Buzzing Pulsating when recording and playing

  • Thread starter Thread starter jpetersmm
  • Start date Start date
J

jpetersmm

New member
Hi,

I have come across something weird and can't figure it out. This problem happens irregularly. I get a pulsating buzzing sound when recording and playing. I have a G&L electric, a boss ME-70, a few different amps from a Peavy bass to a Fender Acoustasonic. I also use the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 interface with Pro Tools 9.

I have tried various combinations of different amps, switched out the cables, tried different surge protectors and outlets and cannot figure this out.

The sound that I am getting is similar to the chirp of crickets sans pitch...it is almost a pulsating distorted sound. I thought I might be picking up some radio frequencies so I changed the position of my chords when I play. It almost sounds like some kind of surging that is continual at equal patterns.....on off on off......

Sometimes it helps when I put my hand on the bridge and volume/tone knobs of the guitar but the sound is still there.

It picks up the sound in Pro Tools when I record. It doesnt always happen.

This is weird:

Yesterday -- here is the setup

G&L --> Boss ME 70 --> Peavy Practice Bass Amp

Alesis drum Machine --> Crate Practice Guitar Amp

Boss Loop station --> Fender Acoustasonic Amp

The Crate and Fender Amps were plugged direct in the wall.....The Boss ME 70 and Peavy amp were on the same surge protector.....The drum machine and the Boss Loop station were plugged into the same surge protector.

We turned on the Boss ME70/Peavy and the Crate and Fender Amps first and heard the pulsating buzzing sound coming from the fender or crate amps....then I turned on the surge protector to the drum machine and the Boss loop station and the sound stopped.

Suffice to say I have no freaking idea what is going on and it is really frustrating....If you have any suggestions of insights please let me know. Thanks for taking the time to read this long ass thing.

Jackson
 
Get 10 posts and then post a link to the sound. A repeating sound usually is caused by a FX running in the background that accidentally got turned on, but if it is happening in more than 1 amp at the same time, then its a different story.
 
I get the sound also when I plug direct into the interface.....
 
What lighting do you have in the room? Other electrical appliances nearby? Fridges, Freezers?

Does the noise only occur with the guitar plugged in or is it there with microphones? Just the guitar lead? etc.
 
The lighting is a standard ceiling fan with lights, there are no other appliances near by....just my computer.....I get the sound when this guitar is plugged in but also when the mics are plugged in as well....
 
I am going to try a power conditioner and see if that works....I will post the results in a week or two
 
I found the solution. I purchased electro-harmonix humdebugger and this took care of it.....I talked with a few guys over at sweetwater.com and this is what they suggested. It works like a charm and also cleans up my signal.
 
Sounds like a cellphone might be near your gear. Some put out quite a strong signal when they occasionally check in with the cell tower. It sounds like a fast "dit-it-t-t-t-t-dit" sort of sound. "Cricket without pitch" is a good description. Best solution is to turn your phone off or at least don't put it on your amp or near other gear.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top