3

I am trying to add electric guitar amplifier to my setup, and I am experiencing a lot of noise between the amplifier and a mixer.

My setup is wired as following:

  • Computer running Ableton
  • Zoom H4n running in audio interface mode connected through USB to the computer
  • 1010 Music Bluebox audio mixer plugged into Zoom H4n
  • Fender Mustang LT50 Line out plugged into one of the bluebox inputs

I have other equipment (Moog Studio 3, Waldorf Blofeld and 1010 Music Blackbox sampler) plugged into the mixer and it makes no noticeable noise. I have the amplifier and mixer plugged to separate outlets, I tried replacing power cables to both devices and used few different cables between the amp and a mixer but the noise is there as soon as amplifier is powered up. If I plug the amplifier straight into the ZOOM H4n noise is down to usable levels.

From the research I made I think there are two likely causes: dirty power or the amplifiers unbalanced line out. I think that the unbalance line out is more likely of the two, I'd expect dirty power to affect other equipment too if it was the problem.

I hope to avoid buying equipment that I ultimately don't need, hence the question: is direct input box what I need to remedy the noise. Should it be active, or can I get away with a passive one? Are there any other solutions? I've been thinking about getting a proper audio interface too. Could I get away with plugging the amplifier straight to the interface?

Improve this question
1
  • 1
    It looks like the LT50 Line Out is labelled 'TRS Balanced'. However, the Bluebox doesn't seem to handle balanced inputs, so using a TRS cable is not the answer. See 1010music forum
    – Zaq
    Commented Jan 27 at 6:03

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
4

You have a balanced TRS output on the amp and a stereo unbalanced output on the mixer/recorder. If you want to test whether a DI would help, just use a TRS cable, record a stereo track, then subtract left and right tracks in postprocessing in order to get a mono signal.

If this difference track is reasonably good, a DI box (which does the "subtraction" in an analog manner) should work well.

Improve this answer
1
  • DI box sometimes has ground lift, and if the source of the noise is a ground loop, this may help more than just the subtraction you describe.
    – user1079505
    Commented Jan 27 at 15:05

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.