Monsta-Tone
Member
Every processor has the potential to create ground loops with the amp that it is used with.
That said, so far, the FX8 has been much more friendly with amps than most of the other processors I have used.
The purpose of this thread is not to point fingers, but to provide a list of amps that may need external devices to sound their best with the FX8.
I'm an electrical contractor. My company specializes in extreme high end custom homes. We do everything from the conduits in the ground to the touch panels in the walls. Power conditioning is vital to protect our low voltage systems such as lighting control, network equipment, control systems, etc..
I've experimented with a few amps and my FX8.
I thought it would be a good idea to have a list going of amps that may have ground loop issues with the FX8.
I have been primarily using Strats with DiMarzio Area or Cruiser pickups. I've also been using an old Ibanez R series with Duncan Parallel Axis pickups.
I always use a power conditioner or Ebtech Hum X isolation transformer plugged into the wall.
I also use high quality TRS Cable Snakes from Mogami, CBI, ProCo, and Horizon.
Rivera Fandango
Clean channel has no hum
Slight hum on the lead channel
I narrowed it down to the Input Jack
Ebtech Hum Eliminator HE-2 fixed this problem
Humbusters also fixed this problem
Mesa Triaxis
Clean settings and low gain have no hum or hiss
Lots of hiss and some hum on higher gain settings
I narrowed it down to the Input Jack
Ebtech Hum Eliminator HE-2 fixed this problem
Humbusters also fixed this problem
Mesa DC-3
Clean channel has no hum
Lead channel has enough hum to be bothersome
I narrowed it down to the FX Loop Send on the amp
Ebtech Hum Eliminator HE-2 fixed this problem
Humbusters did not fix this problem
Here is a list of Power Conditioning equipment that I have been using:
Ebtech Hum X - http://www.ebtechaudio.com/humxdes.html
Before using the Hum X, I would have strange noises in my amps. The worst of which was when my neighbor was using his chop saw. I could hear the motor through my speakers.
These things are pretty expensive, but they really help to get rid of dimmer and fluorescent lighting noise, as well as the neighbor's power tools.....
Ebtech HE-2 Hum Eliminator - http://www.ebtechaudio.com/hedes.html
Extremely transparent and works incredibly well!
Furman PL Plus DMC Power Conditioner - http://www.furmansound.com/product.php?div=01&id=PL-PLUSDMC
This is a great power conditioner. It's a little bit expensive, but well worth it.
This unit provides ground isolation transformers, surge protection, and voltage readouts.
Furman M8 DX - http://www.furmansound.com/product.php?div=01&id=M-8Dx
This is a great entry level power conditioner. It is not nearly as (insert pun here) powerful as the DMC, but does provide surge protection and voltage readouts.
Anyway....
I'd like to keep this list going. I think it would be very helpful for anyone using tube amps with their FX8.
That said, so far, the FX8 has been much more friendly with amps than most of the other processors I have used.
The purpose of this thread is not to point fingers, but to provide a list of amps that may need external devices to sound their best with the FX8.
I'm an electrical contractor. My company specializes in extreme high end custom homes. We do everything from the conduits in the ground to the touch panels in the walls. Power conditioning is vital to protect our low voltage systems such as lighting control, network equipment, control systems, etc..
I've experimented with a few amps and my FX8.
I thought it would be a good idea to have a list going of amps that may have ground loop issues with the FX8.
I have been primarily using Strats with DiMarzio Area or Cruiser pickups. I've also been using an old Ibanez R series with Duncan Parallel Axis pickups.
I always use a power conditioner or Ebtech Hum X isolation transformer plugged into the wall.
I also use high quality TRS Cable Snakes from Mogami, CBI, ProCo, and Horizon.
Rivera Fandango
Clean channel has no hum
Slight hum on the lead channel
I narrowed it down to the Input Jack
Ebtech Hum Eliminator HE-2 fixed this problem
Humbusters also fixed this problem
Mesa Triaxis
Clean settings and low gain have no hum or hiss
Lots of hiss and some hum on higher gain settings
I narrowed it down to the Input Jack
Ebtech Hum Eliminator HE-2 fixed this problem
Humbusters also fixed this problem
Mesa DC-3
Clean channel has no hum
Lead channel has enough hum to be bothersome
I narrowed it down to the FX Loop Send on the amp
Ebtech Hum Eliminator HE-2 fixed this problem
Humbusters did not fix this problem
Here is a list of Power Conditioning equipment that I have been using:
Ebtech Hum X - http://www.ebtechaudio.com/humxdes.html
Before using the Hum X, I would have strange noises in my amps. The worst of which was when my neighbor was using his chop saw. I could hear the motor through my speakers.
These things are pretty expensive, but they really help to get rid of dimmer and fluorescent lighting noise, as well as the neighbor's power tools.....
Ebtech HE-2 Hum Eliminator - http://www.ebtechaudio.com/hedes.html
Extremely transparent and works incredibly well!
Furman PL Plus DMC Power Conditioner - http://www.furmansound.com/product.php?div=01&id=PL-PLUSDMC
This is a great power conditioner. It's a little bit expensive, but well worth it.
This unit provides ground isolation transformers, surge protection, and voltage readouts.
Furman M8 DX - http://www.furmansound.com/product.php?div=01&id=M-8Dx
This is a great entry level power conditioner. It is not nearly as (insert pun here) powerful as the DMC, but does provide surge protection and voltage readouts.
Anyway....
I'd like to keep this list going. I think it would be very helpful for anyone using tube amps with their FX8.