Tips for a QUIETER PEDALBOARD!
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- Опубліковано 15 чер 2024
- We've all been there-- You power up your pedalboard in search of the tone of the gods, but all you can hear are hisses and hums. Today, I'm teaching you my top tips on how to get your pedalboard as QUIET as possible!
If you have questions about making YOUR rig super quiet, let us know in the comments below!
🔽Buy our Pedals/Pedalboard Materials🔽
Zip Ties: www.therigdr.com/collections/...
Tie-down Mounts: www.therigdr.com/collections/...
Velcro: www.therigdr.com/collections/...
Pedalboard Patch Cables: www.therigdr.com/products/pat...
Instrument Cables: www.therigdr.com/products/gui...
Pedalboards: www.vertexeffects.com/store#!...
VERTEX Pedals: vertexeffects.com/store
⬇ DIY BUFFER INTERFACE DIAGRAMS, TEMPLATES, & MATERIALS ⬇
Mono - vertexeffects.com/diy-buffer-...
Mono w/Tuner Out - vertexeffects.com/diy-buffer-...
Mono w/Splitter - www.vertexeffects.com/diy-buf...
Mono w/Audition Loop - vertexeffects.com/diy-buffer-...
4 Cable Method (FX Loop) - vertexeffects.com/diy-buffer-...
Wet/Dry - vertexeffects.com/diy-buffer-...
Stereo - vertexeffects.com/diy-buffer-...
🔻 //rig consulting//🔻
PRIVATE: www.therigdr.com/products/pri...
GROUP: www.therigdr.com/collections/...
🔈 //podcast//🔈
Apple: apple.co/36dSQzK
Spotify: spoti.fi/2WGLku8
⬇ RECOMMENDED MATERIALS ⬇
//buffers//
Vertex DIY Buffers - vertexeffects.com/diy-buffer
Mesa Boogie High-Wire (dual buffer) - bit.ly/2lZwS0s
TC Bonafide Buffer (x2 input + output) - amzn.to/2vrTSug
Truetone Buffer (x2 input + output) - amzn.to/2NLDA8l
//power supply//
CIOKS 7 - amzn.to/3d4qOty
CIOKS 8 - amzn.to/2zW5YOn
CIOKS 4 - amzn.to/33jWAOZ
Strymon Zuma - amzn.to/3dpZANe
Strymon Zuma R300 - amzn.to/2ZgLclt
Truetone CS6 - amzn.to/2wWLbII
Truetone CS7 - amzn.to/2x1Nf2k
Truetone CS12 - amzn.to/33rfLq3
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 3 - amzn.to/3asqK6r
IEC Plug Covers - bit.ly/34fpGl3
//dc power cables//
2.1mm DC Power Plugs (right angle) - bit.ly/2pGqXzI
2.1mm DC Power Plugs (straight) - bit.ly/36wd1sA
Bulk Power Cables (pre made) - amzn.to/3ev1q0t
//midi//
MIDI Plugs (right angle) - bit.ly/2oKHDFG
MIDI Plugs (straight) - bit.ly/32fNNLF
MIDI Cable (bulk) - amzn.to/2tPAHWQ
//velcro//
Vertex Super Lock - www.therigdr.com/collections/all
//cable management//
Zip Ties - www.therigdr.com/products/zip...
Tie Down Mounts - www.therigdr.com/products/tie...
Tone Essentials Kit - www.therigdr.com/products/ton...
//pedalboard tools//
Soldering Iron - amzn.to/2TTdMI4
Solder (60/40) - amzn.to/2U7XhsD
Solder Dispenser - amzn.to/2GpgMpR
Octopus Arms - amzn.to/2V3O8OD
Wire Strippers (30-20 AWG) - amzn.to/2BBMI6n
Wire Strippers (20-10 AWG) - amzn.to/2EbhBR3
Wire Snips - amzn.to/2EazwqU
Vise - amzn.to/2E9eTLO
Heat Gun (embossing gun) - amzn.to/2BwGdlm
Label Maker - amzn.to/2BCBcHU
Label Maker Tape (black) - amzn.to/2Cd3CZe
Label Maker Tape (clear) - amzn.to/34piDD4
Deoxit D5 Contact Cleaner - amzn.to/2GEm4gu
Truetone Milliamp (mA) Reader - amzn.to/2F9v3VN
Tone Brush - amzn.to/2HIfze3
Upholstery Crow Bar - amzn.to/2HIOU0K
Multimeter - amzn.to/2YW9BdE
Goo Gone - amzn.to/31rGJeS
👇 // diy diagrams // 👇
DIY Power Cables: vertexeffects.com/diy-power-c...
DIY Interface: vertexeffects.com/diy-interface
DIY Buffers: vertexeffects.com/diy-buffer
// contributors //
Hunter Harrison - Mixing, Audio Editing
Mason Marangella - Co-Producing
Mason Mejia - Co-Producing, Editing
Victor San Pedro - Editing
Nico Sotomayor - Videographer
#rigdoctor #noisypedalboard #pedalboards
Do you think we missed any crucial tips to make your rig quieter?? Let us know in the comments!
I think you got it pretty much covered, as far as the basics.
Beware, and keep watch, because I heard that Fender is designing an engine for pedals 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
Other than that, great video, I'm sure Rhett is proud of the work and demo.
Speak to it regularly and make sure it is happy :D
It would help if you pause the frame or show different angles of the cable organization underneath the board the way you set it up.
I feel the video goes by too fast in terms of just flashing 1 sec clips showing that. That would help us viewers to try and mimic the setup. Even better would be if you could film your set up in time lapse
Thanks for the videos.
How about adding a choke filter on incoming power lines. I have them on a couple lines, they help with emf. Or shielding in general!
keep your amp's volume rolled all the way counterclockwise for maximum rig quietness
GREAT VIDEO! this is the best pedal board information channel to have ever existed. thanks dude!
Glad you think so!
So crystal clear, straight to the point, it helped me so much!!!😃
Thanks for watching! Hope we earned your sub!
Love your re-caps of tips!
Glad you like them!
Bro you blew my mind with this great info, thank you so much!!
Happy to help!
Simply the best! Thanks Mason!
Glad you liked it!
Thanks for this video. While some of us are starting to sell some of our pedals, this video is like a nostalgia. Can’t believe this is recent.
glad you dig it!
Another awesome video Mason 🤘
Thanks again!
Hi Mason , i really love this kind of video, thanks and greetings from Italy
Glad you enjoyed it!
I picked up a few ideas, thanks for doing this!
Happy to help!
I learned some things today . Thank u .
I'm so glad!
Great video. Thank you!!
Glad it helped!
Thank You for sharing and caring! Cant tell you how much the tips you give have improved my rig tone as well as demystify lame things that USED to happen in my setup! Knowledge is king. You should create a book. An old skool book. Pedalboard curriculum :) I'd buy it! ... maybe you have already? if so .. let us know.
You are so welcome!
Very informative sir... Thanks 😊😊😊
Welcome 😊
Buying a switch mode power supply is the best thing I ever did for my rig.
Heck yea!
My god, what an epic rig!
Yes indeed!
In the process of revamping my rig at present as it's long since outgrown it's power and cheap off the shelf patch cables, these videos are a great remedy to 'forum fatigue' where you leave more confused than you arrived. We're definitely entering the golden age of having your effects without sacrificing your clean amp tone, and keeping the whole thing quiet!
Thank you for watching and I'm glad you find it all useful!
Only way I’ve tried to beat “pandemic depression” was rebuilding the pedalboard.
@@NJSonye we're always happy to give you the pro tips you need!
Great tips.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video, I like these shorter, more concise videos a lot more than the longer ones.
Have you ever had problems with clicking noises in any of your boards with time-based pedals? I'm currently having this problem for the second time now and it's driving me crazy. Different pedals, different power supplies, but both pedals are a bit more on the affordable site.
What do you mean by "clicking noises"?
hes the best and is a great friend! 😊
Thanks for watching!
Thanks man😁
Happy to help
Pretty sure you just diagnosed where most of my hum is coming from, talking about the power supplies. I have 3 smaller ones under my board, and I'd almost bet money that's the problem. I'm eyeballing the Engine Room 12 and 8, as I've got quite a few pedals ;)
Thanks for the always high quality and informative videos, sir!
Thanks for watching!
The linear power supply issue is probably the biggest culprit, but as in pro AV, we know separating signals is always preferred. Either way, great video!
The transformer is an issue with the linear supplies. Separating AC from signal is always a good idea, with DC won't matter in this case.
@VertexEffectsinc
Hello.
The Problem i have with my rig.
Amp: Victory v40 clean amp
I go from my guitar in my cry baby wah.
From tbere into my boss OD-200 and then in the amp Front input.
In the fx loop i have from in to out:
-
-Nux optima air
-BBE sonic maximiser
-Boss CE1 chorus
-Boss PH3 phaser
-Voodoo lab tremolo
-Boss DD8 delay
-Source audio ventris reverb (Thanks @mason).
The Power supply is a palmer PK-T12
The instrument cables are Sommer cable spirit XXL+ neutrik plugs and the Patch cables are mogami 2319 + squareplug.
I have i little bit noise and loss headroom.
What in my signal chain is the problem?
The Power supply? The inexistent buffer?
À propos buffer:
How should i know if i need one? How should i understand why i need one if some pedals got à integrated buffer ?
Thanks for helping.
Great stuff.! What about some shielding between a linear ps and pedals above..?
Recently redid my pedal board and it has a lot of big pedals causing space issues. My TC Electronics compressor loop is making a ton of noise and had never done that before and I couldn’t figure it out. But it’s sitting right on top my Pedal Power 2. So number 1 was my answer. Loving my Truetone that I got. Might sell the Pedal Power and and getting another Truetone. Thanks for the info!
Glad you figured it out!
Another great video.Love this channel so much smarter for watching. Thanks
So glad you're digging it!
Nice content. Keep em coming daddy Mangy
Always
Where do I find those stick wire anchors . Your videos are always so good .
Thanks .
What the best/high quality switchmode power outputs out there? Thank you the video info is the best!!!
Truetone CS6, CS7, and CS12
I love how solderless cables got so popular. I've always hated those things. I did make my own linear power supply, however, (with the transformer encased completely inside of a grounded chassis) and it's the quietest thing I've ever used.
They can big effective, but not as efficient as a switch mode supply, or as small.
@@VertexEffectsInc Fully agree about efficiency, but as far as repairability is concerned, switch mode are almost always made with the cheapest smt parts & fixing a dead one is a fools errand. Linear are almost always easily fixed once they fail. (unless the transformer died during failure.).
Sorry, I'm not trying to fight. I'm just an opinionated jerk. Please continue on! You're content is great!
@@nicksregor4208 cheap and surface mount aren't the same thing. Typically surface mount is lower tolerance than a through hole part and is often also less money, cheaper in that it costs less for the same thing, not that it's inferior in quality. It's not as easy to fix as a surface mount part, but that would be true of any device power supply or otherwise when comparing surface mount to through hole. For any guitar player, this conversation on the repairability is fewer than the 1% that would actually attempt a power supply repair, so I think it might be too nuanced for this avenue.
@@nicksregor4208 Thanks for watching!
SMPSU s are massive EMF / RF sources also so are also a concern... They are good because of how they work in delivering power by using PWM (pulse width modulation) ... It is this 'clocking' that causes the EMF so needs to be within a faraday cage if possible ... Shield from the cables. Very good idea to separate power from signal and perhaps even ferrite beads might be needed in some places if separation not possible... Good cables and buffers good advice
Great video AGAIN! I have 2 Voodoo Labs P/Ss (Pedal Power 3 Plus & Pedal Power X8) underneath my Pedal Train Nova 24 pedal board, can I utilize Faraday fabric to help isolate my P/Ss from my pedals and patch/signal cables? Or, should I just upgrade to "Switching P/Ss?"
Do you do any rackmount projects? That would be a great topic (either general cable management or more specifically pedal shelves)
Love them! I have a wet/dry/wet rack in my studio! It's very similar to the video I did last week on "Pro Rig Builders Don't Want You To Know This Secret!" Check that out!
Would you recommend also having a buffer in the send and return of the fx loop if you're using the 4 cable method?
Nailed once again uncle mason!!!!! If I’m using the same output from my power supply to power two pedals could that make a noise or how do I know which pedals can share from the same output thanks
He covers this topic in other videos, but to summarize, analog drives and compressors (and on occasion, analog octaves) are best at sharing power, because of their circuitry and negative polarity, and they filter really well, no clocks or DSPs to interfere with signal.
Pilar, I recommend focusing on combining analog only pedals in the overdrive, boost, distortion, and wah category so long as they are under the total current of your power output on your power supply and the same voltage.
Great video! Curious what solutions you use with pedals like the Sir Henry that seem to require their own outlet? I use a Zuma on my board and would like to add the Sir Henry, but would also like to keep everything powered such that I’m only turning on power at one point...silly maybe, but you seem to have solved it?
I used a power strip in the corner and connect the Zuma and the Sir Henry to it.
What could be the best way to shield audio patch cables from AC cords if there isn't much space for cable routing? I have some spaces in which I've tried my best to put space between the audio and AC cables; what's a good spacing to maintain in these cases? The rig is fairly quiet overall, but there is still a little bit of hum/buzz. Could placing ferrite cores on either the audio cables or AC cords reduce some of the remaining noise?
Hi Mason, how many slots Strymon Zuma needed for powering HX Effects? Great video and clear explanation, thank you!
Two.
Do you make or buy the very neat label strip for the Zuma outlets? Nice touch. Better than my scrawl on electrical tape!
I use a Brother P Touch Label Maker and Label Tape, I think they're linked in the description
Just put the a Truetone CS6 and a Voodoo Labs X4 on the new HX Stomp board. First thing I noticed is just how quiet my board is. Yes, my (future fuzzes) are first before the Buffer Plus.
Amazing! That's great! Glad you're getting it quiet!!!
Mason, great explanation!! I enjoy your posts even at my Boomer age! Thank you!!
Glad you like them!
Switch mode power supplies still have smaller transformer and also emits emf but it’s usually at very high frequencies beyond 20khz, so we don’t hear it.
If you had a linear type of power supply which emits EMF like you said and we had to put it under our board. Is there any shielding or isolation we could do?
Hey Mason thanks for sharing your knowledge with all of us! Im looking to upgrade my power supply and have considered the zuma but was wondering your thoughts on the new Pedal Power 3 plus? Did voodoo lab keep that one linear or did they make it switch mode? I cant seem to find the info online. Thanks again for helping out with our rigs!
The Pedal Power 3 is their first real stand alone switch mode supply and is very good, it would be right up there with the Zuma, Cioks, and other high quality switch mode supplies.
@@VertexEffectsInc Thank you so much for the reply! I will likely go with that one then!
@@adrianr2312 nice!
VERTEX, try to make a Toroidal HUM Filters video lesson for guitar ampifiers and pedal boards. They are various companies that make toroidal HUM filters and Morley just came out with a Torodial HUM filter.
Great video. BTW, what board is that?
Thanks, one of our boards we sell on our website and on Sweetwater: www.sweetwater.com/c1106--Vertex_Effects--Pedalboards
Mason, how does a wireless trasmitter affect the impedance of the input signal? Is an imput buffer still necessary? Great video as always :)
coverts it to low impedance - if you have one, you don't need an input buffer, just an output buffer.
@@VertexEffectsInc thank you, that's a great help 😁
Make a video about amp FX-Loops!
I have this Marshall DSL20 and with a Truetone CS12 power supply most of my FX work fine in the loop except ThorpyFX Camoflange which causes some weird modulation noise even when it's turned off, but this happens only in the loop it never does that in front of an amp!
That's not a power supply issue that's a line level issue. Most effects can't take line level, and I bet that's what your Marshall is putting out on the send. It will clip the input of an effect that's only designed to take instrument level. We have a video where we touch on it called "Dumble's Biggest Mistake". I make some recommendations there that might solve your problem.
This is helpful thank you! If you don’t solder your own patch cables and buy all your patch cables, could this effect noise? Currently using all EBS flat patch cables
The EBS should be fine noise wise.
VERTEX, I'm not sure if this is true or not but others have been saying when running guitar pedals at higher voltage like +18vdc or +24vdc the headroom is higher but also the quieter and noise floor is reduced. Have you tried various overdrive, distortion, dirty booster pedals on a pedalboard used with digital pedals that use VSP, DSP, VGA, chips and compared them using the same guitar pedals on the pedabboard supply them with +9vdc then comparing the noise floor using +18vdc and then comparing them using +24vdc to get the noise floor quieter. This is a way of doing noise reduction by raising the supply voltage which lowers the noise floor. Have you tried this test?
I just bought the ciloks dc7. Would you recommend making custom power cables, considering they have the rca end, or just wrapping up the extra wire?
Sure, you can buy RCA ends easily to make them DIY, just check out my pedalboard video and you'll see that's what I did with my Cioks supply.
The problem with my voodoo lab Mondo is, none of the power cables are long enough to separate it from all the audio cables.
So that basically means I would have to buy all new power cables which is BS. That is probably the problem with my noise in my pedalboard. It’s kind a upsetting because I paid a lot for it.
That doesn't matter too much...if it's all DC it won't hurt. It could also be that the Mondo is a linear supply. If you have a Pedaltrain or system with the Power Supply under the pedals, you'll have a problem right there.
When you talk about a buffer at the end, would a gain pedal with little to no drive on act as a buffer? Ie. Mesa Boogie Grid slammer. I have a SGGB by sarno in the front of the board too
Any pedal that's "ON" true bypass or not is a buffer. The quality of it may not be as good as a real high quality buffer. Input impedance of 1M ohms, output impedance of 100 ohms
What do you recommend when running power leads and guitar leads back to your amp? Can you run them side by side or should you run them away from each other ?
If it's AC, keep it far away from your signal cables. Not recommended that they're bundled together.
@Vertex Effects this may be a stupid question, but would adding some sort of EMF shielding, for those of us that already invested in linear power supplies, potentially mitigate part of that issue? I.e. adding some adhesive shielding, like Mylar, to top of the linear power supply's case, before mounting it?
I've not done this myself, but I'd try wrapping it in aluminum foil so it loops around the power supply. I don't think mylar is conductive.
Hey Mason! I have an amp-less midi controller board with no AC pedals and it’s pretty quiet but I have a slight high “whistle” coming out of the board after switching from a Mondo power supply to Strymon power supplies. Any idea what could be causing it? Any help would be much appreciated, just wondering if you’ve ever come across this issue…
Hi! Can I put my Voodoo Lab 3 Plus close to my amp or it can damage the amp or the power supply because of its magnetic field?
Hello.
The Problem i have with my rig.
Amp: Victory v40 clean amp
I go from my guitar in my cry baby wah.
From tbere into my boss od200 and then inthe amp input.
In the fx loop i have from in to out:
-
Nux optima air
BBE sonic maximiser
Boss CE1 chorus
Boss PH3 phaser
Voodoo lab tremolo
Boss DD8 delay
Source audio ventris reverb (Thanks @mason).
The Power supply is a palmer PK-T12
The instrument cables are Sommer cables spirit XXL+ nutetik plugs und the Patch cables are mogami 2319+ squareplugs
I have i little bit noise and loss headroom.
What in my signal chain is the problem?
The Power supply? The inexistent buffer?
Thanks for helping.
Is there anyway to insulate the linear power supply? Putting some material around it to isolate the emf?...Don’t know if that even makes sense. Might be a stupid question. I run a mxr and pedal power 2 below my pedals. The mxr always seemed to cause noise in certain situations. Also any tips on combining two power supplies? Can that make a difference? Thanks for all your tips.
It's not easy to do it well. Sometime you can use a steel plate or mumetal to help shield a linear power supply from the EMF getting into the pedals, however there is a certain process to fabricating mumetal and bending it properly and treating it so it is most effective. Conversely, with steel, the more you use the better it shields, however, that can add a lot of weight depending on how big the magnetic field is. The more current you're drawing against the total available of the power supply, the more intensified the magnetic field will be.
@@VertexEffectsInc Great thanks for the advice!
@@markporo sure thing!
I have a question regarding fuzzes and buffers. Why would a fuzz pedal not like a buffer? And if I am using fuzz pedals in my pre amp chain, should I put a buffer at the end? (the end of my chain is the digitech jamman). Great info! Thanks for the videos!
Fuzzes before buffers typically.
i paired a big fat AC power cable going from a phoenix toroidal power supply with a cable that goes from my buffer out to the amp, there is no
difference on noise vs using them separated, the toroidaL power supply EMF only creates noise in my case when the guitar is very close to the pedal board, otherwise i tried it with a CIOCKS and there is no noticeable difference, however i prefer CIOCKS due its lightweight and small size, plus its versatility
Cool..if it works go with it. Higher gain rigs will tend to exaggerate any issue, if it's a clean amp you can get away with way more.
Hello. Really helpful video. I watched til the end. Please would like to know the MXR DC brick family are Switch mode or Linear? also are they real isolated?
I’m pretty sure it’s a linear supply, No isolation whatsoever
@@VertexEffectsInc Woao! Again very fast response. You are the man really Mason. Last question, How far should I place the Vodoo Lap Plus 2 from pedals?
@@ALBERTOGARCIA-nk9bo depends how much of the total power you're using. This one is better than most linear supplies because it has as steel chassis which is a better shield against EMF. Usually a few inches in each direction is good, you can take a single coil guitar and have it running through your amp and move it around the power supply to see where the magnetic field is and where to avoid putting pedals.
@@VertexEffectsInc Thanks You so much for the explanation. I'll try to spot the magnética field as You revealed.
@@ALBERTOGARCIA-nk9bo sound good!
The HX Effects in 4 cable method sucks the tone from all my amps. Had to return it. I'm still looking for something like it that doesn't ruin your tone.
AxeFX? Neural?
@@VertexEffectsInc The line 6 HX Effects. It's on the board in this video. It sucked the highs, drive and dynamics from my amp.
I enjoy your clear articulate approach to tutorialing.
Question..whats that song in the intro background from? There is an artist by the name of Oddisee that made a rendition very similar. Im just curious if its a cover of an original or something. Ive been trying to find this song for some time now. Any leads would be amazing!!
What time stamp for the song? Thanks for watching!
@@VertexEffectsInc 20 seconds
How do you get smaller dc cables? As in length, I always hv excess on mine
Hi' Uncle Mason, I'm using a Zuma 9 output power supply under the pedaltrain Jr. is there an effect of the EMF?
It's switch mode, should be fine
Hi Rig Doctor! You helped me with my BOSS ES-5 before how to connect it to a BOSS NS-2. Now i wonder how can i connect the BOSS NS-2 to a BOSS ES-8. Is it possible to do it with the 4-cable method.
Same thing just use the ES-8 Input, and Volume Loop Send and Return and then you can use the loop re-ordering to put the Gate around whatever group of effects you want.
Me watching this without having a pedalboard....
Hahahaha! Hopefully soon!
I told myself I’d never buy any guitar gear that I had to program - now I’ve got an Hx Stomp! What have I been doing? Programming, but it seems easier than 4 rack units.
@@NJSonye Yes indeed! Good unit!
😂
Soon, little padawan, soon
I don’t have any analog switch pedals but how do I fix the hiss in my sound. I have tried from using the integrated gate by turning it on, lowering the gain, amp, and main volumes in it. I have pressed the ground lift button as well. I have used both XLR and 1/4 inch cables. I also have a silent tip cable (a Mogami). On both and individual connections I still have that hiss in my sound. I have a Digitech GNX4. Should I get a stand-alone gate pedal and daisy chain it to my multi effects pedal? Or what do you recommend doing? I have tried using almost every sound feature and working every combination possible but somehow still manage to get the hiss. Is it possible that it could be a guitar wiring or connector problem, bad cables, dirty cable holes on my multi effects pedal board or all of the above?
This is great. Really helpful, but I'm wondering if anything can be done when pedals get radio interference. Just got a tone bender clone and I can't keep it from tuning in radio stations...
Try it on a battery first to see if you can tame down the noise that way, but some of the old vintage fuzzes are going to have that in certain conditions inherently no matter what you do.
An engineer can design filtering to prevent RF ingress. First finding out where the RF is getting in - input, power supply, enclosure not grounded, bottom of enclosure not grounded (VERY common), etc. I have seen RF coming in through floating potentiometer shafts and coupling to the resistive element internally. Mason is right, try a battery first and see if the problem is power supply related instead of signal lead related.
I run 2 boards, all mod/time effects on one in the effects loop and a OD/fuzz/Disto/comp board (14 and 11 pedals) I'm looking into the truetone buffer, but i'm wondering where to put it. Do i just buffer the one going straight into the amps front?
Depends on the fuzz, but generally buffer first and buffer last.
Can a linear power supply be shielded?
Could you shield an under-mounted linear power supply with copper to avoid noise when pedals are placed above them? Would placing a sheet above the power supply (between it and the pedals) have any merit as a solution? Thanks for a great video!
I think you could wrap it in aluminum foil, so it loops around the power supply, rather than a flat sheet - but a big 1/8" or 1/4" plate of steel between the pedal and power supply would seem to have to lower the electromagnetic field strength.
Hi Manson, thank you for your tips. I'running my system throught a boss es8, with a Zuma power suply and mogamy cables. Still having noise Issues. Do you think using buffers might be a solution? The audio goes to 3 different amplifiers, do you this could also be an noise problem? Thank you
Could be...you might need some isolation transformers for two of the three amps. You might consider a Lehle P Split or a Radial Stage Bug.
Just stumbled onto your channel, great stuff. I do have a question, what do you think of getting the AC power completely away from the pedal board as Pedalsnake advocates? Supposedly you would run a 24 volt power line to your extender (Strymon or Cioks) and avoid having that Ac line anywhere near your 4cm cables. Or is this overkill? Can the AC Power cord cause noise problems running near your guitar or send and return cables?
I’m confused as to what you’re asking. Generally you want AC nowhere near audio cables.
@@VertexEffectsInc Using Strymon Zuma and Ojai as an example, there is an AC cord that comes into the Zuma somewhere on your pedalboard and converts to DC (if I understand correctly). This PedalSnake system supposedly avoids having to do that by using something that will take 24volts like the Ojai or even the Cioks extenders and just run a long DC cord to that and (I guess) avoid any possibility of that AC cord being anywhere near the guitar cables. Again, I'm no expert and not advocating anything, just trying to learn.
there are linear power supplies that have an external transformer right? that could solve the issue of having the PSU near the pedals.
For pedals? Not that I know of...like what?
@@VertexEffectsInc hi! for instance the MXR M238 has an external AC-DC brick. As opposed to the 1Spot CS6, which connects directly to the wall via IEC. Not sure if PS with a separate "power brick" help with the EMF issues. I think it's all DC after the brick. But I am not sure. (BTW love your channel!)
I have a vintage fuzz which I know goes before the buffer but I also have a modern Shigeharu Fuzz/Octave which I believe would go after the input buffer is that correct?
Don't know the circuit so I can't say. General rule is impedance sensitive stuff goes first before a buffer.
Hi there. Thanks for sharing. I want to ask something seeing that you are the doctor you may explain it better for me to understand. I'm still using a daisy chain, and yes I get some zooming & sizzling noise the moment I plug in or engaged my pedals. I also can hear an annoying popping sound. I need to buy a isolated power supply like most people are telling me. Can you recommend me which of the three different power supplies you mentioned is better for me?. I planned to put it under the pedal itself and maybe add another pedal underneath like a compressor to stay on.
I heard ( maybe I have to watch the video again) that it depends which model of power supply you use, you can get rid of that noise.
Thanks in advance
Depends on the number of pedal you have, but the Truetone CS6, CS7, or CS12 are great and good value. Also Fender's new Engine Room supplies are also very good and these are all switch mode supplies (Truetone and Fender).
@Mason you rock!!!!
Thanks for watching!
Mason: have you had to deal with whistling noise from time based effects interacting with the charge pump in Klon style OD's?
I’m just wondering how you’re determining that it’s the charge pump?
@@VertexEffectsInc That's my understanding from doing research and talking with other folks with a similar issue. For me it's an Archer iKon in front of a Strymon Mobius. When I select chorusing on the Mobius, it whistles noticeably if the iKon is in the signal chain. Noise goes away when I remove the iKon. I've come to learn that the charge pump in Klon style pedals is the culprit.
@@drebatista I'm using a VDL 4x4, so the hi volt pedals (TimeLine and Mobius) are isolated (or so I understand). As I mentioned, the iKon is the only pedal that creates this effect. If I remove it, all noise goes away. ALSO: If I run the TimeLine and Mobius in my Effect Loop on the amp, the noise goes away (my board is set up to accommodate this option). It's only when I run the iKon in line before the Strymon pedals that I get the whistle.
@@duaneharlick I don't think we know enough to ID a charge pump as the problem, I would suggest it is something else going on in your chain or even perhaps a problem with the Archer in the worst case, but nothing to do with it having a charge pump. Plenty of pedals have them without issue.
@@VertexEffectsInc Here's from one thread I researched: "This is right - it's called heterodyning. It's kind of an aggravating thing with a Klon that uses a charge pump like the original, and doesn't take any effort to filter out the noise (like the original). So, in keeping with the 'part for part' rebuild of a Klon, you get the oscillated signal that doesn't play nice with some other pedals." And also: " I know at least with Strymon stuff (notably the Timeline and Mobius) this is a really common problem." Here's a link to the conversation: www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/oscillation-weirdness-with-tumnus-d-and-choralflanger.1914486/
How do we know what type of power supply would it be? ie the mxr m23... series? Is there any way to see?
Thanks.
You can always ask the manufacturer. A good "tell" is that the power supply can accept any input voltage from the wall without needed a switch to do it. That almost always means it's switch mode and not linear.
I have a voodoo lab power supply which is under the effects. (My board is too packed sorry). Is it able to place something to block the EMF from the power supply?
Thanks a lot
Then just get a switch mode power supply. The amount of steel or mumetal you'd need would be very costly and/or heavy, that it would be more practical to just get a switch mode supply so you don't need to be concerned about this.
I have a GigRig generator powering my main pedalboard and because it's modular I have a few extra ports on my isolators that have DC cables plugged into as like extra in case I wanna try a pedal that's not on my board. My question is: can having loose DC cables that aren't plugged into a pedal cause noise in a rig? My rig is pretty quiet but I live in a really old house with outdated electrical so every once in a while my rig is just noisy and I don't know what's causing it.
No, but they could short to something so you could put some heat shrink over them and just hit it with a heat gun so you don't risk any possibility of that happening.
Its MXR ISO Brick Switch mode or Linear????
what about with the mxr iso brick ??
what about the G-LAB PB-1...is that one a linear or a switch mode power supply....?
Yes it is
Is there a way you can shield part of a AC power cable where it crosses your audio cables to try reduce noise or possible interference? Like maybe putting copper tape on it?
No, not in a way that would justify the space or the modification to the cable, just make sure it crosses perpendicular or stays away from the other cables.
Hi, I was wondering if the MXR M239 Mini Iso-Brick is linear? Could not find any info. Thanks!
Switch mode
Vertex can you make a video about the Boss NS-2 4 cable methods? because I have seen an Advanced 4 cable method by using the "return jack port" as the FX send and the Boss NS-2 "output jack port" as the FX return and using the "send jack pot" as the Boss NS-2 Audio output. This is another way of using a 4 cable method to cut down on noise by using a high gain distortion in front of the Boss NS-2 and using a 10 band EQ pedal in the BOSS NS-2 loop. This is how death metal bands are using the Boss NS-2.
Wayne, typically if you want to use an NS-2 to control the pre-amp of your amplifier, you treat it like a pedal, the amp input is like the pedal input and the FX Send is like the pedal output. So 4 cable method with an NS-2 used to suppress preamp noise would be like:
Last pedal before the preamp into NS-2 input (or you could put other gain pedals in here too that add noise)
NS-2 Send to Amplifier Preamp Input
Amplifier FX Send to NS-2 Return.
NS-2 Output to first pedal in the effects loop (typically delay or reverb)
Thanks for the very helpful video. I am experiencing some noise in my system. I isolated it to my effects loop chain, and was concerned that it was because my pedals were too close to my power supply, but since i have a PSU power supply (CS12) im now thinking its my patch cables connecting my MD-500, Timeline, and Specular Tempus, or my cable leads from my send to return. If i leave my rig connected, but only unplug my effects loop all the noise goes away and its silent, hence why im assuming its only in the effects loop chain.
Are you using a patch bay or connecting to the wet effects directly? How close are your send and return cables to each other? Can you change the noise by moving them closer or further apart?
@@VertexEffectsInc i dont have a patchbay or interface, im just running my send and return directly to the pedals. I still need to invest in a good buffer too. Right now im using my Peterson Strobostomp HD on its always on buffered output mode as a input buffer at the start of my chain before the front end of the amp. But yea i will definitely check those send and return cables and try moving them apart and see if my noise gets any better. To be honest those cables arent laid out neatly, but not quite a "rats nest" behind the amp to the pedal board. I did find out that having a usb cable plugged into the Boss MD-500 was giving me most of my noise problems. I unplugged that usb cable and its much quieter, but still some noise.
@@VertexEffectsInc also just wanted to say thank u so much for taking the time to reply back
@@orryfishburne5326 sure thing!
What about these cheaper supplies like Joyo that are a great value for the money?
Some only have a wallwart plug off a DC connection too.
I haven't tried them to compare.
Hello mr Vertex! I live in Greece and can’t find the Mesa Boogie high wire nowhere in Europe. It’s out of stock until probably the summer. Should I buy 2 of the TC Bonafide or maybe 2 of the true tone buffers that you also recommend? I have 10 pedals and I need buffers, one at the beginning and one at the end. Thank you ;)
Truetone or the TC are both fine! Yes two buffers.
@@VertexEffectsInc 👍🏻
If I use the 4 cable method for front of amp and fx loop, does that mean I need 4 buffers?
Three. Input, Output, FX Return.
Mason, is the hx effect also supplied by zuma??
Yes, two outputs in parallel are required
One question, if my power supply is filtered, what should I do to reduce the noise?
Filtered is a broad word that can mean a lot of things. You really want an isolated power supply.
New to this. People have been putting linear power supplies under their pedal boards forever haven’t they?
Question: if running 4cm (in my case, through a junction box) how many buffers should be used? Would a standard i/o buffer suffice? Should I buffer the i/o for the fx loop?
3 ideally - maybe more if you have a passive loop. Guitar input buffer, Output buffer to preamp, and Buffered Return to the effects loop.
@@VertexEffectsInc gotcha. Thanks for the reply. Your channel is super helpful! I really appreciate the work y'all do!
@@Siboftrig our pleasure!
Mason, are there any rules about daisy chaining certain pedals? Suppose I don't have outlets to spare on my Zuma, which pedals can I power off of one outlet with a daisy chain?
Yes, typically stay with analog pedals sharing. Typically low current and more like drives, distortion, boost, wah, things like that are generally OK.
Capt. Obvious sez pay attention to current draw when putting multiple pedals on one daisy chain. Also it seems like some pedals just don’t play well with others and do better on a dedicated supply.
What is that little power strip you've got? I've been looking for something like that for a while.
I think it was purchased off of Amazon, a power strip with an IEC
Hi Mason,
I run a board with 2 impedance sensitive fuzzes up front. Should I put a buffer after them and before my other pedals?
Buffer after fuzzes
Yes, buffer after fuzzes and at the end of the pedalboard ideally.