chipdougal Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 I am trying to use the XLR outs to go into my power amp, either my ADA microtube 100 or my SD Powerstage 700 and getting a ton of static/noise. I tried turning on/off phantom power on the input, doing guitar only input, changing mic/line level on the outputs, and the ground/lift switch. None of that makes a difference. I am using monoprice XLR to 1/4" cables, but I also tried another cable that had the same issue so I don't think it is specifically the cable. Before you suggest using the 1/4 jacks I am already using for the other power amp, I am trying to run 2 power amps. Any idea why there is so much noise/static and how to remove it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schmalle Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 Is the noise 60Hz / low frequency hum? Are the cables XLR -> TRS or XLR -> TS? Does the other power amp make the same noise when it is connected via XLR? Do you power both power amps from the same wall outlet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chipdougal Posted February 19 Author Share Posted February 19 1. This is the cable Series XLR Female to 1/4-Inch TRS Male 16AWG https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001UJIYIK?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details 2. It is a hum with some static to it though, its kind of like if you had the distortion cranked to the max on a noisy amp, it does this on blank patches and clean patches so its not the patch. Probably more like a constant buzz than just your standard low level hum. 3. Yes both powers amps are doing the same thing with it, both only have 1/4" inputs so I have to use the cables to go from XLR to 1/4" 4. Both are plugged into the same outlet, I am using a power conditioner though and when using the 1/4" outputs on the helix neither get any noise. I will try a different outlet after work, I doubt that is the issue though but worth trying. Also I unplugged everything from the whole setup other than the left channel to the power amp and the power amp to 1 speaker. Guitar straight into the Guitar In nothing else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schmalle Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 @chipdougal I don't think you're doing anything wrong. I did a small experiment and had exactly the same noise issues that you described. The XLR outs don't seem work for this. What works (at least in my experiment) is adding a transformer based isolating device (eg Behringer HD400, Pyle PHE300) between XLR outs and the power amp. Alternatively you can use the Sends instead of the XLR outs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chipdougal Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 On 2/19/2024 at 5:45 PM, Schmalle said: @chipdougal I don't think you're doing anything wrong. I did a small experiment and had exactly the same noise issues that you described. The XLR outs don't seem work for this. What works (at least in my experiment) is adding a transformer based isolating device (eg Behringer HD400, Pyle PHE300) between XLR outs and the power amp. Alternatively you can use the Sends instead of the XLR outs. That works but then you can't control the volume of it with the volume knob on the helix, also can it be mixed with 1/4" out for the output at the same time? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schmalle Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 Have you considered 1/4" y-cables (female -> 2x male) and just use the 1/4" Outs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chipdougal Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 On 2/19/2024 at 9:53 PM, Schmalle said: Have you considered 1/4" y-cables (female -> 2x male) and just use the 1/4" Outs? The reason I am doing it is to send different sounds out if I did that it would be the same. Basically doing dual stereo snd blending amp models together or stereo on 2 speakers wet and 2 dry. An example send a stereo signal to my power stage 700 with a mesa amp model eq and stereo delay/reverb to 2 12 inch speakers Then on the 2 12 inch speakers below powered by another power amp send say a marshall amp model with a slightly different/eq tone and no effects Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schmalle Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 Nice setup! The VOLUME knob doesn't affect the Sends so you can't use it as a master volume for this unfortunately. You could use an expression pedal as a master volume by making it control both signal's (wet+dry) output level. Or just use the power amp controls. Read the manual page 19-21 to get inspiration for your signal routing. I'd probably go with guitar into Path 1, Path 1 into Path 2, split Path 2 somewhere, Path 2A to 1/4", Path 2B to Send1/2. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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