Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Twinfan on November 19, 2007, 10:04:22 AM

Title: Power supply 'hum' with booster pedals?
Post by: Twinfan on November 19, 2007, 10:04:22 AM

Anyone else have this problem?  If I use a regular power supply on my booster pedals I get a really loud hum, it's worse the higher the boost.  I guess I need to get myself a better power supply?  Are all boosters like this?

Title: Power supply 'hum' with booster pedals?
Post by: badgermark on November 19, 2007, 10:23:03 AM

You need a proper regulated power supply, otherwise they hum like beehatches. Most power supplies from multi-effects aren't regulated and hum like mad.

Title: Power supply 'hum' with booster pedals?
Post by: samoth2 on November 19, 2007, 10:28:12 AM

Aren't you guys supposed to be at work?   :wink:

Title: Power supply 'hum' with booster pedals?
Post by: badgermark on November 19, 2007, 10:43:49 AM

I have a break between lectures :P. Got an hour before I have to turn up to learn about photochemistry & photophysics. Glad I have a laptop and a speedy wireless connection provided by the uni  :wink:

Title: Power supply 'hum' with booster pedals?
Post by: samoth2 on November 19, 2007, 10:51:41 AM

I wish I had a laptop.

Then school would be so much more fun  :lol:

Title: Power supply 'hum' with booster pedals?
Post by: Twinfan on November 19, 2007, 10:59:48 AM

I'm at work, just not doing any  ;)

OK - regulated power supply it is.....

Title: Power supply 'hum' with booster pedals?
Post by: Roobubba on November 19, 2007, 12:03:21 PM

I recently got a power conditioner, and that made a huge difference to the noise issues I've been having with my amp. Might not help an iffy power supply for a pedal, but certainly can't hurt! It's really dropped the noise floor, which is obviously a big problem for me as I use a lot of gain. Thoroughly recommend these:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?TabID=1&ModuleNo=46830&doy=19m11

Roo

Title: Power supply 'hum' with booster pedals?
Post by: HTH AMPS on November 19, 2007, 01:36:56 PM

here's the same thing for nearly half the price (Maplins are VERY expensive)...

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/level5/module.jsp?moduleId=cpc/459183.xml

edit: you can get them on ebay for £18.49.  Also check this out, hi-fi insanity...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280164669527&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RSCC_Pr12_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT&refitem=280164281384&itemcount=12&refwidgetloc=active_view_item&usedrule1=StoreCatToStoreCat&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget

 :twisted:

Title: Power supply 'hum' with booster pedals?
Post by: Henk on November 19, 2007, 01:42:55 PM

Quote from: Twinfan

I'm at work, just not doing any  ;)

OK - regulated power supply it is.....

Yeah me too, i am working for myself though  :oops:  

I have the same thing, but then they also make alot of noise when not activated, dont have a clue what is wrong with them, but i have tried every possible adapter, also PSA ones and nothing matters.

They are both old effect pedals, so maybe its just some cap or pot thats making the noise. Would that cause noise if the volume pot has gone bad? would be logical i think. Neiter of my effect are true bypass btw.

Title: Power supply 'hum' with booster pedals?
Post by: Twinfan on November 19, 2007, 02:03:26 PM

I've tried with two of my boosters, both pretty new pedals.  Same problem.  It must be something to do with the power supply and the level of boost that also boosts noise.....

Title: Power supply 'hum' with booster pedals?
Post by: Roobubba on November 19, 2007, 02:52:01 PM

I didn't actually buy my power comditioner from Maplin, btw, just knew I could get a link from there nice 'n' easy :)  Either way, I can personally thoroughly recommend that one!

Roo

Title: Power supply 'hum' with booster pedals?
Post by: the_bleeding on November 19, 2007, 03:48:24 PM

heres how i do it...

i use a one spot for a power supply for 5 of my pedals, but as you kno, its a really basic DC adapter, and plugged straight into the wall you'll get alot of noise. So instead, i plug it into my power bar (which is rectified and has surge and noise protection) and the noise is gone. Monster makes GREAT noiseless power supplies for everything --> makes your TV even look better, stereo's clearer, my friend's xbox doesn't lag as much hahahah.

Title: Power supply 'hum' with booster pedals?
Post by: martinw on November 19, 2007, 04:19:46 PM

Go here http://www.rapidonline.com

 and look at this  part number 85-2942.

As sold by Diago pedal boards. http://www.diago.co.uk/pedal-power/pedal-power/
You need to change the polarity, but if you can solder and put a bit of heatshrink on, job done.
I've been using one for over a year with no problems.

Velcro rules!

Title: Power supply 'hum' with booster pedals?
Post by: Twinfan on November 19, 2007, 05:39:06 PM

Thanks "mate"........!  Was going to email you about it later.

And velcro clearly does NOT rule  :lol:

Title: Power supply 'hum' with booster pedals?
Post by: Henk on November 26, 2007, 09:59:39 PM

Quote from: Henk

Quote from: Twinfan

I'm at work, just not doing any  ;)

OK - regulated power supply it is.....

Yeah me too, i am working for myself though  :oops:  

I have the same thing, but then they also make alot of noise when not activated, dont have a clue what is wrong with them, but i have tried every possible adapter, also PSA ones and nothing matters.

They are both old effect pedals, so maybe its just some cap or pot thats making the noise. Would that cause noise if the volume pot has gone bad? would be logical i think. Neiter of my effect are true bypass btw.

I have figured it out finally, it was a bad (broken?) cable that somehow turned only some effect microphonic, the Boss ones didnt get microphonic strangely.