RJM RG-16 NOISE!!!!

[Devilinside]

I've seen some old posts concerning this but don't recall the outcome! I'm running my RG-16 with a mastermind footswitch in a dual amp setup. Using a Fortin/Marshall combo and have tried lifting the ground with a hum x on one amp as a matter of fact I think I've tried every possible combination to lose my ground issue and I'm about to say the Hell with it! SO FRUSTRATING!! I am running a few pedals in the rack powered by voodoo lab pedal power 2 so if anyone has suggestions PLEASE HELP! everything is powered by a monster 2500 and the only thing left to try is completely isolating the RG from the metal of the rack and should I do this as well with the power conditioner?
As said any ideas would be appreciated as I have been talking with Ron at RJM and I think we have tried it all. If not fixed soon I'll probably have a bunch of stuff for sale!

 

[muudrock]

Connect the buffer to a spare loop, if your not already using it. I had a similar problem and found that running a patch cord from the buffer (which I'm not using) to a spare loop, I broke the ground loop. I eventually just put the buffer circuit in loop 5 in case I need it, I activate that loop.

 

[steve_k]

Connect the buffer to a spare loop, if your not already using it. I had a similar problem and found that running a patch cord from the buffer (which I'm not using) to a spare loop, I broke the ground loop. I eventually just put the buffer circuit in loop 5 in case I need it, I activate that loop.

Yes.....do this and you will be back to peace and quiet.

Steve

 

[Devilinside]

Man I hope sure hope this works guys! Thanks for the advice, you have no idea the stress this has caused me

 

[EOT]

I had a similar problem with my RG16. I ended up putting an Ebtech Hum Eliminator between the RG16 and one of the amps. And that took care of it. I might have to give the "buffer into a spare loop" thing a try. That sounds like it may be a little cleaner way to run the wires.

 

[Devilinside]

EOT I'm a complete novice with these rigs but how did you do that? I've got the hum x but that's only for power. I'm powering up my RG with a monster 2500 which I tried the hum x on to no avail.

 

[glpg80]

EOT I'm a complete novice with these rigs but how did you do that? I've got the hum x but that's only for power. I'm powering up my RG with a monster 2500 which I tried the hum x on to no avail.

fix the problem by grounding the un-used buffer into a patch you are not using. dont bandaid the source with another product unless absolutely necessary.

 

[EOT]

EOT I'm a complete novice with these rigs but how did you do that? I've got the hum x but that's only for power. I'm powering up my RG with a monster 2500 which I tried the hum x on to no avail.

I just ran one output to the hum eliminator and then to amp #1, and the other output straight to amp #2. Although if the other way mentioned earlier works, that would probably be the better way to do it.

I'm also using a Monster pro 2500 for a power center. Pedals are powered with a Dunlop dc brick.

 

[Devilinside]

Well at least I have some things to try now! There's hope. Any one here isolate your power source furman/monster from rack rails?

 

[EOT]

I did put a nylon washer between the rack rails and the rack ears on all of my rack units if thats what you mean by isolate.

 

[Devilinside]

Yep that's what I meant

 

[steve_k]

If you still got some noise, email Ron and he will get back to you with an answer. The guy has a customer service reputation that is second to none. Let us know....

Steve

 

[roadifier]

Well at least I have some things to try now! There's hope. Any one here isolate your power source furman/monster from rack rails?

I did that, I isolated the power conditioner from the rack rails and the RG-16, and it got rid of some hum when using a two amp setup.

 

[Devilinside]

Nope didn't help! According to Ron my audio loops 5&6 must be activated for amps to come through. So I bypassed buffer and went from buffer out to in on loop 3 since it was free and then ran a jumper to the (from front) Jack to the input below to complete the path and switching on loop 3 changed nothing. I've also got a y-not in between the bones and the RG to keep flipping the phase as the bones changes gain stages, but as far as I know that's not causing any issues. Oh and I isolated the RJM and pulled out the monster power so it was not touching the rack. I've been trading emails on a regular basis and I've tried things he's mentioned with no luck! Whenever anything is connected to the RG noise comes into play. Apparently my 2 heads and 3 pedals is one of the most complicated setups known to man because GOD DAMN if I can get it straight! Thanks guys but I'm about to unload everything and get a head with at least 2 channels. I love the tone from this rig but unless I cab figure this out heads, FUCK running 2 heads!

 

[glpg80]

is it 60hz or 120hz noise? is ir always present over your sound or goes away when you play? have you tried different wall socket outlets? have you taken every piece of your rig apart and connected it one at a time back together, playing in between, to try to isolate the problem?

there is no reason this cannot be found. i have a hunch on where it is caused dealing with how you are connecting both amplifiers but its only a hunch. report back!

 

[steve_k]

Nope didn't help! According to Ron my audio loops 5&6 must be activated for amps to come through. So I bypassed buffer and went from buffer out to in on loop 3 since it was free and then ran a jumper to the (from front) Jack to the input below to complete the path and switching on loop 3 changed nothing. I've also got a y-not in between the bones and the RG to keep flipping the phase as the bones changes gain stages, but as far as I know that's not causing any issues. Oh and I isolated the RJM and pulled out the monster power so it was not touching the rack. I've been trading emails on a regular basis and I've tried things he's mentioned with no luck! Whenever anything is connected to the RG noise comes into play. Apparently my 2 heads and 3 pedals is one of the most complicated setups known to man because GOD DAMN if I can get it straight! Thanks guys but I'm about to unload everything and get a head with at least 2 channels. I love the tone from this rig but unless I cab figure this out heads, FUCK running 2 heads!

Dude......

I am the master of dual head configuration and you got to go about it AGAIN - methodically.

1) Disconnect stuff.
2) Throw the HumX in the garbage or use for doorstop.
3) Start with the Y-Not and 2 amps straight in. Get that connection cleaned up and make sure there is no noise. Disconnect.
4) Go straight from input out to both amps from the RG16, bypassing the Y-Not for now, to check the amp only routing for any noise.
5) You didn't mention which pedals you are using, but get that all rerouted and to only one amp at a time to check for noise. This should take care of any dodgy patch cords.
6) Route both amps and all your pedals from the RG, bypassing the Y-not and check for noise.
7) With all that fixed or known, put your Y-Not back in the chain and check.

Here's a couple other things to consider.......

1) I assume you are using the wall worts for the RG and the Y-not and everything plugged into the Monster (amps, worts, Voodoo)? The Voodoo will underpower the RG.
2) Leave HumX as a doorstop.
3) Make sure you are not using both buffers of the RJM stuff.
4) Are you using a MIDI connection to the Y-Not or TS connection? Use MIDI if not.
5) I assume that you do not have any adjustable lighting, dimmer switches, fans with variable rheostats or things like that in your room.
6) Are your 3 pedals routed to both amps? Consider running one amp dry.

Do all that and report back. PM if needed.


Steve

 

[Shark Diver]

I did put a nylon washer between the rack rails and the rack ears on all of my rack units if thats what you mean by isolate.

I use to do this as well - until being around Dave Friedman and he actually scraped the finish off the back off my rack units and the rails - for a better connection.

 

[cujo]

I've run this same setup...diezel n a Marshall.same power supply voodoo
lab.I use the mastermind as well.I use a 2$ 3 to 2 prong adapter from home depot on one amp into furman power.I ended up putting those plastic tabs on ears of rg16 then screwed it in isolation tabs I think they r called.whatever it worked perfect!

 

[rupe]

Great troubleshooting advice in this thread!!!

I'll add a question of my own. I was experiencing the noise issue with my RG-16 as well in a single amp setup. I traced the issue to the RG-16's buffer...when it was in use there was a lot of noise. I'm currently skipping it but things sound a bit more "alive" when I use it...just can't deal with the noise. Right now I'm using a Badgerplex Pre in the first loop for my buffer which works great but I have to keep it on at all times which keeps me from running it as hot as I would like. And no, I wasn't using bot buffers together...I had the BP's buffer off when I was using the RG-16's buffer.

 

[steve_k]

All buffers aren't created equal....some are pretty good and some are brittle and less fluid. The best I have heard is on LA Sound Design equipment. The GCX buffer I don't like, nor the one on the RG really. The one on the Y-not sounds the a little better, but is probably identical and its just me. With buffers though, it always usually boils down to an impedance mis-matching issue. But, with a mismatch and a small ground loop, the buffer will intensify the ground problems.

FWIW, I bought some rack isolation washers that are from Mid-Atlantic, or whatever that company is that makes rack gear. Got some Torx head rack screws too that do not strip. Also, a popular rack isolation washer is those Hum-Free's, which you can get at GC. They are not only a washer, but have a little lip on them that separates the adjacent rack components.

Steve