noise issues on stage?

[J.Wolf]

I've been running into this problem with both of my main basses. When I plug into my rig on stage, even in places with very clean power, and isolated power outlets, I get that particular kind of noise/hum that is position specific. As in, in one certain position the noise goes away, but when I turn a half inch from that position it is quite loud. Separately, I get some hiss from my signal chain, but thats another can of worms considering all thats in the chain.

The question is: Are there any devices that reduce/filter that noise? I was wondering if a Invalid Link Removed would cut down on this noise or any other buzz/hum coming from shielding issues or ground loops in my signal chain. Mostly it seems, the majority of my noise issues is originating from the instrument, because when I unplug the bass, 80% of the noise goes away. thanks, and sorry for my serious ineptitude when it comes to understanding electrical issues.

 

[Floyd Eye]

Maybe shield the cavity of your bass.

 

[J.Wolf]

did that. reshielded the crap out the electronics cavity and both pickup cavities.

 

[RadioRob]

Go wireless.
I have one bass that hums at curtain angles like when I play towards my monitor.
But when I use my Line 6 no hum.

 

[J.Wolf]

that sounds like a decent workaround, but I'd like to fix the problem itself if possible. Also, I don't really want to use a wireless.. Call me old fashioned

 

[EastCoastThump]

Since the noise depends on the orientation of your bass, I'd agree with what your instincts seem to be telling you: that the source is the pickups. (Playing Fender-style single-coils, by any chance?)

Any chance the instruments' electronics-to-ground wires were disturbed when you shielded the body/PUP cavities? (The system hum should get lower when you put the heel of your hand on the bridge or strings.)

If everything is wired correctly and the cavities are properly shielded, I'd look at learning to live with the noise (not a great option), changing out single-coil pickups to a noiseless/HB design (again, not always reasonable, especially if you're playing vintage instruments), or using a wireless.

BTW, something in your chain could be making the noise worse, and it's worth testing by plugging the bass straight into your amp just to make sure. I'd be surprised, though, if the root problem was downstream of your bass.

 

[J.Wolf]

I think it's a combination of several factors. There is a little bit of noise coming from my paddleboard, And the pickups are dual coil but there's a passive switch on the preamp and when I put it in passive mode the noise level goes down quite a bit. I'm not prepared to swap out every contributive factor in my chain, therefore I was looking for something that I could put in line that might filter out some of the noise. But solid shielding is not the problem. And i Rewired my pedalboards so that's a little bit quieter, ditching the one spot was the biggest thing.

 

[Eric Moesle]

I have the same problem every once in a while depending on the location.

Example, bass buzzes, but when I face 20 degrees in either direction it stops.

That problem, at least for me, is using single coil pickups in my well-shielded jazz bass that are picking up interference from something in the room. Its the nature of the beast unfortunately. You can try split coil pickups to replace your singles, but I think they don't sound as aggressive. YMMV.

 

[J.Wolf]

The bass definitely has dual Coil pickups in it. And it's shielded like a bomb cellar. Seems weird. I might try one of those Palmer isolation boxes since I know other guys really about them for similar issues

 

[longfinger]

I've heard that kind of problem comes from the natural magnetic field of the Earth being picked up by the pickups. There are also other magnetic fields created by human made electrical machines that can be picked up from the pickups too.

 

[J.Wolf]

Only space gigs for me from here on out ;-)

 

[ggunn]

I've been running into this problem with both of my main basses. When I plug into my rig on stage, even in places with very clean power, and isolated power outlets, I get that particular kind of noise/hum that is position specific. As in, in one certain position the noise goes away, but when I turn a half inch from that position it is quite loud. Separately, I get some hiss from my signal chain, but thats another can of worms considering all thats in the chain.

The question is: Are there any devices that reduce/filter that noise? I was wondering if a Invalid Link Removed would cut down on this noise or any other buzz/hum coming from shielding issues or ground loops in my signal chain. Mostly it seems, the majority of my noise issues is originating from the instrument, because when I unplug the bass, 80% of the noise goes away. thanks, and sorry for my serious ineptitude when it comes to understanding electrical issues.

Since the noise goes away when you change positions it is getting into your signal chain at the bass itself. Nothing you do to the power connection of your amp (and that includes grounding) will make any difference.

 

[J.Wolf]

Since the noise goes away when you change positions it is getting into your signal chain at the bass itself. Nothing you do to the power connection of your amp (and that includes grounding) will make any difference.

Thats my hunch, and what I'm afraid of. I actually think its coming in at the preamp, because if I play passive mode (bypassing the onboard pre) in these venues, that positional noise seems to go away. I've got the cavity shielded well, but maybe the preamp module or wiring is particularly susceptible to picking up gremlins on stage.