I think you got it pretty much covered, as far as the basics. Beware, and keep watch, because I heard that Fender is designing an engine for pedals 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔 Other than that, great video, I'm sure Rhett is proud of the work and demo.
It would help if you pause the frame or show different angles of the cable organization underneath the board the way you set it up. I feel the video goes by too fast in terms of just flashing 1 sec clips showing that. That would help us viewers to try and mimic the setup. Even better would be if you could film your set up in time lapse Thanks for the videos.
Thank You for sharing and caring! Cant tell you how much the tips you give have improved my rig tone as well as demystify lame things that USED to happen in my setup! Knowledge is king. You should create a book. An old skool book. Pedalboard curriculum :) I'd buy it! ... maybe you have already? if so .. let us know.
In the process of revamping my rig at present as it's long since outgrown it's power and cheap off the shelf patch cables, these videos are a great remedy to 'forum fatigue' where you leave more confused than you arrived. We're definitely entering the golden age of having your effects without sacrificing your clean amp tone, and keeping the whole thing quiet!
The linear power supply issue is probably the biggest culprit, but as in pro AV, we know separating signals is always preferred. Either way, great video!
@VertexEffectsinc Hello. The Problem i have with my rig. Amp: Victory v40 clean amp I go from my guitar in my cry baby wah. From tbere into my boss OD-200 and then in the amp Front input. In the fx loop i have from in to out: - -Nux optima air -BBE sonic maximiser -Boss CE1 chorus -Boss PH3 phaser -Voodoo lab tremolo -Boss DD8 delay -Source audio ventris reverb (Thanks @mason). The Power supply is a palmer PK-T12 The instrument cables are Sommer cable spirit XXL+ neutrik plugs and the Patch cables are mogami 2319 + squareplug. I have i little bit noise and loss headroom. What in my signal chain is the problem? The Power supply? The inexistent buffer? À propos buffer: How should i know if i need one? How should i understand why i need one if some pedals got à integrated buffer ? Thanks for helping.
I love how solderless cables got so popular. I've always hated those things. I did make my own linear power supply, however, (with the transformer encased completely inside of a grounded chassis) and it's the quietest thing I've ever used.
@@VertexEffectsInc Fully agree about efficiency, but as far as repairability is concerned, switch mode are almost always made with the cheapest smt parts & fixing a dead one is a fools errand. Linear are almost always easily fixed once they fail. (unless the transformer died during failure.).
@@nicksregor4208 cheap and surface mount aren't the same thing. Typically surface mount is lower tolerance than a through hole part and is often also less money, cheaper in that it costs less for the same thing, not that it's inferior in quality. It's not as easy to fix as a surface mount part, but that would be true of any device power supply or otherwise when comparing surface mount to through hole. For any guitar player, this conversation on the repairability is fewer than the 1% that would actually attempt a power supply repair, so I think it might be too nuanced for this avenue.
Pretty sure you just diagnosed where most of my hum is coming from, talking about the power supplies. I have 3 smaller ones under my board, and I'd almost bet money that's the problem. I'm eyeballing the Engine Room 12 and 8, as I've got quite a few pedals ;) Thanks for the always high quality and informative videos, sir!
SMPSU s are massive EMF / RF sources also so are also a concern... They are good because of how they work in delivering power by using PWM (pulse width modulation) ... It is this 'clocking' that causes the EMF so needs to be within a faraday cage if possible ... Shield from the cables. Very good idea to separate power from signal and perhaps even ferrite beads might be needed in some places if separation not possible... Good cables and buffers good advice
Recently redid my pedal board and it has a lot of big pedals causing space issues. My TC Electronics compressor loop is making a ton of noise and had never done that before and I couldn’t figure it out. But it’s sitting right on top my Pedal Power 2. So number 1 was my answer. Loving my Truetone that I got. Might sell the Pedal Power and and getting another Truetone. Thanks for the info!
The problem with my voodoo lab Mondo is, none of the power cables are long enough to separate it from all the audio cables. So that basically means I would have to buy all new power cables which is BS. That is probably the problem with my noise in my pedalboard. It’s kind a upsetting because I paid a lot for it.
That doesn't matter too much...if it's all DC it won't hurt. It could also be that the Mondo is a linear supply. If you have a Pedaltrain or system with the Power Supply under the pedals, you'll have a problem right there.
I told myself I’d never buy any guitar gear that I had to program - now I’ve got an Hx Stomp! What have I been doing? Programming, but it seems easier than 4 rack units.
Switch mode power supplies still have smaller transformer and also emits emf but it’s usually at very high frequencies beyond 20khz, so we don’t hear it.
Just put the a Truetone CS6 and a Voodoo Labs X4 on the new HX Stomp board. First thing I noticed is just how quiet my board is. Yes, my (future fuzzes) are first before the Buffer Plus.
VERTEX, try to make a Toroidal HUM Filters video lesson for guitar ampifiers and pedal boards. They are various companies that make toroidal HUM filters and Morley just came out with a Torodial HUM filter.
Great video, I like these shorter, more concise videos a lot more than the longer ones. Have you ever had problems with clicking noises in any of your boards with time-based pedals? I'm currently having this problem for the second time now and it's driving me crazy. Different pedals, different power supplies, but both pedals are a bit more on the affordable site.
Best way to a quiet pedal board is to use battery power. Mission Electronics makes a few power supplies that can supply isolated power from a single battery to several pedals.
The HX Effects in 4 cable method sucks the tone from all my amps. Had to return it. I'm still looking for something like it that doesn't ruin your tone.
I agree with 90% of what is said in this video but, I recently purchased a truetone cs 12 to replace my voodoo labs PP2 just to try out the comparison with linear and switchmode power supplies. My findings were that the linear power supply produced less noise and made my buffer and effects sound better and have a more solid tone. Guess I'm sticking with my Pedal Power 2. My 2 cents.
If both supplies are producing the same voltage and current per output, there should be no difference in sound. I don't know how you did the implementation of the two power supplies so it can be hard to fully qualify this statement. As someone that's used both hundreds of times, I can say that a linear power supply can be much more problematic in the context of a pedalboard especially when you're stretching the current limitations of the supply.
@@VertexEffectsInc I would have really liked for the CS12 to be better but I ultimately trust my ears. Many times I have run into the situation where different brand components like guitar cables, speaker cables, power tubes, preamp tubes, jacks and audio pots of the same value etc...are in theory, electronically identical. But, when you try several different brands back to back, you always levitate towards the one you feel sounds best and has better build quality. The differences are very subtle but everything in your chain adds up to shape your tone and I've experienced that power supplies are no exception.
@@deepend69 there are instances where there can be difference but depends on how you test them, most are not testing blind so they are going off of recency bias often and not actually comparing what they think they are. Most pedals have such giant power supply caps that little differences in current or voltage is pretty well quashed and this can be seen in sensitive power sources like high impedance carbon batteries.
Another thing that I would like to mention is the fact that I have always prefered using only one buffer at the beginning of my pedal chain, as that method is what gives me the closest sounding tone to being connected directly to my amp.
The input buffer only helps to the degree that there isn't another buffer or pedal on after it as the input buffer is defeated from that point further. Secondly, the input buffer is helping with the guitar loading so you get a consistent load that matches you amplifier ideally. The output buffer is also important since no pedal is really that great at driving capacitance typically.
i paired a big fat AC power cable going from a phoenix toroidal power supply with a cable that goes from my buffer out to the amp, there is no difference on noise vs using them separated, the toroidaL power supply EMF only creates noise in my case when the guitar is very close to the pedal board, otherwise i tried it with a CIOCKS and there is no noticeable difference, however i prefer CIOCKS due its lightweight and small size, plus its versatility
Is there anyway to insulate the linear power supply? Putting some material around it to isolate the emf?...Don’t know if that even makes sense. Might be a stupid question. I run a mxr and pedal power 2 below my pedals. The mxr always seemed to cause noise in certain situations. Also any tips on combining two power supplies? Can that make a difference? Thanks for all your tips.
It's not easy to do it well. Sometime you can use a steel plate or mumetal to help shield a linear power supply from the EMF getting into the pedals, however there is a certain process to fabricating mumetal and bending it properly and treating it so it is most effective. Conversely, with steel, the more you use the better it shields, however, that can add a lot of weight depending on how big the magnetic field is. The more current you're drawing against the total available of the power supply, the more intensified the magnetic field will be.
@@VertexEffectsInc Thanks for your response Mason. I didn’t want my 1 spot pro cs 12 to solely be responsible for reducing noise to my rig. I figure the power condition will help reduce some of the workload on the power supply and get the benefit of clean power to my effects, amps and recording gear.
@@whiskybravo4648 there's only so much the power conditioner can do, especially if it's not regulating the voltage or clamping it in place. There might be some basic filtering but it's not going to overcome a noisy rig that has a pedalboard based issue.
@@VertexEffectsInc hi! for instance the MXR M238 has an external AC-DC brick. As opposed to the 1Spot CS6, which connects directly to the wall via IEC. Not sure if PS with a separate "power brick" help with the EMF issues. I think it's all DC after the brick. But I am not sure. (BTW love your channel!)
Nailed once again uncle mason!!!!! If I’m using the same output from my power supply to power two pedals could that make a noise or how do I know which pedals can share from the same output thanks
He covers this topic in other videos, but to summarize, analog drives and compressors (and on occasion, analog octaves) are best at sharing power, because of their circuitry and negative polarity, and they filter really well, no clocks or DSPs to interfere with signal.
Pilar, I recommend focusing on combining analog only pedals in the overdrive, boost, distortion, and wah category so long as they are under the total current of your power output on your power supply and the same voltage.
In every video I have watched for vertex, they never mention the Fender engine room power supply. Is there a reason? I think you need to do a video just on the Engine Rooms.
I’m using a Laney L5 T - 112 amp I plug my telecaster into my wha wha into my boss chromatic tuner the output of the tuner goes to my G string “guitar in” the G string “dec in”goes to my send in the loop the guitar out of the G string goes to my tone corset compressor the output of the compressor goes to my boss driver input the output of the boss driver goes to the input of my amplifier the “dec out “on the G string goes to my BBE tremor optical tremolo pedal the output of the tremelo pedal goes to the input of my memory toy delay, the output of the memory toy goes to the return of my loop I have had my amp professionally cleaned tubes checked and I still get a massive amount of noise coming from my compressor and or blues driver when they are “ on “and I do not understand why ? With the compressor pedal and my blues driver at 11 o’clock the G string is it approximately 10:30 o’clock which removes all noises until I press or turn on my blue driver and or compressor . I use my compressor constantly my petals are connected to a nomad Outlaw effects model number M128 ( does not require ac to power board . What am I doing wrong ? I even removed the whawha and plugged guitar first into boss TU-2 tuner which I’m told has a buffer in the TU-2 pedal .
What USB rechargeable battery would you use for pedal boards for street busking to power all types of guitar pedals voltages and current ratings +9,+18+24vdc and 1amp to 2amp on delay guitar pedals for a pedal board for playing outdoors street busking? I do think you need to make a video about time based effects cause ticking and clicking noises because other pedals that use internal charge pumps and internal voltage inverters are causing issues with time based effects.
@@VertexEffectsInc I see people in the comments saying their time based effects are causing ticking and clicking noises from other pedals that have internal voltage inverters and voltage Doublers that change the voltage from +9 to +18 or invert the +9 to -9 or have a charge pump circuit. I'm not sure why a charge pump circuit would backfeed causing the time based effects to cause ticking and clicking noises.
Hello. The Problem i have with my rig. Amp: Victory v40 clean amp I go from my guitar in my cry baby wah. From tbere into my boss od200 and then inthe amp input. In the fx loop i have from in to out: - Nux optima air BBE sonic maximiser Boss CE1 chorus Boss PH3 phaser Voodoo lab tremolo Boss DD8 delay Source audio ventris reverb (Thanks @mason). The Power supply is a palmer PK-T12 The instrument cables are Sommer cables spirit XXL+ nutetik plugs und the Patch cables are mogami 2319+ squareplugs I have i little bit noise and loss headroom. What in my signal chain is the problem? The Power supply? The inexistent buffer? Thanks for helping.
Make a video about amp FX-Loops! I have this Marshall DSL20 and with a Truetone CS12 power supply most of my FX work fine in the loop except ThorpyFX Camoflange which causes some weird modulation noise even when it's turned off, but this happens only in the loop it never does that in front of an amp!
That's not a power supply issue that's a line level issue. Most effects can't take line level, and I bet that's what your Marshall is putting out on the send. It will clip the input of an effect that's only designed to take instrument level. We have a video where we touch on it called "Dumble's Biggest Mistake". I make some recommendations there that might solve your problem.
@Vertex Effects this may be a stupid question, but would adding some sort of EMF shielding, for those of us that already invested in linear power supplies, potentially mitigate part of that issue? I.e. adding some adhesive shielding, like Mylar, to top of the linear power supply's case, before mounting it?
I have a Friedman buffer bay ,and power supply with buffer in and out ,I’m running all my time based effects and a Wampler terraform in a serial effects loop in post and all distortion and eq ,all with built in buffers through the preamp ,I run all gain at half and when I engage the Wampler I’m having terrible oscillation noise and squeals ,long story short I’ve tried everything and nothings changed ,any ideas ?
The Friedman is an input buffer only, no output buffer. This could be that your Wampler and your effects loop aren't complementary, this is common as there are no standards for FX Loops and no standards for pedals and the levels they can take. If could also be something else in your system as well unrelated to the pedals. Have you considered running the Wampler in the front of the amp? What's the amp? Does it have an active/buffered effects loop?
@@VertexEffectsInc I had no idea the buffer bay was buffer in only ,honestly that’s awesome to learn ,the amp is a Genz Benz Black Pearl 30 all the forums I researched said the fx loop is for rack use only so I’m not sure if that’s true ,I’ve put the terraform in the per path and post ,before and after distortion with a buffer pedal on each side ,replaced cables ,so I’m stumped but I really appreciate you answer my comment ,that’s huge !
I run 2 boards, all mod/time effects on one in the effects loop and a OD/fuzz/Disto/comp board (14 and 11 pedals) I'm looking into the truetone buffer, but i'm wondering where to put it. Do i just buffer the one going straight into the amps front?
Love them! I have a wet/dry/wet rack in my studio! It's very similar to the video I did last week on "Pro Rig Builders Don't Want You To Know This Secret!" Check that out!
They can add noise, very common. You can diagnose how much is coming from your power supply by simply trying your comp on battery by itself off the pedalboard and compare to how it sounds on the board with your supply to isolate if it's the pedal or some external factors.
A compressor dampens spikes in the input signal (voltage) and boosts lower level signals (sustain). If your noise floor is above the lower voltage level getting boosted, you get more noise. That’s not to say the compressor can’t introduce noise itself - my first compressor is so noisy I’ve never been able to use it and for a long time I thought all compressors did the same. They don’t.
VERTEX, I'm not sure if this is true or not but others have been saying when running guitar pedals at higher voltage like +18vdc or +24vdc the headroom is higher but also the quieter and noise floor is reduced. Have you tried various overdrive, distortion, dirty booster pedals on a pedalboard used with digital pedals that use VSP, DSP, VGA, chips and compared them using the same guitar pedals on the pedabboard supply them with +9vdc then comparing the noise floor using +18vdc and then comparing them using +24vdc to get the noise floor quieter. This is a way of doing noise reduction by raising the supply voltage which lowers the noise floor. Have you tried this test?
Great video AGAIN! I have 2 Voodoo Labs P/Ss (Pedal Power 3 Plus & Pedal Power X8) underneath my Pedal Train Nova 24 pedal board, can I utilize Faraday fabric to help isolate my P/Ss from my pedals and patch/signal cables? Or, should I just upgrade to "Switching P/Ss?"
@@VertexEffectsInc That's my understanding from doing research and talking with other folks with a similar issue. For me it's an Archer iKon in front of a Strymon Mobius. When I select chorusing on the Mobius, it whistles noticeably if the iKon is in the signal chain. Noise goes away when I remove the iKon. I've come to learn that the charge pump in Klon style pedals is the culprit.
@@drebatista I'm using a VDL 4x4, so the hi volt pedals (TimeLine and Mobius) are isolated (or so I understand). As I mentioned, the iKon is the only pedal that creates this effect. If I remove it, all noise goes away. ALSO: If I run the TimeLine and Mobius in my Effect Loop on the amp, the noise goes away (my board is set up to accommodate this option). It's only when I run the iKon in line before the Strymon pedals that I get the whistle.
@@duaneharlick I don't think we know enough to ID a charge pump as the problem, I would suggest it is something else going on in your chain or even perhaps a problem with the Archer in the worst case, but nothing to do with it having a charge pump. Plenty of pedals have them without issue.
@@VertexEffectsInc Here's from one thread I researched: "This is right - it's called heterodyning. It's kind of an aggravating thing with a Klon that uses a charge pump like the original, and doesn't take any effort to filter out the noise (like the original). So, in keeping with the 'part for part' rebuild of a Klon, you get the oscillated signal that doesn't play nice with some other pedals." And also: " I know at least with Strymon stuff (notably the Timeline and Mobius) this is a really common problem." Here's a link to the conversation: www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/oscillation-weirdness-with-tumnus-d-and-choralflanger.1914486/
Great video! Curious what solutions you use with pedals like the Sir Henry that seem to require their own outlet? I use a Zuma on my board and would like to add the Sir Henry, but would also like to keep everything powered such that I’m only turning on power at one point...silly maybe, but you seem to have solved it?
This is helpful thank you! If you don’t solder your own patch cables and buy all your patch cables, could this effect noise? Currently using all EBS flat patch cables
Hello. Really helpful video. I watched til the end. Please would like to know the MXR DC brick family are Switch mode or Linear? also are they real isolated?
@@VertexEffectsInc Woao! Again very fast response. You are the man really Mason. Last question, How far should I place the Vodoo Lap Plus 2 from pedals?
@@ALBERTOGARCIA-nk9bo depends how much of the total power you're using. This one is better than most linear supplies because it has as steel chassis which is a better shield against EMF. Usually a few inches in each direction is good, you can take a single coil guitar and have it running through your amp and move it around the power supply to see where the magnetic field is and where to avoid putting pedals.
I don’t have any analog switch pedals but how do I fix the hiss in my sound. I have tried from using the integrated gate by turning it on, lowering the gain, amp, and main volumes in it. I have pressed the ground lift button as well. I have used both XLR and 1/4 inch cables. I also have a silent tip cable (a Mogami). On both and individual connections I still have that hiss in my sound. I have a Digitech GNX4. Should I get a stand-alone gate pedal and daisy chain it to my multi effects pedal? Or what do you recommend doing? I have tried using almost every sound feature and working every combination possible but somehow still manage to get the hiss. Is it possible that it could be a guitar wiring or connector problem, bad cables, dirty cable holes on my multi effects pedal board or all of the above?
@@VertexEffectsInc nope. How about good gates in the loop. 2 cables vs 4 cables etc. I used rack units back in the day, now i'm trying the same system in the fx loop ( Gate , delay, reverb and compressor/eq) It was fun.
Okay cool! I’m glad it’s just the induction causing the noise in my signal, and not damaged goods. I’m thinking your tiered pedalboard and strymon zuma is my best option moving forward. Great content!
@@connorm.6253 That's a good supply for sure, also Cioks is great as well if you want a lower profile but you may need more than one depending. Also the new Pedal Power 3 and 3+ are both switchmode.
Vertex can you make a video about the Boss NS-2 4 cable methods? because I have seen an Advanced 4 cable method by using the "return jack port" as the FX send and the Boss NS-2 "output jack port" as the FX return and using the "send jack pot" as the Boss NS-2 Audio output. This is another way of using a 4 cable method to cut down on noise by using a high gain distortion in front of the Boss NS-2 and using a 10 band EQ pedal in the BOSS NS-2 loop. This is how death metal bands are using the Boss NS-2.
Wayne, typically if you want to use an NS-2 to control the pre-amp of your amplifier, you treat it like a pedal, the amp input is like the pedal input and the FX Send is like the pedal output. So 4 cable method with an NS-2 used to suppress preamp noise would be like: Last pedal before the preamp into NS-2 input (or you could put other gain pedals in here too that add noise) NS-2 Send to Amplifier Preamp Input Amplifier FX Send to NS-2 Return. NS-2 Output to first pedal in the effects loop (typically delay or reverb)
What could be the best way to shield audio patch cables from AC cords if there isn't much space for cable routing? I have some spaces in which I've tried my best to put space between the audio and AC cables; what's a good spacing to maintain in these cases? The rig is fairly quiet overall, but there is still a little bit of hum/buzz. Could placing ferrite cores on either the audio cables or AC cords reduce some of the remaining noise?
I have a GigRig generator powering my main pedalboard and because it's modular I have a few extra ports on my isolators that have DC cables plugged into as like extra in case I wanna try a pedal that's not on my board. My question is: can having loose DC cables that aren't plugged into a pedal cause noise in a rig? My rig is pretty quiet but I live in a really old house with outdated electrical so every once in a while my rig is just noisy and I don't know what's causing it.
No, but they could short to something so you could put some heat shrink over them and just hit it with a heat gun so you don't risk any possibility of that happening.
Certain fuzz pedals have a problem with input impedance, that can interfere with the buffer coming before it. He mentions this in this video, as well as other videos. Overdrives are not much of an issue.
What do you recommend when running power leads and guitar leads back to your amp? Can you run them side by side or should you run them away from each other ?
When you talk about a buffer at the end, would a gain pedal with little to no drive on act as a buffer? Ie. Mesa Boogie Grid slammer. I have a SGGB by sarno in the front of the board too
Any pedal that's "ON" true bypass or not is a buffer. The quality of it may not be as good as a real high quality buffer. Input impedance of 1M ohms, output impedance of 100 ohms
If you had a linear type of power supply which emits EMF like you said and we had to put it under our board. Is there any shielding or isolation we could do?
I have a loop station with a mixer in it, and to avoid plug/unplug the adapter everytime I just put it on the pedalboard with al the rest. The problem is that if a cable is near the adapter it cause grpund noise. Is there a way to isolate the adapter without moving it, like Building a wall of some material all over it?
Hi Rig Doctor! You helped me with my BOSS ES-5 before how to connect it to a BOSS NS-2. Now i wonder how can i connect the BOSS NS-2 to a BOSS ES-8. Is it possible to do it with the 4-cable method.
Same thing just use the ES-8 Input, and Volume Loop Send and Return and then you can use the loop re-ordering to put the Gate around whatever group of effects you want.
@@VertexEffectsInc well,my pedal board is pretty much covered with pedals as most of them are so there is no place “away”. Plus I may be adding another small power supply as well
Hey Mason, Was wondering if you could help me understand my options for using a buffer with my pedalboard. I’m building a switcher and want to make a simple buffer like you have diagrams for . Just guitar in->send->Recieve->amp but I don’t understand how I can get around the whole “fuzz don’t like buffer thing” I have a fuzz factory and it definitely doesn’t like a buffer first. Idk how to go about this setup. Any help would be great thanks man!
@@VertexEffectsInc thanks for the reply. To be clear- I ordered one of the Buffer pcb you recommended- I was thinking I could install it into my looper switcher somehow. Would that make sense at all? I’m having trouble figuring out the best way to do this. I guess I have to build an actual buffer using a separate Hammond box? I was hoping to put all 13 of my pedals in its own loop and also a tuner switch and master bypass. Where could I install the buffer in the switcher so that it is always engaged after the fuzz pedal?
@@dylanlee4776 it would work if you put it right after the input that fed all the outputs all the time and wasn't on a footswitch, but you'd have to put your fuzz before the loop switcher. You also would want an output buffer like I show in all the diagrams dead last. I think it's easier to do it the way I suggested.
Thanks again Is there not a way to put the buffer somewhere inside the switcher? To keep from having to do all of the secondary enclosure and such? I haven’t drawn up my plan yet but I was going to try to find a way to put it in the path of my main signal line (yet after the fuzz) but if I understand you correctly I should run like normal into the switcher (no buffers) then from there create a send AFTER my fuzz loop, to my custom made buffer and back into the switcher to continue down the line I plan on having a strymon pedal at the end which should play the role of buffer pretty well I would think considering I’ll probably always have it on in some capacity.
@@dylanlee4776 There is but it will be more complicated and probably an easier I/O location to have some sort of interface anyway. You'll have to make sure it's not bypassed by your loops and is after your loop one and before your loop 2 always in circuit...depending on how it's wired it could be a bit of a complicated DIY project.
I enjoy your clear articulate approach to tutorialing. Question..whats that song in the intro background from? There is an artist by the name of Oddisee that made a rendition very similar. Im just curious if its a cover of an original or something. Ive been trying to find this song for some time now. Any leads would be amazing!!
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 76 | คู่เอก "ผึ้งหลวง vs สมิงดำ"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/9SBshmGQOIM/mqdefault.jpg)
Do you think we missed any crucial tips to make your rig quieter?? Let us know in the comments!
I think you got it pretty much covered, as far as the basics.
Beware, and keep watch, because I heard that Fender is designing an engine for pedals 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
Other than that, great video, I'm sure Rhett is proud of the work and demo.
Speak to it regularly and make sure it is happy :D
It would help if you pause the frame or show different angles of the cable organization underneath the board the way you set it up.
I feel the video goes by too fast in terms of just flashing 1 sec clips showing that. That would help us viewers to try and mimic the setup. Even better would be if you could film your set up in time lapse
Thanks for the videos.
How about adding a choke filter on incoming power lines. I have them on a couple lines, they help with emf. Or shielding in general!
keep your amp's volume rolled all the way counterclockwise for maximum rig quietness
Buying a switch mode power supply is the best thing I ever did for my rig.
Heck yea!
Thank You for sharing and caring! Cant tell you how much the tips you give have improved my rig tone as well as demystify lame things that USED to happen in my setup! Knowledge is king. You should create a book. An old skool book. Pedalboard curriculum :) I'd buy it! ... maybe you have already? if so .. let us know.
You are so welcome!
GREAT VIDEO! this is the best pedal board information channel to have ever existed. thanks dude!
Glad you think so!
In the process of revamping my rig at present as it's long since outgrown it's power and cheap off the shelf patch cables, these videos are a great remedy to 'forum fatigue' where you leave more confused than you arrived. We're definitely entering the golden age of having your effects without sacrificing your clean amp tone, and keeping the whole thing quiet!
Thank you for watching and I'm glad you find it all useful!
Only way I’ve tried to beat “pandemic depression” was rebuilding the pedalboard.
@@NJSonye we're always happy to give you the pro tips you need!
Thanks for this video. While some of us are starting to sell some of our pedals, this video is like a nostalgia. Can’t believe this is recent.
glad you dig it!
So crystal clear, straight to the point, it helped me so much!!!😃
Thanks for watching! Hope we earned your sub!
The linear power supply issue is probably the biggest culprit, but as in pro AV, we know separating signals is always preferred. Either way, great video!
The transformer is an issue with the linear supplies. Separating AC from signal is always a good idea, with DC won't matter in this case.
@VertexEffectsinc
Hello.
The Problem i have with my rig.
Amp: Victory v40 clean amp
I go from my guitar in my cry baby wah.
From tbere into my boss OD-200 and then in the amp Front input.
In the fx loop i have from in to out:
-
-Nux optima air
-BBE sonic maximiser
-Boss CE1 chorus
-Boss PH3 phaser
-Voodoo lab tremolo
-Boss DD8 delay
-Source audio ventris reverb (Thanks @mason).
The Power supply is a palmer PK-T12
The instrument cables are Sommer cable spirit XXL+ neutrik plugs and the Patch cables are mogami 2319 + squareplug.
I have i little bit noise and loss headroom.
What in my signal chain is the problem?
The Power supply? The inexistent buffer?
À propos buffer:
How should i know if i need one? How should i understand why i need one if some pedals got à integrated buffer ?
Thanks for helping.
Bro you blew my mind with this great info, thank you so much!!
Happy to help!
I love how solderless cables got so popular. I've always hated those things. I did make my own linear power supply, however, (with the transformer encased completely inside of a grounded chassis) and it's the quietest thing I've ever used.
They can big effective, but not as efficient as a switch mode supply, or as small.
@@VertexEffectsInc Fully agree about efficiency, but as far as repairability is concerned, switch mode are almost always made with the cheapest smt parts & fixing a dead one is a fools errand. Linear are almost always easily fixed once they fail. (unless the transformer died during failure.).
Sorry, I'm not trying to fight. I'm just an opinionated jerk. Please continue on! You're content is great!
@@nicksregor4208 cheap and surface mount aren't the same thing. Typically surface mount is lower tolerance than a through hole part and is often also less money, cheaper in that it costs less for the same thing, not that it's inferior in quality. It's not as easy to fix as a surface mount part, but that would be true of any device power supply or otherwise when comparing surface mount to through hole. For any guitar player, this conversation on the repairability is fewer than the 1% that would actually attempt a power supply repair, so I think it might be too nuanced for this avenue.
@@nicksregor4208 Thanks for watching!
Pretty sure you just diagnosed where most of my hum is coming from, talking about the power supplies. I have 3 smaller ones under my board, and I'd almost bet money that's the problem. I'm eyeballing the Engine Room 12 and 8, as I've got quite a few pedals ;)
Thanks for the always high quality and informative videos, sir!
Thanks for watching!
SMPSU s are massive EMF / RF sources also so are also a concern... They are good because of how they work in delivering power by using PWM (pulse width modulation) ... It is this 'clocking' that causes the EMF so needs to be within a faraday cage if possible ... Shield from the cables. Very good idea to separate power from signal and perhaps even ferrite beads might be needed in some places if separation not possible... Good cables and buffers good advice
Simply the best! Thanks Mason!
Glad you liked it!
Hi Mason , i really love this kind of video, thanks and greetings from Italy
Glad you enjoyed it!
I picked up a few ideas, thanks for doing this!
Happy to help!
Love your re-caps of tips!
Glad you like them!
My god, what an epic rig!
Yes indeed!
Recently redid my pedal board and it has a lot of big pedals causing space issues. My TC Electronics compressor loop is making a ton of noise and had never done that before and I couldn’t figure it out. But it’s sitting right on top my Pedal Power 2. So number 1 was my answer. Loving my Truetone that I got. Might sell the Pedal Power and and getting another Truetone. Thanks for the info!
Glad you figured it out!
Great video. Thank you!!
Glad it helped!
Another awesome video Mason 🤘
Thanks again!
The problem with my voodoo lab Mondo is, none of the power cables are long enough to separate it from all the audio cables.
So that basically means I would have to buy all new power cables which is BS. That is probably the problem with my noise in my pedalboard. It’s kind a upsetting because I paid a lot for it.
That doesn't matter too much...if it's all DC it won't hurt. It could also be that the Mondo is a linear supply. If you have a Pedaltrain or system with the Power Supply under the pedals, you'll have a problem right there.
Very informative sir... Thanks 😊😊😊
Welcome 😊
Me watching this without having a pedalboard....
Hahahaha! Hopefully soon!
I told myself I’d never buy any guitar gear that I had to program - now I’ve got an Hx Stomp! What have I been doing? Programming, but it seems easier than 4 rack units.
@@NJSonye Yes indeed! Good unit!
😂
Soon, little padawan, soon
hes the best and is a great friend! 😊
Thanks for watching!
Switch mode power supplies still have smaller transformer and also emits emf but it’s usually at very high frequencies beyond 20khz, so we don’t hear it.
I learned some things today . Thank u .
I'm so glad!
Just put the a Truetone CS6 and a Voodoo Labs X4 on the new HX Stomp board. First thing I noticed is just how quiet my board is. Yes, my (future fuzzes) are first before the Buffer Plus.
Amazing! That's great! Glad you're getting it quiet!!!
VERTEX, try to make a Toroidal HUM Filters video lesson for guitar ampifiers and pedal boards. They are various companies that make toroidal HUM filters and Morley just came out with a Torodial HUM filter.
Great video, I like these shorter, more concise videos a lot more than the longer ones.
Have you ever had problems with clicking noises in any of your boards with time-based pedals? I'm currently having this problem for the second time now and it's driving me crazy. Different pedals, different power supplies, but both pedals are a bit more on the affordable site.
What do you mean by "clicking noises"?
Best way to a quiet pedal board is to use battery power. Mission Electronics makes a few power supplies that can supply isolated power from a single battery to several pedals.
If it's from a single battery it would still be paralleled. I've not found them to be superior to the Strymon and Cioks switch mode supplies.
Another great video.Love this channel so much smarter for watching. Thanks
So glad you're digging it!
The HX Effects in 4 cable method sucks the tone from all my amps. Had to return it. I'm still looking for something like it that doesn't ruin your tone.
AxeFX? Neural?
@@VertexEffectsInc The line 6 HX Effects. It's on the board in this video. It sucked the highs, drive and dynamics from my amp.
I agree with 90% of what is said in this video but, I recently purchased a truetone cs 12 to replace my voodoo labs PP2 just to try out the comparison with linear and switchmode power supplies. My findings were that the linear power supply produced less noise and made my buffer and effects sound better and have a more solid tone. Guess I'm sticking with my Pedal Power 2. My 2 cents.
If both supplies are producing the same voltage and current per output, there should be no difference in sound. I don't know how you did the implementation of the two power supplies so it can be hard to fully qualify this statement. As someone that's used both hundreds of times, I can say that a linear power supply can be much more problematic in the context of a pedalboard especially when you're stretching the current limitations of the supply.
@@VertexEffectsInc I would have really liked for the CS12 to be better but I ultimately trust my ears. Many times I have run into the situation where different brand components like guitar cables, speaker cables, power tubes, preamp tubes, jacks and audio pots of the same value etc...are in theory, electronically identical. But, when you try several different brands back to back, you always levitate towards the one you feel sounds best and has better build quality. The differences are very subtle but everything in your chain adds up to shape your tone and I've experienced that power supplies are no exception.
@@deepend69 there are instances where there can be difference but depends on how you test them, most are not testing blind so they are going off of recency bias often and not actually comparing what they think they are. Most pedals have such giant power supply caps that little differences in current or voltage is pretty well quashed and this can be seen in sensitive power sources like high impedance carbon batteries.
Another thing that I would like to mention is the fact that I have always prefered using only one buffer at the beginning of my pedal chain, as that method is what gives me the closest sounding tone to being connected directly to my amp.
The input buffer only helps to the degree that there isn't another buffer or pedal on after it as the input buffer is defeated from that point further. Secondly, the input buffer is helping with the guitar loading so you get a consistent load that matches you amplifier ideally. The output buffer is also important since no pedal is really that great at driving capacitance typically.
i paired a big fat AC power cable going from a phoenix toroidal power supply with a cable that goes from my buffer out to the amp, there is no
difference on noise vs using them separated, the toroidaL power supply EMF only creates noise in my case when the guitar is very close to the pedal board, otherwise i tried it with a CIOCKS and there is no noticeable difference, however i prefer CIOCKS due its lightweight and small size, plus its versatility
Cool..if it works go with it. Higher gain rigs will tend to exaggerate any issue, if it's a clean amp you can get away with way more.
What the best/high quality switchmode power outputs out there? Thank you the video info is the best!!!
Truetone CS6, CS7, and CS12
Thanks man😁
Happy to help
Nice content. Keep em coming daddy Mangy
Always
Is there anyway to insulate the linear power supply? Putting some material around it to isolate the emf?...Don’t know if that even makes sense. Might be a stupid question. I run a mxr and pedal power 2 below my pedals. The mxr always seemed to cause noise in certain situations. Also any tips on combining two power supplies? Can that make a difference? Thanks for all your tips.
It's not easy to do it well. Sometime you can use a steel plate or mumetal to help shield a linear power supply from the EMF getting into the pedals, however there is a certain process to fabricating mumetal and bending it properly and treating it so it is most effective. Conversely, with steel, the more you use the better it shields, however, that can add a lot of weight depending on how big the magnetic field is. The more current you're drawing against the total available of the power supply, the more intensified the magnetic field will be.
@@VertexEffectsInc Great thanks for the advice!
@@markporo sure thing!
New to this. People have been putting linear power supplies under their pedal boards forever haven’t they?
What’re your thoughts on power conditioners? I just ordered one to protect my gear and to help reduce noise.
They can be very helpful, but not a cure all for noisy power coming from your wall.
@@VertexEffectsInc Thanks for your response Mason. I didn’t want my 1 spot pro cs 12 to solely be responsible for reducing noise to my rig. I figure the power condition will help reduce some of the workload on the power supply and get the benefit of clean power to my effects, amps and recording gear.
@@whiskybravo4648 there's only so much the power conditioner can do, especially if it's not regulating the voltage or clamping it in place. There might be some basic filtering but it's not going to overcome a noisy rig that has a pedalboard based issue.
@@VertexEffectsInc Thanks man and thanks for posting videos like this.
@@whiskybravo4648 our pleasure!
there are linear power supplies that have an external transformer right? that could solve the issue of having the PSU near the pedals.
For pedals? Not that I know of...like what?
@@VertexEffectsInc hi! for instance the MXR M238 has an external AC-DC brick. As opposed to the 1Spot CS6, which connects directly to the wall via IEC. Not sure if PS with a separate "power brick" help with the EMF issues. I think it's all DC after the brick. But I am not sure. (BTW love your channel!)
Nailed once again uncle mason!!!!! If I’m using the same output from my power supply to power two pedals could that make a noise or how do I know which pedals can share from the same output thanks
He covers this topic in other videos, but to summarize, analog drives and compressors (and on occasion, analog octaves) are best at sharing power, because of their circuitry and negative polarity, and they filter really well, no clocks or DSPs to interfere with signal.
Pilar, I recommend focusing on combining analog only pedals in the overdrive, boost, distortion, and wah category so long as they are under the total current of your power output on your power supply and the same voltage.
Great stuff.! What about some shielding between a linear ps and pedals above..?
In every video I have watched for vertex, they never mention the Fender engine room power supply. Is there a reason? I think you need to do a video just on the Engine Rooms.
I’m using a Laney L5 T - 112 amp I plug my telecaster into my wha wha into my boss chromatic tuner the output of the tuner goes to my G string “guitar in” the G string “dec in”goes to my send in the loop the guitar out of the G string goes to my tone corset compressor the output of the compressor goes to my boss driver input the output of the boss driver goes to the input of my amplifier the “dec out “on the G string goes to my BBE tremor optical tremolo pedal the output of the tremelo pedal goes to the input of my memory toy delay, the output of the memory toy goes to the return of my loop
I have had my amp professionally cleaned tubes checked and I still get a massive amount of noise coming from my compressor and or blues driver when they are “ on “and I do not understand why ?
With the compressor pedal and my blues driver at 11 o’clock the G string is it approximately 10:30 o’clock which removes all noises until I press or turn on my blue driver and or compressor . I use my compressor constantly
my petals are connected to a nomad Outlaw effects model number M128 ( does not require ac to power board .
What am I doing wrong ?
I even removed the whawha and plugged guitar first into boss TU-2 tuner which I’m told has a buffer in the TU-2 pedal .
Michael, I think I responded in another comment of yours with my suggestions. Check it out :)
Where do I find those stick wire anchors . Your videos are always so good .
Thanks .
Great tips.
Glad it was helpful!
Mason, great explanation!! I enjoy your posts even at my Boomer age! Thank you!!
Glad you like them!
What USB rechargeable battery would you use for pedal boards for street busking to power all types of guitar pedals voltages and current ratings +9,+18+24vdc and 1amp to 2amp on delay guitar pedals for a pedal board for playing outdoors street busking? I do think you need to make a video about time based effects cause ticking and clicking noises because other pedals that use internal charge pumps and internal voltage inverters are causing issues with time based effects.
I don't know of any that are "GREAT" yet...maybe in time.
@@VertexEffectsInc I see people in the comments saying their time based effects are causing ticking and clicking noises from other pedals that have internal voltage inverters and voltage Doublers that change the voltage from +9 to +18 or invert the +9 to -9 or have a charge pump circuit. I'm not sure why a charge pump circuit would backfeed causing the time based effects to cause ticking and clicking noises.
@@waynegram8907 I've not experienced this it could be related to the user and how they've building their rig.
Hello.
The Problem i have with my rig.
Amp: Victory v40 clean amp
I go from my guitar in my cry baby wah.
From tbere into my boss od200 and then inthe amp input.
In the fx loop i have from in to out:
-
Nux optima air
BBE sonic maximiser
Boss CE1 chorus
Boss PH3 phaser
Voodoo lab tremolo
Boss DD8 delay
Source audio ventris reverb (Thanks @mason).
The Power supply is a palmer PK-T12
The instrument cables are Sommer cables spirit XXL+ nutetik plugs und the Patch cables are mogami 2319+ squareplugs
I have i little bit noise and loss headroom.
What in my signal chain is the problem?
The Power supply? The inexistent buffer?
Thanks for helping.
Make a video about amp FX-Loops!
I have this Marshall DSL20 and with a Truetone CS12 power supply most of my FX work fine in the loop except ThorpyFX Camoflange which causes some weird modulation noise even when it's turned off, but this happens only in the loop it never does that in front of an amp!
That's not a power supply issue that's a line level issue. Most effects can't take line level, and I bet that's what your Marshall is putting out on the send. It will clip the input of an effect that's only designed to take instrument level. We have a video where we touch on it called "Dumble's Biggest Mistake". I make some recommendations there that might solve your problem.
I'm trying to diagnose a horrible pop on my pedalboard when turning loops on and off...
@Vertex Effects this may be a stupid question, but would adding some sort of EMF shielding, for those of us that already invested in linear power supplies, potentially mitigate part of that issue? I.e. adding some adhesive shielding, like Mylar, to top of the linear power supply's case, before mounting it?
I've not done this myself, but I'd try wrapping it in aluminum foil so it loops around the power supply. I don't think mylar is conductive.
Hi' Uncle Mason, I'm using a Zuma 9 output power supply under the pedaltrain Jr. is there an effect of the EMF?
It's switch mode, should be fine
I have a Friedman buffer bay ,and power supply with buffer in and out ,I’m running all my time based effects and a Wampler terraform in a serial effects loop in post and all distortion and eq ,all with built in buffers through the preamp ,I run all gain at half and when I engage the Wampler I’m having terrible oscillation noise and squeals ,long story short I’ve tried everything and nothings changed ,any ideas ?
The Friedman is an input buffer only, no output buffer. This could be that your Wampler and your effects loop aren't complementary, this is common as there are no standards for FX Loops and no standards for pedals and the levels they can take. If could also be something else in your system as well unrelated to the pedals. Have you considered running the Wampler in the front of the amp? What's the amp? Does it have an active/buffered effects loop?
@@VertexEffectsInc I had no idea the buffer bay was buffer in only ,honestly that’s awesome to learn ,the amp is a Genz Benz Black Pearl 30 all the forums I researched said the fx loop is for rack use only so I’m not sure if that’s true ,I’ve put the terraform in the per path and post ,before and after distortion with a buffer pedal on each side ,replaced cables ,so I’m stumped but I really appreciate you answer my comment ,that’s huge !
I run 2 boards, all mod/time effects on one in the effects loop and a OD/fuzz/Disto/comp board (14 and 11 pedals) I'm looking into the truetone buffer, but i'm wondering where to put it. Do i just buffer the one going straight into the amps front?
Depends on the fuzz, but generally buffer first and buffer last.
Do you do any rackmount projects? That would be a great topic (either general cable management or more specifically pedal shelves)
Love them! I have a wet/dry/wet rack in my studio! It's very similar to the video I did last week on "Pro Rig Builders Don't Want You To Know This Secret!" Check that out!
If I use the 4 cable method for front of amp and fx loop, does that mean I need 4 buffers?
Three. Input, Output, FX Return.
Looks like my MXR iso brick has the transformer/rectifier on the plug, so I won’t have the issue of EMF most likely. Dodged a bullet
It's a switching supply so you should be fine.
Do you make or buy the very neat label strip for the Zuma outlets? Nice touch. Better than my scrawl on electrical tape!
I use a Brother P Touch Label Maker and Label Tape, I think they're linked in the description
I wish I could just send you my board lol I can’t overcome this 60cycle hum.
I'm so sorry! Check out our rig building services at www.therigdr.com
Hi! Can I put my Voodoo Lab 3 Plus close to my amp or it can damage the amp or the power supply because of its magnetic field?
Mason, how does a wireless trasmitter affect the impedance of the input signal? Is an imput buffer still necessary? Great video as always :)
coverts it to low impedance - if you have one, you don't need an input buffer, just an output buffer.
@@VertexEffectsInc thank you, that's a great help 😁
do compressor pedals cause noise? if there is noise when one is on, can it be another problem?
They can add noise, very common. You can diagnose how much is coming from your power supply by simply trying your comp on battery by itself off the pedalboard and compare to how it sounds on the board with your supply to isolate if it's the pedal or some external factors.
A compressor dampens spikes in the input signal (voltage) and boosts lower level signals (sustain). If your noise floor is above the lower voltage level getting boosted, you get more noise. That’s not to say the compressor can’t introduce noise itself - my first compressor is so noisy I’ve never been able to use it and for a long time I thought all compressors did the same. They don’t.
VERTEX, I'm not sure if this is true or not but others have been saying when running guitar pedals at higher voltage like +18vdc or +24vdc the headroom is higher but also the quieter and noise floor is reduced. Have you tried various overdrive, distortion, dirty booster pedals on a pedalboard used with digital pedals that use VSP, DSP, VGA, chips and compared them using the same guitar pedals on the pedabboard supply them with +9vdc then comparing the noise floor using +18vdc and then comparing them using +24vdc to get the noise floor quieter. This is a way of doing noise reduction by raising the supply voltage which lowers the noise floor. Have you tried this test?
How do you get smaller dc cables? As in length, I always hv excess on mine
Great video AGAIN! I have 2 Voodoo Labs P/Ss (Pedal Power 3 Plus & Pedal Power X8) underneath my Pedal Train Nova 24 pedal board, can I utilize Faraday fabric to help isolate my P/Ss from my pedals and patch/signal cables? Or, should I just upgrade to "Switching P/Ss?"
Mason: have you had to deal with whistling noise from time based effects interacting with the charge pump in Klon style OD's?
I’m just wondering how you’re determining that it’s the charge pump?
@@VertexEffectsInc That's my understanding from doing research and talking with other folks with a similar issue. For me it's an Archer iKon in front of a Strymon Mobius. When I select chorusing on the Mobius, it whistles noticeably if the iKon is in the signal chain. Noise goes away when I remove the iKon. I've come to learn that the charge pump in Klon style pedals is the culprit.
@@drebatista I'm using a VDL 4x4, so the hi volt pedals (TimeLine and Mobius) are isolated (or so I understand). As I mentioned, the iKon is the only pedal that creates this effect. If I remove it, all noise goes away. ALSO: If I run the TimeLine and Mobius in my Effect Loop on the amp, the noise goes away (my board is set up to accommodate this option). It's only when I run the iKon in line before the Strymon pedals that I get the whistle.
@@duaneharlick I don't think we know enough to ID a charge pump as the problem, I would suggest it is something else going on in your chain or even perhaps a problem with the Archer in the worst case, but nothing to do with it having a charge pump. Plenty of pedals have them without issue.
@@VertexEffectsInc Here's from one thread I researched: "This is right - it's called heterodyning. It's kind of an aggravating thing with a Klon that uses a charge pump like the original, and doesn't take any effort to filter out the noise (like the original). So, in keeping with the 'part for part' rebuild of a Klon, you get the oscillated signal that doesn't play nice with some other pedals." And also: " I know at least with Strymon stuff (notably the Timeline and Mobius) this is a really common problem." Here's a link to the conversation: www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/oscillation-weirdness-with-tumnus-d-and-choralflanger.1914486/
Great video! Curious what solutions you use with pedals like the Sir Henry that seem to require their own outlet? I use a Zuma on my board and would like to add the Sir Henry, but would also like to keep everything powered such that I’m only turning on power at one point...silly maybe, but you seem to have solved it?
I used a power strip in the corner and connect the Zuma and the Sir Henry to it.
This is helpful thank you! If you don’t solder your own patch cables and buy all your patch cables, could this effect noise? Currently using all EBS flat patch cables
The EBS should be fine noise wise.
Nice show but please, use the Rig Dr intro :)
Noted!
Hello. Really helpful video. I watched til the end. Please would like to know the MXR DC brick family are Switch mode or Linear? also are they real isolated?
I’m pretty sure it’s a linear supply, No isolation whatsoever
@@VertexEffectsInc Woao! Again very fast response. You are the man really Mason. Last question, How far should I place the Vodoo Lap Plus 2 from pedals?
@@ALBERTOGARCIA-nk9bo depends how much of the total power you're using. This one is better than most linear supplies because it has as steel chassis which is a better shield against EMF. Usually a few inches in each direction is good, you can take a single coil guitar and have it running through your amp and move it around the power supply to see where the magnetic field is and where to avoid putting pedals.
@@VertexEffectsInc Thanks You so much for the explanation. I'll try to spot the magnética field as You revealed.
@@ALBERTOGARCIA-nk9bo sound good!
I don’t have any analog switch pedals but how do I fix the hiss in my sound. I have tried from using the integrated gate by turning it on, lowering the gain, amp, and main volumes in it. I have pressed the ground lift button as well. I have used both XLR and 1/4 inch cables. I also have a silent tip cable (a Mogami). On both and individual connections I still have that hiss in my sound. I have a Digitech GNX4. Should I get a stand-alone gate pedal and daisy chain it to my multi effects pedal? Or what do you recommend doing? I have tried using almost every sound feature and working every combination possible but somehow still manage to get the hiss. Is it possible that it could be a guitar wiring or connector problem, bad cables, dirty cable holes on my multi effects pedal board or all of the above?
I'm afraid we need an episode about noise gates sir.
Regarding order?
@@VertexEffectsInc nope. How about good gates in the loop. 2 cables vs 4 cables etc. I used rack units back in the day, now i'm trying the same system in the fx loop ( Gate , delay, reverb and compressor/eq) It was fun.
One question, if my power supply is filtered, what should I do to reduce the noise?
Filtered is a broad word that can mean a lot of things. You really want an isolated power supply.
I made the mistake of having my tuner and SP compressor right above my transforming power supply. Are my pedals ruined for good?
It’s not going to damage your pedals, it’s just gonna cause noise if the pedals are in the magnetic field.
Okay cool! I’m glad it’s just the induction causing the noise in my signal, and not damaged goods. I’m thinking your tiered pedalboard and strymon zuma is my best option moving forward. Great content!
@@connorm.6253 That's a good supply for sure, also Cioks is great as well if you want a lower profile but you may need more than one depending. Also the new Pedal Power 3 and 3+ are both switchmode.
@@VertexEffectsInc Yes sounds good! I was definitely considering the Cioks too after watching another one of your videos.
@@connorm.6253 They're wonderful supplies!
So my Voodoo Power supply is junk ?
No, it's just a bit older technology. As long as you don't have issues, I wouldn't upgrade.
Vertex can you make a video about the Boss NS-2 4 cable methods? because I have seen an Advanced 4 cable method by using the "return jack port" as the FX send and the Boss NS-2 "output jack port" as the FX return and using the "send jack pot" as the Boss NS-2 Audio output. This is another way of using a 4 cable method to cut down on noise by using a high gain distortion in front of the Boss NS-2 and using a 10 band EQ pedal in the BOSS NS-2 loop. This is how death metal bands are using the Boss NS-2.
Wayne, typically if you want to use an NS-2 to control the pre-amp of your amplifier, you treat it like a pedal, the amp input is like the pedal input and the FX Send is like the pedal output. So 4 cable method with an NS-2 used to suppress preamp noise would be like:
Last pedal before the preamp into NS-2 input (or you could put other gain pedals in here too that add noise)
NS-2 Send to Amplifier Preamp Input
Amplifier FX Send to NS-2 Return.
NS-2 Output to first pedal in the effects loop (typically delay or reverb)
Can a linear power supply be shielded?
What could be the best way to shield audio patch cables from AC cords if there isn't much space for cable routing? I have some spaces in which I've tried my best to put space between the audio and AC cables; what's a good spacing to maintain in these cases? The rig is fairly quiet overall, but there is still a little bit of hum/buzz. Could placing ferrite cores on either the audio cables or AC cords reduce some of the remaining noise?
I have a GigRig generator powering my main pedalboard and because it's modular I have a few extra ports on my isolators that have DC cables plugged into as like extra in case I wanna try a pedal that's not on my board. My question is: can having loose DC cables that aren't plugged into a pedal cause noise in a rig? My rig is pretty quiet but I live in a really old house with outdated electrical so every once in a while my rig is just noisy and I don't know what's causing it.
No, but they could short to something so you could put some heat shrink over them and just hit it with a heat gun so you don't risk any possibility of that happening.
Why no buffer in front of a fuzz? Same thing for an Overdrive ?
Certain fuzz pedals have a problem with input impedance, that can interfere with the buffer coming before it. He mentions this in this video, as well as other videos. Overdrives are not much of an issue.
You don't want to buffer before an impedance sensitive fuzz. Ideally only after or on the output of the system only.
What do you recommend when running power leads and guitar leads back to your amp? Can you run them side by side or should you run them away from each other ?
If it's AC, keep it far away from your signal cables. Not recommended that they're bundled together.
When you talk about a buffer at the end, would a gain pedal with little to no drive on act as a buffer? Ie. Mesa Boogie Grid slammer. I have a SGGB by sarno in the front of the board too
Any pedal that's "ON" true bypass or not is a buffer. The quality of it may not be as good as a real high quality buffer. Input impedance of 1M ohms, output impedance of 100 ohms
If you had a linear type of power supply which emits EMF like you said and we had to put it under our board. Is there any shielding or isolation we could do?
Do you repair guitar effects pedals?
Would you recommend also having a buffer in the send and return of the fx loop if you're using the 4 cable method?
I have a loop station with a mixer in it, and to avoid plug/unplug the adapter everytime I just put it on the pedalboard with al the rest. The problem is that if a cable is near the adapter it cause grpund noise. Is there a way to isolate the adapter without moving it, like Building a wall of some material all over it?
You can buy a mumetal can or a steel can to help with the EMF.
@@VertexEffectsInc thank you souch. I'll try it!
@@LoopConnection good luck!
Its MXR ISO Brick Switch mode or Linear????
What buffer do you recommend ?
See our recommendations in the links in the description.
Hi Rig Doctor! You helped me with my BOSS ES-5 before how to connect it to a BOSS NS-2. Now i wonder how can i connect the BOSS NS-2 to a BOSS ES-8. Is it possible to do it with the 4-cable method.
Same thing just use the ES-8 Input, and Volume Loop Send and Return and then you can use the loop re-ordering to put the Gate around whatever group of effects you want.
Great video. BTW, what board is that?
Thanks, one of our boards we sell on our website and on Sweetwater: www.sweetwater.com/c1106--Vertex_Effects--Pedalboards
What about these cheaper supplies like Joyo that are a great value for the money?
Some only have a wallwart plug off a DC connection too.
I haven't tried them to compare.
So how would you go about isolating a liner power supply away from your pedals?
Move it away from them ideally.
@@VertexEffectsInc well,my pedal board is pretty much covered with pedals as most of them are so there is no place “away”. Plus I may be adding another small power supply as well
Hey Mason,
Was wondering if you could help me understand my options for using a buffer with my pedalboard.
I’m building a switcher and want to make a simple buffer like you have diagrams for . Just guitar in->send->Recieve->amp but I don’t understand how I can get around the whole “fuzz don’t like buffer thing” I have a fuzz factory and it definitely doesn’t like a buffer first. Idk how to go about this setup. Any help would be great thanks man!
Guitar, Send (no buffer), Fuzz, Receive (no buffer), Send (input buffer), rest of pedals after fuzz, Receive, Output (buffer), Amp.
@@VertexEffectsInc thanks for the reply. To be clear- I ordered one of the Buffer pcb you recommended- I was thinking I could install it into my looper switcher somehow. Would that make sense at all? I’m having trouble figuring out the best way to do this. I guess I have to build an actual buffer using a separate Hammond box? I was hoping to put all 13 of my pedals in its own loop and also a tuner switch and master bypass. Where could I install the buffer in the switcher so that it is always engaged after the fuzz pedal?
@@dylanlee4776 it would work if you put it right after the input that fed all the outputs all the time and wasn't on a footswitch, but you'd have to put your fuzz before the loop switcher. You also would want an output buffer like I show in all the diagrams dead last. I think it's easier to do it the way I suggested.
Thanks again
Is there not a way to put the buffer somewhere inside the switcher? To keep from having to do all of the secondary enclosure and such?
I haven’t drawn up my plan yet but I was going to try to find a way to put it in the path of my main signal line (yet after the fuzz) but if I understand you correctly I should run like normal into the switcher (no buffers) then from there create a send AFTER my fuzz loop, to my custom made buffer and back into the switcher to continue down the line
I plan on having a strymon pedal at the end which should play the role of buffer pretty well I would think considering I’ll probably always have it on in some capacity.
@@dylanlee4776 There is but it will be more complicated and probably an easier I/O location to have some sort of interface anyway. You'll have to make sure it's not bypassed by your loops and is after your loop one and before your loop 2 always in circuit...depending on how it's wired it could be a bit of a complicated DIY project.
Hi, I was wondering if the MXR M239 Mini Iso-Brick is linear? Could not find any info. Thanks!
Switch mode
A few years ago I bought an Accel Power Source 8 Isolated Output Pedal Power Supply. How can I determine if it uses “switching” technology?
Does it only work at one voltage or have a rocker or slider switch to change the input voltage for different countries?
@@VertexEffectsInc It manually switches between 115 and 230v.
Hi Mason, how many slots Strymon Zuma needed for powering HX Effects? Great video and clear explanation, thank you!
Two.
I enjoy your clear articulate approach to tutorialing.
Question..whats that song in the intro background from? There is an artist by the name of Oddisee that made a rendition very similar. Im just curious if its a cover of an original or something. Ive been trying to find this song for some time now. Any leads would be amazing!!
What time stamp for the song? Thanks for watching!
@@VertexEffectsInc 20 seconds