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393 Views 7 Replies Latest reply: Jan 22, 2012 5:28 PM by seanbaker1 RSS
seanbaker1 Just Startin'
seanbaker1
6 posts since
Nov 25, 2011
Currently Being Moderated

Jan 18, 2012 11:43 AM

Problem connecting HD500 to an amplifier

Hello,

 

HD500 newbie here.  I tried searching but try to search for anything with "amp" or "amplifier" give just too many results.

 

I typically play my HD500 with headphones or through some M-Audio monitors.  Works and sounds terrific. 

 

But I think I might be missing something, or just not understand how things work.  When I try to send the output to a solid state amp, there is a horrible static noise that makes it unuseable.  I have a Spider III 15-watt amp and a nice Roland AC-90, I've tried both and get the same results, just bad noise as soon as I plug the cable in.  I've tried every possible setting and input on both amps, and I've tried switching the line/amp switch on the HD500.

 

Interestingly, I get the exact same noise when I try to plug my Guitar Rig Mobile into one of the solid state amps. 

 

Is there something I'm missing, or are you just not able to use these types of modeling devices with a solid state amp?

 

Sorry for the noob question, and thanks for your help,

 

Sean.

Tags: amp, pod_hd_500
  • jasonbogen Just Startin'
    jasonbogen
    357 posts since
    Sep 24, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 18, 2012 11:55 AM (in response to seanbaker1)
    Re: Problem connecting HD500 to an amplifier

    What output are you using?  You should be using the 1/4 outputs (not the headphone  out).  Also check the levels.  It could be that you are too hot out.  Other than that it shouldn't be a problem.

  • seanbaker1 Just Startin'
    seanbaker1
    6 posts since
    Nov 25, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 18, 2012 7:21 PM (in response to seanbaker1)
    Re: Problem connecting HD500 to an amplifier

    In my latest test to figure out what I'm doing wrong, I plugged a high-quality 1/4" cable from the 1/4" out on the HD500 to an M-Audio monitor, no guitar plugged in at all.  Complete silence.  I unplug it from the monitor and plug it into either the Spider III or the AC-90, and I get the same faint high-pitched sound with lots of static, regardless of the levels on the HD500.  The sound is the same even if the Master vol is all the way down!  What's worse, the high-pitch and static remains if I power off the HD500!

     

    I know I must seem like an idiot, but can anyone point me to what I'm doing wrong?

    • jimsreynolds Power User
      jimsreynolds
      2,227 posts since
      Jun 27, 43450
      Currently Being Moderated
      Jan 19, 2012 5:52 AM (in response to seanbaker1)
      Re: Problem connecting HD500 to an amplifier

      Sean

       

      Can't say 100% but it sounds like it might be a ground loop to me.  There are a couple of things you can do about this:

       

      • Make sure both the amp and Pod are plugged into the same power strip.  This can help sometimes.
      • Transfer the power strip to another wall socket.
      • Try a hum cancelling transformer (e.g. an EbTech Hum Eliminator or Behringer HD400).  See this thread -> http://line6.com/support/thread/72086
      • Try breaking a cable ground - if you have an old, manky cable that you can afford to lose then this may be an easy test ... just break the cable ground at one end.  Details on my experience are here http://line6.com/support/thread/72223

       

      HTH

  • seanbaker1 Just Startin'
    seanbaker1
    6 posts since
    Nov 25, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 20, 2012 5:46 PM (in response to seanbaker1)
    Re: Problem connecting HD500 to an amplifier

    Oh good grief, I figured it out!  I tried plugging everything into the same power strip as suggested, still heard the buzzing.  Woke up my sleeping laptop to read this post again and see what else to try, and the buzzing went crazy!  I always have the computer plugged into the HD500 with a USB cable so I can use the editor.  I unplugged the USB cable from the HD500, and silence from both the Spider III and the AC-90!

     

    I have to think that this is a common problem?  I can live without the USB plugged in, just wonder if there's a way to keep it all hooked up without the buzz.  Maybe need a better-shielded USB cable?  I'm using the one that came with the HD500.

     

    Thanks,

     

    Sean.

    • Nick_Mattocks Best of the Best
      Nick_Mattocks
      9,065 posts since
      Mar 26, 2007
      Currently Being Moderated
      Jan 21, 2012 1:16 AM (in response to seanbaker1)
      Re: Problem connecting HD500 to an amplifier

      Yes this is a common problem when you connect the POD to an amp which is grounded AND a computer which is grounded too.  Happens with older PODs too.  If your computer is a laptop, it probably has a PSU with a third pin/wire for ground from the mains electricity supply.  You can source a replacement compatible PSU which only has a two core mains cable requirement and this should resolve the issue or you can run the laptop on battery power for short stints.

       

      You can also break the ground loop between the amp and POD by using a 1:1 audio isolating transformer like the Behringer HD400 Hum Destroyer as Jim already suggested and this should also resolve your issue.

       

      Nick

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