

If the feedback was acoustic, meaning the sound comes out the speaker, goes into the pickup, goes through the amp, and comes out the speaker again, then yes-- in some cases a gate can help. If the feedback was strictly electronic, meaning the signal loops around inside the wiring only, then no a gate won't help.

One way to test is to physically move yourself and bass away from the amp, turning your back, and also turning down the volume on your bass. If the feedback doesn't change in volume or quality, then a gate won't help.

 

[Steamtronic]

Thanks, I'm assuming feedback is acoustic as it disappears when I drop the presence, highs & mids.

So given that...should the gate go before or after the BDDI? The rest of the chain includes my wireless receiver, tuner, and compressor.

 

[bongomania]

Not a good assumption at all. Try the physical proximity thing and then get back to us.

 

[boomertech]

I haven't heard that the BDDI's were prone to self oscillations. Do you have a link where I can read about it?
Thanks

-Frank

 

[Crater]

How are you powering the BDDI? A OneSpot perhaps? What you're describing sounds like electronic noise. Acoustic feedback only happens at pretty high volumes and/or with LOTS of gain, and you have to be close to the speakers.

 

[Steamtronic]

How are you powering the BDDI? A OneSpot perhaps? What you're describing sounds like electronic noise. Acoustic feedback only happens at pretty high volumes and/or with LOTS of gain, and you have to be close to the speakers.

I'm powering with a single 9v transformer on a 5 point daisy chain. Yeah, it doesn't sound like a bass feeding back at high volume, it's higher pitched & chirpy like a bubbly metal canary. Still it goes away if I turn the presence & high pots down below 10 oclock

 

[Steamtronic]

I haven't heard that the BDDI's were prone to self oscillations. Do you have a link where I can read about it?
Thanks

-Frank

Hi mate, no link specifically discussing this issue, I read a lot of different forum threads where people described a similar phenomena so came to the conclusion it's a thing. Many describe the fact the problem goes away when you turn down the presence & highs, but the sound I'm after requires those higher lvl freqs. Others appear to have had success with separate power supplies (which ill also try).