Mysterious Buzz

[bassist_lewis]

I've had a read around the internet and can't find this exact scenario, so putting it to you guys.

I'm getting a bit of buzz when I from my setup, which is as follows:

 

Bass (single coils) > pedalboard > amp.

 

When I roll the volume down the buzz disappears, which implies it's something going on with the pickups/wiring. HOWEVER, when I plug straight into the amp... silence. So it's the pedalboard, right? Well, I have a GigRig power supply, so fully isolated, all pedals correctly powered and every pedal is in its own isolated loop using a GigRig QMX. I even have a noise filter (!) I currently don't have a buffer first thing as my Canvas Tuner is away getting repaired (fairly sure the buzz was there before).

 

Hoping someone out there knows electronics better than the internet.

[bassist_lewis]

Additional info:

 

- I use a Y-splitter to power the Generator and a Noble DI. I've tried powering them separately and the buzz is still there

- tried going straight from the switcher to the amp (i.e. cutting out the Noble). Buzz still there.

[pantherairsoft]

A process of elimination is the best port of call… 

 

Do you get the buzz with the pedalboard powered up but all pedals bypassed? If so, start removing one pedal at a time from the set up. In theory, eventually you’ll find the one lowering the noise floor of the setup and probably amplifying the hum in your pickups.

 

As we know that no pedalboard means no noise, at some point you’re going to find the culprit. If you get to a funny point where all pedals are out and you’re basically just powering a switcher, then we can look at other options.

 

The pedals are well powered and isolated, but it doesn’t stop two random pedals refusing to play nice together. As a side note, I also had some noise issues using a gig rig generator and isolators on a larger set up in the past. It was always one random pedal being a pest.

 

Report back after the elimination test is done. Would be great to get a proper run down of the signal chain as well if you are still having the issues (also, solderless patch cables? Another thing I’ve found a cause of random noise!).