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How to connect a hum destroyer to my preamp?
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Old 23rd October 2012   #1
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How to connect a hum destroyer to my preamp?

I have been advised to purchase a hum destroyer to eliminate static while recording my guitar through Amplitube.

Any idea how I should go about connecting it to my preamp...assuming that is the correct part in the chain? Would it be more sensible to go from guitar > hum destroyer > preamp > laptop?

Either way, please advise on what cables to use, which connections etc. Also, should the cables be balanced or unbalanced?

Hum Destroyer....


Preamp...(NI Komplete 6)
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Old 24th October 2012   #2
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AFAIK a hum destroyer is just two linelevel transformers in a fancy box.
It is used to break a GROUNDLOOP (if you have hum from a groundloop).
Other that that it's as useless as tits on a bull.
A guitar won't have a groundloop unless you use a pedal or amp.
It might degrade the sound.
Leo..
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Old 24th October 2012   #3
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I see.... in that case, I better scrap the tits on a bull as well.

any idea what could be causing the static in guitar rig/amplitube?

The noise is only present when I play a chord, not during silence.

EDIT: I've decided to try the emulated output from my blackstar amp as an alternative method of recording direct...have you had experience with this?

I assume the amp needs a dummy load, i.e. a speaker cab?? should i connect an instrument or speaker cable to the interface? I'm using a blackstar ht1r
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Old 24th October 2012   #4
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Hi.
AFAIK, the emulated output of the amp is just a headphones/ linelevel out.
If you connect that to a preamp (XLR combo socket), it could overdrive, or maybe damage the input.
You should use one of the line level inputs for that (jack 3 or 4).
So guitar - amp - interface input 3 or 4 (with another guitar lead).
USB lead between interface and computer.
Balanced! leads between interface and monitor speakers (if used).
You could end up with a groundloop hum here if you use unbalanced leads, because the guitar amp is grounded and so are the speakers.
The laptop supply could also be a problem, but you soon will know if you unplug and run on battery power.
Play with guitar output level and interface input level if needed for best results.
Leo..
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Old 24th October 2012   #5
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you mentioned using balanced leads between the interface and monitor speakers ...do I also use a balanced TRS lead between the amp and interface?

thanks for your help
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Old 24th October 2012   #6
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Is the noise there when you touch let go the strings or guitar hardware?
If it when you touch the strings you have a lifted gnd in the guitar.

If it quietens when touched then I'd look at ensuring you use quality shielded guitar cable to connect into the interface preamp.

Your preamp has a usb interface.
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Old 24th October 2012   #7
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A balanced lead between amp and interface might be a problem.
The headphones output is most likely a stereo socket.
The amp being mono will have the same signal on tip and ring (OK for headphones).
If you feed that in a balanced input, you will end up with nothing.
The two signals cancel each other out.
You might have to use a guitar lead here.
That hum remover (1:1 DI) might still be needed there if you have a hum when you're not playing.
Use only ONE channel.
Connect between the amp and audio interface. Amp to input, output to interface.
Leo..
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Old 24th October 2012   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jinksdingo View Post
Is the noise there when you touch let go the strings or guitar hardware?
If it when you touch the strings you have a lifted gnd in the guitar.

If it quietens when touched then I'd look at ensuring you use quality shielded guitar cable to connect into the interface preamp.

Your preamp has a usb interface.
The noise is only there when I play a chord/lead.

When i'm not playing anything it dissipates.
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Old 24th October 2012   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LeeYoo View Post
A balanced lead between amp and interface might be a problem.
The headphones output is most likely a stereo socket.
The amp being mono will have the same signal on tip and ring (OK for headphones).
If you feed that in a balanced input, you will end up with nothing.
The two signals cancel each other out.
You might have to use a guitar lead here.
Leo..
Ok a guitar lead it is then.

Thanks again.

jeebs
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Old 24th October 2012   #10
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My guess is you are hearing your normal guitar sound. Guitars make noise, some more than others. When I record I have to turn my guitar 90 degrees to my monitor to get rid of a slight hum.

It probably dissipates when you are not playing due to Amplitude having a noise gate on the preset you are using.

Does it sound better when you play with a clean sound?
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