Recording Hum

wt golden · Post by **wt golden** » 6 Apr 2002 7:57 am

I have two amps - a Fender Tremelux and an Evans 150. I was recording recently and both amps produced a small hum. I didn't think it was a problem before and at a gig the hum in unnoticeable. However while recording the hum becomes real prominent. I can't really hold notes or fade sounds out because the hum becomes louder than a quiet note. I tried going out of the preamp out into the board (from the Evans) and the hum was still there. I also used a couple of different guitars and no real noticeable difference. How can I get around this?

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 6 Apr 2002 8:49 am

Are you recording through a computer? You're maybe picking up some interference via the computer. It sounds like there is something in the room that is causing the problem.

George Kimery · Post by **George Kimery** » 6 Apr 2002 2:47 pm

Sounds like you have a ground loop. You might try putting a 2 prong adapter on the AC amp cord if it has a 3 prong on it now. You can also make a small investment in a Hum Eliminator from your favorite dealer. Also, try plugging the amp into a different circuit than everything else.

John Lacey · Post by **John Lacey** » 7 Apr 2002 8:41 am

Willy, if you have a computer monitor on nearby, that will create a hum in your system. Turn the monitor off.

wt golden · Post by **wt golden** » 8 Apr 2002 5:31 pm

Thanks I will try these things. What exactly is a Hum Eliminator. Is it like a power strip that I plug the amp into? That sounds interesting. I did try turning off lights or pluging into other outlets - but they were in the same room as the recording gear. I will try to plug into another room of the house. I will let you know - thanks a lot

Willy

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 8 Apr 2002 11:58 pm

If you are playing through Two amps and you don't have "ONE" of the amps ground lifted....then you will hum.
Ricky

George Kimery · Post by **George Kimery** » 9 Apr 2002 2:27 pm

A Hum Eliminator is the name of a product made by Ebtech. They should be available from Guitar Center or any large music retailer. I have a rack mount one that is 8 channels. They make a small on that does not rack mount. I am not sure how many channels it has. It is not for AC current. All the ins and outs are just 1/4" phone plug jacks. So, you just go in one hole and out the other and then on to your volume pedal. When I read your original post, it slipped by me that you were running 2 amps at the same time. I agree, that without lifiting the ground on one, that a hum would most likely develop. The pickup may be interacting with an amp, computer, lights, etc. in the room. I have never tried it, but I have heard that wrapping the pickup in tinfoil can sometimes help.