solacematt
New Member
Just curious, is it still noisy going into the front of the amp? Just asking because both of my Mesa heads (recto and mark) are both noisy through effect loop and fine through the front
I am running an Archon 100 W through a Big Mouth Stealth Cab with a Boss GT-100. This is my second head. Sent the first one back for noise on both channels. Picked up the second one on Saturday, noise issue in the channels solved, plug in my gt100 into the effects loop and surprise surprise, NOISE,NOISE NOISE. Looking for suggestions. Drop down to the Archon 50/25, live with it, the gt 100 works fine in front of the amp, maybe a Custom 50 has all the bugs worked out. What is the best way to contact PRS on these types of issues?
I had thought about ordering one just to see if it helps.Out of curiosity, has anyone tried using a line-level shifter, like an Ebtech? It's not an ideal solution, obviously (I typically don't like chasing inherent problems by deploying more gear), but it might save some of the pedals-in-the-loop folks from having to sell off their amps.
Egnater has a huge problem with loops and this is what fixed it ..
I also think FWIW that JJ preamps tubes go bad fast so changing out the preamp tubes especially the one in PI and loop may be beneficial
So let's collect the options...The Ebtech Line-Level Switcher seems like a good idea. Maybe the Archon produces a "hot" send level signal that causes problems with the pedals. Any chance someone can try that?
Maybe changing preamp tubes might help, well I got no spare tubes here...Let's see what that brings to the table if anyone can try that...
I have sent another mail to my local distributor and he is aware of the problem but said that the guys at PRS still think this is normal and that there will be no modding or help from their side. It seems like once the amp is designed they are not willing to change it.
But he has a tube amp technician that will take a look at the Archon effects loop issue. Don't know what to expect, but I'll keep you posted guys...
Has anyone tried a 4-cable type noise gate, like the Decimator G String or MXR Noise Clamp? I have a Noise Clamp in my loop and it works like a charm to cut the hiss when I'm not playing. If anyone's interested in how to set one up that way, I'd be happy to share.
Great news Shawn! This explanation makes sense as to why with my Strymon Timeline is very quiet in the loop(what I would consider acceptable...can barely tell pedal is on, but doesn't introduce much noticeable noise) while maybe the T-Rex verb pedal I have produces the loud hiss that others are talking about. It's also nice that there is the option to not have to send the amp back, as shipping is costly and of course time without the amp. Hopefully this takes care of the issue for everyone. Thanks!Hey Guys,
We are aware of the “hissing” issue that some people are having with the effects loop and we have been actively digging into it.
Let me see if I’m able to explain how the effects loop works:
The signal level comes into the amp at a fairly high level, the level is then dropped before it is sent to the pedals (this is done to keep the signal from being too hot, which might fry some pedals). On the return side (when the signal passes back into the amp), the amp boosts the signal up substantially to drive the phase inverter and power tubes. The level we set for the pedal phase is so low (again to prevent any pedals from being fried) that any noise from the pedal will be magnified when the signal is sent from the pedals back into the amp. If the pedal doesn't add much noise, the amp doesn't have much noise to magnify when sending the signal back to the amp. If the pedal introduces a great deal of noise, then the amp will more significantly magnify that noise in the return line level. This issue has been tested with several pedals; it will not happen with all makes and models of pedals. Actually, this is only happening with a handful of pedals. Please keep in mind that the loop circuitry is always active, even when it is bypassed via the footswitch.
So, if this is making sense at all, we do have a simple modification that basically adjusts the send/return levels so that the amp sends more signal to the pedals, and boosts less on the return side. This will greatly reduce any pedal noise while retaining overall signal level if your particular pedal is causing this issue. The modification is a simple resistor value change, and only requires the replacement of one small component. If you feel comfortable making this change on your own, or if you have a trusted amp tech, we’ll be happy to send you the replacement parts and wiring diagram for free. If you’re uncomfortable making these mods, please contact your dealer so we can make arrangements to have the amp sent back to the factory so the work can be performed (for free). Please keep in mind, this is only necessary if your particular pedal setup is causing an unusable amount of background noise. Please also bear in mind that a small amount of hiss coming from pedals is normal (just as hiss coming from cascading tube gain stages is normal).
Cheers,
Shawn