white noise on pedal chain

[John]

My pedal chain looks like this: amp<reverb<chorus<Boss OD2<Ibanez TS7<Tubulator<guitar.

The reverb, chorus, and Tubulator, all on together,  make no noise(hiss). However, when I kick in the TS7 I get some noise, a hiss. When I kick in the Boss I get LOTS of hiss. This is not with the 3 distortion pedals all together, just individually.

My question is, is this more likely due to el cheapo patch cords between the pedals, or is there an input resistor on the pedals that needs looked at?

When I get time I'm going to make double sure the amp input is well grounded too, but right now I'm working on that HoSo(sweet) amp!

Thanks for any ideas!

[Willabe]

This is not with the 3 distortion pedals all together, just individually.

Do you mean not all on at the same time?

I've read a number of times interviews in Tone Quest Mag. with pedal makers that certain pedals for sometimes know/understood/fixable and sometimes unknown reasons, don't like to follow after others. They will act squirrely --and/or-- make noise of different types, ect. Also sometimes they wont sound as good as they can --only you wont know it-- until you switch around the order.

Distortion pedals and wha's are prime candidates.

Having the verb first can cause big problems too, verb generally goes dead last in a pedal chain.

Try hooking up -only- 2 pedals at a time in each conceivable pairing, no others hooked up in line, then try the same in 3's. You might be surprised by what you find noise/problem wise   --and-- tone wise.

Yeah it takes some time but it well might be worth it.

I would still do this even if you get good results by trying new/different patch cords.


        Brad        

[John]

Thanks Brad, I'll try that.

Yes, I meant only one pedal turned on at a time. I do have the reverb the farthest from the guitar, I think that's what you  meant?

Of course, when I get the HoSo built, :D  I'll have the reverb and chorus and I guess even the delay through the effects loop, and only need one distortion pedal out front for the wacky songs. Some Kinks, little Kravitz... ya know. haha

[Willabe]

Doh! I read your pedal/amp chain order backwards. I'm thinking more and more I do have at least a little dyslexia problem.             

Try the same idea of swapping the pedal order around for the FX loop.

Let us know what you find.


           Thanks,     Brad         

 

[bigdaddy]

When setting up pedal boards it's the same as the shielding inside an amp. You only ground one end of the wire when using shielded wires from the input or other parts of the preamp. This is to avoid ground loops.

Make some wires up that has only one end grounded and experiment until you find were the loop is and the noise will go away. There will be noise from gain as the noise floor itself has risen, the hum should go away and some of the hiss too. The only way to totally eliminate the noise is a gate. Most descent compressors like a DBX has a gate but to use a quality compressor you need it at the end of the chain to have enough signal to drive it.

Also there is a sequence that pedals should be in especially when mixing different company's items. Each has it's own input sensitivity and output so that's a factor too. Plus what works in your home might be a nightmare at a gig and I strongly suggest using a power filter/true regulator like a Tripplite portable unit which are fairly inexpensive but NOT rack mountable, they help and will protect your setup.

[John]

Thank you both!

[duke of earl]

Use George L. cables. Forget the rest.

[simonallaway]

To rule out your power supply try each pedal with a battery.

[John]

Use George L. cables. Forget the rest.

To rule out your power supply try each pedal with a battery.

It's funny, because I was mulling over doing both of those things this past week, and then you guys bring up this thread.  So it's a sign! I must do those both. I'm betting the problem is my cheapie patch cords between the pedals, but will try the battery thing first. Cheaper.

Thanks!