SimpleSi Posted August 12, 2016 Share Posted August 12, 2016 Have had this problem with multiple amps. When using the Helix to switch channels or what ever the amp has switchable (Real amps). When ever using a TS or TRS cable. regardless of which. The Amps always get a horrific Buzzing. Consistantly. not sometimes. Googling lead to no answers - but that obviously some people are experiencing the same thing.. This has NOTHING to do with my power source, as it doesn't matter if I'm plugged in at home, at a gig etc. The buzzing STOPS when unplugging the EXT AMP output. I do have an external pedal that came with the Amp for switching the mid boost on and off, however I'd like to think I can use the actual functions of the Helix so I don't have to. I don't really want to have to buy some stupid humbuster or isolating external box to stop this (as this is what some people have done on other forums) it's $30-100 i shouldn't have to spend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaundesjardins Posted August 12, 2016 Share Posted August 12, 2016 You have a ground loop. I had the same issue with my '82 Boogie Mark IIb and my Mesa Electradyne. Solved it with a Hum-X from Ebtech. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimpleSi Posted August 12, 2016 Author Share Posted August 12, 2016 I can't use this. It's an American plug. I really don't want to be buying things only to find that they don't fix it. My question is, why am I getting this only with external amp out. And not any other cables. Sounds more like a problem with the helix than a ground loop issue. As it doesn't buzz with anything else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimpleSi Posted August 13, 2016 Author Share Posted August 13, 2016 bump Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick_g_nelson Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 I had this same issue also with multiple amps. The HumX by Ebtech didn't solve the issue. The only way I solved it was to use an Ebtech Hum Eliminator inline from the helix out to the Ebtech to the front of the amp. The hum was completely eliminated. I have since stopped using the helix with an amp but I struggled with this for quite some time. The Ext Amp control is my only real complaint with the Helix. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimpleSi Posted August 14, 2016 Author Share Posted August 14, 2016 I had this same issue also with multiple amps. The HumX by Ebtech didn't solve the issue. The only way I solved it was to use an Ebtech Hum Eliminator inline from the helix out to the Ebtech to the front of the amp. The hum was completely eliminated. I have since stopped using the helix with an amp but I struggled with this for quite some time. The Ext Amp control is my only real complaint with the Helix. where did you have to place it when using the Ext Amp out for switching? on the actual inputs of the amp? or inline with the Ext Amp switching cable? I would also like to note to Line6 in general we shouldn't have to be buying $30-50+ USD products to stop something a product shouldn't do.. :angry: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricksteruk Posted August 14, 2016 Share Posted August 14, 2016 Yes this is very annoying indeed. I contacted tech support and they said the Ext Amp works with "most amps" I replied asking which amps it actually worked with... as it clearly does not work with Marshalls or Mesas to name but two of the major brands. I did not get a reply to my question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick_g_nelson Posted August 14, 2016 Share Posted August 14, 2016 where did you have to place it when using the Ext Amp out for switching? on the actual inputs of the amp? or inline with the Ext Amp switching cable? I would also like to note to Line6 in general we shouldn't have to be buying $30-50+ USD products to stop something a product shouldn't do.. :angry: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick_g_nelson Posted August 14, 2016 Share Posted August 14, 2016 You place it inline with the input and not on the ext amp. I have 3 different amps that all had this issue. Orange Rockerverb MKII, Fender Blues Deville - by far the worst buzz with this one, Mesa Roadster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonbeckx Posted October 9, 2016 Share Posted October 9, 2016 Hi Guys, I'm the Aussie Product Special ist and have encountered this on a couple of amps. I found a quick 'fix' which I wanted to share. Use a TRS cable for the ext amp and pull it out by 1/3 on either the Helix or amp. No this is not a joke and it reduces hum dramatically. Our tech is checking out a fix when I have a bit of time to breathe on my end. It's amplifying an internal hum. See if this helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giax1974 Posted April 20, 2017 Share Posted April 20, 2017 I also found this quick solution by myself after several tests. But is no reliable. First I was exhited but did not last long.I just got a Helix and I really liked it, but this trs issue is driving me mad. Going midi is a solution, 40us$ and a externar box, plus you need to power it with 9 v, its a solution, but Helix was supposed to be a all in one pedalboard, that annoys me.I am keeping the Helix anyway, it does a lot!Just to inform other Mesa Electra dyne users, mine switch perfect, the problem is the loud hum when connecting a trs to the Ext Amp input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giax1974 Posted April 20, 2017 Share Posted April 20, 2017 I found this Lehl accessories: http://lehle.com/EN/Accessories Do you think one of this can eliminate the terrible noise when connecting TRS cable to EXT AMP input? FOR CHANNNEL SWITCHING??? https://www.amazon.c...s/dp/B00KTEZ1O2 MANUAL: http://lehle.com/EN/Lehle-DC-Filter/MANUAL#go I also found this midi, the size and no power required sounds like a great deal... but I am not sure it can work for controlling a TRS amp switch via midi with helix... https://www.amazon.c...x/dp/B001WAKOKS They also have a TRS to MIDI CABLE....Can this work with HELIX??? Actually this sounds like the perfect solution to amp switching but not sure if it works... http://lehle.com/EN/Lehle-MIDI-Kabel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffMarshMusic Posted April 21, 2017 Share Posted April 21, 2017 I hate to see anyone spend money they shouldn't have to spend, but these products from RJM might be a solution. http://www.rjmmusic.com/products/mini-amp-gizmo/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtone Posted March 23, 2018 Share Posted March 23, 2018 I have the same issue with a Friedman Runt 50...so its 2018 and it does not work with Marshall Mesa and Friedman... The solution is not buying an extra unit to fix it!! I love the Helix sound wise and for manx other reasons but this is bad!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyingsCool Posted March 25, 2018 Share Posted March 25, 2018 If using a TRS cable and pulling it out a bit helps, perhaps a TRS-TS cable would fix it? (IOW, clip the ring line on one end). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralphjoh Posted June 28, 2018 Share Posted June 28, 2018 ... quite sad, that this Problem is not even considered to be resolved... I finally build up my rig with the Helix Effect as the control Center. I have two amps: a midi controled Blackstar series one 50 and for smaller venues a Friedman Runt20. If the chanel switch od Runt 20 is connected to ext.Amp of the Helix an unacceptable low frequenzy buzz occurs. Since a fix is not in sight, I will purchase a Voodoo Lab Control Switcher and change to Midi Control. Anyway so I do not have to adapt all my presets and Snapshot to Midi and Amp switching Action... pphhhh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patdixon Posted June 28, 2018 Share Posted June 28, 2018 I had this too. Nady makes a cheap ($33) hum eliminator that stops it. Put between the HX send & the amp input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joepeggio Posted June 28, 2018 Share Posted June 28, 2018 Its not just a Helix issue. Whenever you connect two amps from a split of some sort, like stereo, or Wet - Dry etc, you will likely have hum issues. Its the grounding and must be lifted somewhere. The advice given by other posters above will/should work. If you had the amps hooked up before Helix without noise, you got lucky. Some amps leak voltage to ground, in fact its hard not to when there are 400+ volts in there. Remember NEVER lift the ground of the Amp power plug!!! Transformer isolation seems to work well. Experiment with where to isolate and see what works for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patdixon Posted June 29, 2018 Share Posted June 29, 2018 7 hours ago, Joepeggio said: Remember NEVER lift the ground of the Amp power plug!!! Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.