Strange issue (TC Polytune --> Empress ParaEQ Deluxe)

[sumeursault]

I ran into a strange issue on a gig last night running Bass-->TCPolytune(1stGen)-->ParaEQDlx-->Amp. With that chain I was getting no signal to the amp. However, if I isolated either pedal (bass-->TCPoly-->amp, OR bass-->ParaEQ-->amp) the signal passed fine. Why would that be? Thanks for your help.

EDIT: I did test the cable between the two pedals and that wasn't the issue

 

[JimmyM]

Good question. Is this the first time you ran that setup? Does the EQ require isolated power? I'm thinking something went wonky supplying power to both. That or you had one plug slightly loose and didn't realize it

 

[Mike_Empress]

Hi there, I'm sorry to hear you're having issues, but I'll help as best I can!

How did you test the cable between the 2 pedals? It's possible that the patch cable is working in some applications, but not others. Not all patch cables strictly adhere to the 1/4" spec, so it's possible it works in your test setup but does not work with the PolyTune output jack or the ParaEq MKII Deluxe input jack. Have you tried another cable or a cable from another brand?

Also, power. The ParaEq MKII Deluxe is true bypass by default, so even if it isn't powering on, your signal should pass through without issue. However, there is an advanced configuration option where you can set it in buffered bypass, so if you have that enabled and it isn't getting enough power (300mA 9Vdc center negative), it will not turn on, and in that case, your signal will not pass through. Instructions for advanced configurations can be found in the manual. I can't speak for the PolyTune, but I assume it's buffered bypass.

Hope that helps!

 

[sumeursault]

Hi there, I'm sorry to hear you're having issues, but I'll help as best I can!

How did you test the cable between the 2 pedals? It's possible that the patch cable is working in some applications, but not others. Not all patch cables strictly adhere to the 1/4" spec, so it's possible it works in your test setup but does not work with the PolyTune output jack or the ParaEq MKII Deluxe input jack. Have you tried another cable or a cable from another brand?

Also, power. The ParaEq MKII Deluxe is true bypass by default, so even if it isn't powering on, your signal should pass through without issue. However, there is an advanced configuration option where you can set it in buffered bypass, so if you have that enabled and it isn't getting enough power (300mA 9Vdc center negative), it will not turn on, and in that case, your signal will not pass through. Instructions for advanced configurations can be found in the manual. I can't speak for the PolyTune, but I assume it's buffered bypass.

Hope that helps!

Thanks so much for the reply. I didn't have the time or mental bandwidth to do a thorough trouble shoot on the gig, but I do recall testing the cables. The advanced setting info is helpful, although the pedal itself was powering on (at least via the bypass LED), so I'm not sure that's the issue. I did purchase it secondhand though, so it's possible it came to me with the buffer activated.

 

[Mike_Empress]

If that isn't helpful, shoot us an email at [email protected] and we'll help you troubleshoot!