List of amps that have ground loops with FX8

Do you use power conditioning with the FX8?


  • Total voters
    14
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.
 
I forgot to list Cable Snake options.
I like to use 20', 8 cable, TRS snakes.
This allows me to create Humbuster cables, as well as solder midi connectors, XLR connectors, etc. onto it.
These are completely not necessary, but it makes setup/teardown much faster and easier.
Plus, you have built in spare cables!

Mogami - http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Gold8TRSTRS20
I have an older Mogami (the cheapest one they make) that has started to break down. There is a lot of noise in the cable if it is moved along the ground.
I will most likely replace mine with this model.

ProCo - http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MT8BQBQ20
I have been using this cable for a while now. It is very quiet and much more affordable than the Mogami.
It did not have strain relief on the TRS plugs though, which I think is a fatal error on ProCo's part. I removed all of the TRS plugs and installed several layers of heat shrink for strain relief.
This cable is very silent, and made in the US.



DO NOT buy this cable:

Hosa - http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/CSS807
I know it's cheap, but very noisy and the molded connectors make it difficult to change ends.
If it's all you can afford, you would be better off buying a bunch of cheap 20' cables and zip tying them together.
 
It's been my experience that ground loop problems can come and go, especially on stages with sub standard power. Even if your amp is nice and quitet at home, it pays to have the ebtech stuff on hand.
 
Yeah, it seems like some bar owners cut every corner they can when it comes to the stage.

I usually try to have power conditioners and ground isolators like the Hum X in use all the time.
 
Thanks!
Judging by the poll above, Humbusters solve most people's problems with ground loops.

A good isolation transformer for gigging is vital here in Hawaii. We have the dirtiest power I've ever seen.
 
Back
Top Bottom