Noise suppressors.....what a buzz kill.

Discussion in 'Live Sound [BG]' started by Axtman, Jun 14, 2019.

  1. Axtman

    Axtman Supporting Member

    Mar 3, 2008
    Seattle, WA
    Long story short: After much messing around I realize that the hum coming from my bass amp is actually due to a dimmer light switch in the rehearsal room being on the same circuit as the outlet. What do you recommend for a noise suppressor?
     
  2. Stumbo

    Stumbo Guest

    Feb 11, 2008
    Try another circuit?
     
    s0c9 likes this.
  3. JohnMCA72

    JohnMCA72

    Feb 4, 2009
    I recommend to never put anything that (re)produces sound on the same circuit with a dimmer!! Same goes for motors (compressors, refrigerators, elevators, etc.)
     
  4. Axtman

    Axtman Supporting Member

    Mar 3, 2008
    Seattle, WA
    To clarify: the dimmer switch does not operate the outlet but does operate the overhead lights. I suspect the lights and outlet are powered off the the same circuit thus the reason for the noise.
     
  5. silky smoove

    silky smoove Supporting Member

    May 19, 2004
    Seattle, WA
    This should be the first thing attempted.

    @Axtman : Unfortunately I've often found that rooms with dimmers are incredibly noise-prone even when plugging into a different circuit. Try running the lights without any dimming to minimize the problem, but expect that you'll always have some noise. If you can't get around the noise, any old noise gate pedal will get the job done well enough for rehearsal purposes. Not ideal, but perhaps better than dealing with a noisy rehearsal.
     
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  6. walterw

    walterw Supportive Fender Commercial User

    Feb 20, 2009
    alpha-music.com
    either dime or kill the dimmer! that will get rid of the noise.
     
  7. Axtman

    Axtman Supporting Member

    Mar 3, 2008
    Seattle, WA
    The lights are on at full brightness.
     
  8. s0c9

    s0c9 Supporting Member

    Jan 9, 2014
    Ft.Worth/Dallas
    1964 Audio artist, Fractal Audio Beta Tester
    Play louder ???
    Sorry... couldn't resist! ;)

    In all seriousness, the above recommendations are your best solution. Use a different circuit. Or turn off the lights.
    If neither are NOT an option, as a last resort, you MIGHT try something like the Ebtech Hum eliminator, but I don't know if it will work.
     
    Last edited: Jun 15, 2019
  9. Take along a lamp and leave the lights.
     
    equill likes this.
  10. seilerbird

    seilerbird

    Apr 12, 2012
    Replace the dimmer with a normal switch.
     
  11. kalle74

    kalle74

    Aug 27, 2004
    Replace the drummer with a normal switch.
     
  12. equill

    equill

    Nov 25, 2010
    Madrid
    Expensive option, but it'll work every time: a conditioning UPS. Cleanest source of power you can get, short of a standalone battery array, mostly because it _is_ a battery with a well-regulated charging system bolted onto it.
    You might be able to get a standalone power-conditioner, but I've never seriously looked into those.
     
  13. DiabolusInMusic

    DiabolusInMusic Functionless Art is Merely Tolerated Vandalism

    I wouldn't use a noise suppressor. I'm guessing you're getting 60hz hum with single coils. I would recommend getting humbuckers installed.

    If you need a suppressor, the ISP Decimator is the best one in my books. I wouldn't recommend using an external fix for an internal issue though.