Need some help with noisy Spector LX

[michele]

I've recently purchased a 2nd hand Spector Euro LX4 which I love a lot both in terms of playability and sound BUT I have a problem, I guess, with the Tone Pump preamp.

Instead of trying to describe it in my non native language I attached an audio file of the noise I get from the preamp for you to listen. At the beginning of the audio file  bass and treble knobs are fully counterclockwise and you could hear the very annoying noise: then I go to full on the treble knob and you can of course hear the noise increase.

Before giving your valued advice please note that:

1) The noise is always there:  it gets worse if I stay closer to the amp and face it  but, tough less evident, it’s still there even if I stand 6 meters away and turn my back to the amp.
2) It’s not the battery (tried couple of fresh duracell 9v);
3) It’s not the cable (tried many);
4) It's not the amp (other basses don't do it) and It’s not the preamp section of the amp (-14db is engaged on the preamp, if it’s disengaged things get worse; also if bass is plugged in the effect send/return of the amp noise it’s still there).

5) It’s not a matter of adjusting the trimpot on the TonePump (noise it’s still there even with the trimpot almost to zero);

Thank you for any idea, tought, advice you want to share..

 

Edited July 17 by michele

[Lozz196]

Sounds - from an iPhone speaker at least - like a grounding issue to me.

[Sean]

That's a tough one. 

 

Are you using wireless?

 

My other thoughts:

 

Barrel jack connections,  are they ok? 

[Silky999]

I would go with a grounding issue as well. Does the noise change if you touch the strings or bridge? 

[Al Krow]

Interesting. I have a similar, but significantly lower intensity, high pitched whine on my Euro 5LX, which I assumed was a shielding issue and have been meaning to get looked at by a bass tech.

 

Paging @cetera !

Edited August 6 by Al Krow

[cetera]

1 hour ago, Al Krow said:

Interesting. I have a simila, but significantly lower intensity, high pitched whine on my Euro 5LX, which I assumed was a shielding issue and have been meaning to get looked at by a bass tech.

 

Paging @cetera !

No idea. Never had an issue. Best take it to a tech....

[Al Krow]

1 hour ago, cetera said:

No idea. Never had an issue. Best take it to a tech....

 

Also interesting, given the thousands of Spectors you've owned 😅

[Silky999]

Shielding issue is also a good shout especially if it is worse when you move nearer your amp

[Sean]

Roll off each pickup and see if that makes the issue change. 

 

It's not a complex circuit. Could you send me some photos of inside the cavity to see if there's anything obvious? 

 

 

 

[HeadlessBassist]

It almost sounds like the circuit is picking up your mobile telephone or some other device with an internal antenna.

 

As others have said, if you can send us a picture of the internals with the control cavity cover off, someone here may spot an issue like a missing ground wire.

[Bigwan]

My Euro 5LX really didn't get along with my Boss Waza Air wireless headphones. Made a VERY similar noise...

 

Have you tried turning the tonepump preamp down? Depending on the age of the bass there is an internal trimmer control on the preamp. Worth a look and if it's there turn it down to just below half way.

 

I've bought a HAZ labs clone preamp to put in mine when I get around to it!

Edited August 6 by Bigwan

[Sean]

Mine, even with the HAZ-03 units in, don't like the 2.4 GHz wireless NUx bugs.

[Grahambythesea]

I’ve noticed some strange noises from the tone pump if my mobile phone is in my trouser pocket immediately next to to it.

[Bigwan]

21 hours ago, Sean said:

Mine, even with the HAZ-03 units in, don't like the 2.4 GHz wireless NUx bugs.

Interesting... I didn't go with the HAZ-03, instead opting for the supplier who advertises his version on the Spector Bass Nation FB page. I'll see what it's like when I get it fitted. Been sitting a while so about time it was in there. After next weeks hols perhaps!