DBX 266XL Compressor

[Melv]

Yesterday i brought a DBX 266XL Compressor in london for my bass rig, i was going for the alesis 3630 but was told the DBX was better. As i got it home and linked it up to my rig, theres a loud buzz. Its not the leads, and its not anything else, as i unhook the compressor it goes, i use the 1/4 jack input and output on the copressor if that helps. Even if i turn off the copressor but keep it hooked up i get a signal through and it still buzz's

Can anyone help?
Thanx

 

[Bowks]

Sounds like you may have a faulty compressor. I suggest you take it back to the shop you bought it in and ask that they exchange it for a replacement.

 

[oldbluebassman]

How have you got it connected?

On the input or in the effects loop?

 

[Melv]

Bass-----tuner------compressor---------Ampeg B-2R-------cabs

Thats a simple way of the connection, is there a better way to connect it up

Like the effects send and return on the ampeg?

 

[oldbluebassman]

No I thnik that arrangement id fine although the compressor is designed to work at line level not instrument level.

Do you still get the problem with just the compressor connected to the amp, i.e. no bass and no tuner?

If so it might be an earth or ground loop. The way to check this is to remove the earth/ground connection from the comperessor's ac connection or disconnect the earth/ground from the cable that goes from the compressor out to the amp input.

 

[Melv]

I got it working by connecting the input of the compressor to the effects loop send of my amp, and the output of the compressor to the effects loop return of my amp. Works fine, is that way ok. In the ampeg manual it was saying this needs to be done by a shielded cable, how do i check that the cables im using are shielded.

Im having a little trouble filling out the online warrenty form, has anyone ever filled on out before?

Also

If so it might be an earth or ground loop. The way to check this is to remove the earth/ground connection from the comperessor's ac connection or disconnect the earth/ground from the cable that goes from the compressor out to the amp input.

How do i do that?

Thanx for you help

 

[dlloyd]

I got it working by connecting the input of the compressor to the effects loop send of my amp, and the output of the compressor to the effects loop return of my amp. Works fine, is that way ok. In the ampeg manual it was saying this needs to be done by a shielded cable, how do i check that the cables im using are shielded.

Standard cables are shielded.

 

[Melv]

Standard cables are shielded.

Cheers

I know it all works the way im doing it, but should i be worried that it buzzes by connecting it the way i did, i wouldnt of thought thats expected to happen

 

[Bluesbob]

Balanced...

inputs and outputs may require balanced TRS or XLR cables to avoid hum. I don't know that for sure, though. I do know the Alesis 3630 is single-ended. Sorry I can't help any more than that.

 

[Bowks]

I've just had a glance over the manual and I think it might be worth you trying it in the effects loop of the amp and following the advice in the manual.

If it still plays up, take it back and either get a replacement DBX or swap it for an Aphex Punch Factory!