Helix LT - how to get rid of ticking noise (guitar connected)

[BRB59]

Hope to hear your expert advise on the following: (maybe already handled extensively - thanks for referring me to the thread): I observe a ticking noise (+/- 5 to 10 Hz), polluting the sound when the guitar is connected. Apart from working with a noise gate I want to find the origin and work the issue. I test with an empty preset with only gain stage (around 30 dB - then the noise is clearly heard). in unconnected mode (cable connected to the Helix - not connected to guitar) the noise is not present. The effect is reduced when setting "guitar in pad" to "on" in global settings/IN.  The effect is heard with different guitars (HB - Single coil) at different intensity. Using a Power Filter (Furman AC-210 A) does not help.  Does anyone recognises this? What can be the reason? How to get rid of this without compromising sound quality?

[theElevators]

I am guessing this is caused by the guitar, since you stated that a cable without guitar into the Helix produces no ticking. 
 

I have had ticking when I didn’t remove the protective plastic all the way from the pick guard of my guitar. Some kind of an induction from static electricity or something. I’ve also had all sorts of noises when the output jack of the guitar had the ground wire about to come off. 
 

Also, is your USB cable plugged in?  Try unplugging it. 

[BRB59]

Thanks for helping - I just checked and (un)plugging USB and MIDI cables seems not to have any effect. Any ideas out there for testing if a guitar output is "behaving well"? (I have standard passive pickups) -- strange thing: the noise is more present on the humbucker guitar (Epiphone LP). (I would expect the Telecaster to be noisier). - both are unshielded but I 'm not sure I hear an RF interference noise - the ticking indicates some capacitive effect. (I m just guessing)

[rd2rk]

Without actually hearing it I can't be sure, but I recently eliminated a "ticking" sound by turning OFF the SSID broadcast feature of my wireless router.

It seems to only occur on the 2.4ghz band. Since I almost always use cables with my guitars, I'm baffled by this, but it worked!

[Schmalle]

A electronic device nearby could be the reason. Computers e.g. emit electromagnetic noise that your guitar will pick up.

Try identifying the noise source using your guitar as a detector.

[kduck]

A cell phone can also cause noise.  I remember once I thought my tube amp was picking up noise, but it turned out to be the guitar was picking up noise from the cell phone in my pocket.

[uburoibob2]

5Hz to 10Hz is VERY low, and often below the range of human hearing. Is it a pulse that you feel, or did you mean 5 to 10 kHz instead of Hz?

 

Is it a constant tick, repeating itself at the same time interval, or is it more random?

Are you hearing it through headphones with nothing else except your guitar plugged in?

Have you tried with a different brand of cable? Is your cable a shielded guitar cable and not a speaker cable?

Are all wireless devices nearby tuned off?

Have you checked the MIDI clock settings on your LT?

Does it happen in different locations in a: your house and/or b: at a gig?

[DanYag]

I have a ticking  in my gear as well. For the longest time I couldn't figure out what it was. It was rhythmic so I thought it might be a clock or something. Turns out the electric fence around my horse fields was causing the audible tick in my gear. If I unplug the electric fence transformer the ticking stops. Those fences arent constantly electrified. It sends a shock through the fence every second. Something like that might be causing your audile artifact as well.