power conditioners... Will they help me?

[delay1968]

I have a small studio in a typical NYC building with outdated, and I'm quite positive, not up to code electrical wiring. The level of both A/C hum and rf noise in my gtr amps and some of the recording equipment varies on a daily basis. Usually it's not too bad but lately I've had a few really bad days where the noise level has made it impossible to record. One day in particular, I could not use any tube mics because they all were humming and buzzing louder than the signal output. The variation doesn't seem to have anything to do with what's going on in my studio and obviously I have know way of investigating beyond that (...excuse me, can I come in and see which major appliances you're using today?). I've been trying to get the landlord to improve the wiring but you all know how that goes... especially since the lease isn't in my name.
Right now I don't have any type of power conditioning going on except for your typical cheap power strips which I realize don't really do anything. The question is whether or not buying more substantial power conditioners would help the problem or not. If so, would a couple of the usual $100 furman rackrider or PL series ones do it? Any other solutions?

[chingon]

I'm not knowledgable enough to tell you whether or not a power conditioner would help out your current situation. What I can tell you though is that the Furman Rackrider and PL series are no better than the cheap power strip you already have. In fact, furman conditioners are overpriced power strip.

If you want to get some actual power conditioning look into products from powervar and topaz. Check this link out to an idea of what I'm yapping about. http://www.flash.net/~motodata/patchbays/power.html

[chrisgraff]

As a guitar player, I can tell you this: Halogen lights are a guitar amplifier's natural enemy. Turning them off doesn't help. They must be removed from the circuit.

The most expensive power regulator/regenerator won't cure the problem either.


So, if you have any.........get rid of 'em!

[vartan k]

if you have the money try Installing a isolated ground Spec. grade outlet for your audio gear. ( or more ) on its own 20 amp line. works wounders!

BTW . hello everyone!

[chingon]

What's a isolated ground Spec. grade outlet?

[vartan k]

http://www.hubbell-bryant.com/product_frameset.htm


like that.
cost about $12.00 compared to the .99 cent ones in your house.