A True Eureka! Moment...

  • Thread starter Thread starter dfrattaroli
  • Start date Start date
dfrattaroli

dfrattaroli

New member
About 45 minutes ago, I was wondering what I could do to minimize this subtle but annoying hum coming from my rig whenever I'd take my RT2/50 off of standby. It was something I'd noticed ever since I went from the VHT poweramp to the Randall. It wasn't bad but it was annoying and I was sure that it f#$cking with my tone overall. So I do some searches over at the Randall site and see some thread about a guy who is having similar issues. Someone suggests lifting the ground. I think to myself: "Hey. Dick-head. Your M4 has a ground-lift. Why don't you lift it you tool?" Then I think: "Well why would I need too? I'm just running the M4 into the Randall. A DD-20 in between and out to 2 1x12 CAA cabs!" What did I have to lose? I put the RT2/50 on standby. M4 Master goes to zero. Reach behind the M4 and lift the ground. Randall comes off standby and I raise the master. Eu-f#$kin'-reka!!!

That 60 cycle hum is gone. But the important thing is, and I swear I hate this expression: It was like lifting a blanket off the rig. I just got done with a 45 minute jam on the B channel of the EG3/4. Most of you know me by now and so you're aware of the fact that I don't gush over gear. I don't marry myself to it. And I don't profess my tone to be better than yours. But I'll say that my EG3/4 on channel B never sounded better than it did tonight. It was bedroom quiet because it's late. But it was thick, syrupy, chewy, thick, warm. Just beautiful. Maybe the most important tweak I've made to my gear in 2 years. Wow.
 
Thanks man. I swear I feel like I just got a bunch of new gear.
 
My M4 hums in the normal position as well. I have had it in the ground lift setting with all my power amps.
 
It´s not the M4s fault! But it´s the piece of gear which offers the solution to the problem because it´s well designed ;)
If not you would have to use "humfrees" and they look like crap.

My 2cts
Mick
Mick´s guitar Center
Germany
 
:lol: :LOL: You could have just sent it to me for warranty and never seen it again :D Gotta love the M4 RT combo :rock:
 
Glad you figured it out. My first M4 hummed like crazy connected to anything. Bruce took care of it and it is now very quiet-no buzzes or hums. Ground loops are a difference in ground potential between 2 or more pieces of equipment. Some stuff just doesn't mix perfectly out of the box.
 
Mick":27696he4 said:
It´s not the M4s fault! But it´s the piece of gear which offers the solution to the problem because it´s well designed ;)
Click to expand...

I agree. The M4 did not hum with the VHT 2502. The Randall sounds nice though and gives me tons of tube options so I wanted to work it out.
 
Great story man. Glad it worked for you. How do you like you RT/250 compared to the VHT poweramp? I have a the same
poweramp as well but always gassing for a VHT 2/50/2.
 
VoodooChild24":2dk7f7tn said:
Great story man. Glad it worked for you. How do you like you RT/250 compared to the VHT poweramp? I have a the same
poweramp as well but always gassing for a VHT 2/50/2.
Click to expand...

The VHT is a great amp. But the RT2/50 is a bit warmer and browner to me. Maybe a bit more vintage. VHT is faster and more modern. I'd love to have them both.
 
dfrattaroli":1o6hh3q2 said:
But it was thick, syrupy, chewy, thick, warm. Just beautiful. Maybe the most important tweak I've made to my gear in 2 years. Wow.
Click to expand...


:cry: brought a tear to my eye man ...
 
3 Mile Stone":2jsuejoe said:
dfrattaroli":2jsuejoe said:
But it was thick, syrupy, chewy, thick, warm. Just beautiful. Maybe the most important tweak I've made to my gear in 2 years. Wow.
Click to expand...


:cry: brought a tear to my eye man ...
Click to expand...

You and me both. :thumbsup:
 
dfrattaroli":ncvkiwu6 said:
VoodooChild24":ncvkiwu6 said:
Great story man. Glad it worked for you. How do you like you RT/250 compared to the VHT poweramp? I have a the same
poweramp as well but always gassing for a VHT 2/50/2.
Click to expand...

The VHT is a great amp. But the RT2/50 is a bit warmer and browner to me. Maybe a bit more vintage. VHT is faster and more modern. I'd love to have them both.
Click to expand...

Thanks man. What powertubes do you have on the Randall?
 
I had a quad of SED winged C EL34s and now JJs: 6L6 in Ch2 and E34L in Ch1. Running in stereo.
 
And PS, this was no fluke. Still loving it more than ever.

I'm not sure I like what the GCX audio switcher does to it though. It even tone-sucks from my Axe FX. I may get rid of that and just use true-bypass pedals with the M4.
 
dfrattaroli":o5ysqcbp said:
I had a quad of SED winged C EL34s and now JJs: 6L6 in Ch2 and E34L in Ch1. Running in stereo.
Click to expand...
:rock: The RT rocks man!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top