Static

[DMFJ03]

Maybe you can help me out here...

I have a Samson wireless unit, which I used to like to use until I started getting bad static through it since I bought my Mesa/Ampeg rig.

I am running an intrument cable from my head to my input on the pedal board, then from the output into my wireless receiver. Everything works, but when play it gets bad static.

I am wondering if it just from being piggy-backed so many times.

Any ideas?

[ToonaRockGuy]

From what I've seen and heard from other musicians, Sampson=bad. You may want to trade in on a new unit from another brand, like Shure, Audio Technica, or the like.

[tonefight]

Maybe you can help me out here...

I am running an intrument cable from my head to my input on the pedal board, then from the output into my wireless receiver. Everything works, but when play it gets bad static.

That is confusing me you're talking backwards on me, Do you mean : out of the wireless into the pedal board and into the amp ? If not try it.

If so try going right out of the wireless to the amp once and see if its coming from the pedal board and cableing. you could try borrowing some cables and rewiring it with new cables to rule that out.

Wireless units can cause all kinds of headaches even some of the more expensive ones. Although Carvin sucks i've had limited problems with the 2 wireless units we have from them, I thought 1 was screwed up right when we got it but it turns out they sent a dead battery with it.

Also mess with the Squelch control, it has something to do with signal ( read the manual, I don't fully understand it myself )

Good luck

[Craven Sound]

A couple of other things; instead of placing the receiver on top of the amp, try putting it somewhere else, maybe on the floor next to it. I've run into situations with direct boxes that made lots of noise when sitting on top of the amp and simply moving it helped greatly. If the unit is getting old, the transmitter's frequency may be starting to shift. In this case, it's time for a new one.

Mike

[DMFJ03]

The unit is 4 1/2 - 5 years old.

I didn't use it heavily, about 15-20 times.

(For Tony)

Head > Pedal Board > Wireless

(Craven)

My reciever sits right in will my pedals. I used to sit it on top of my amp, but that was before I bought my rig.

(Kev)

I know Samson isn't the best out there, but when I bought, it was the only thing I could afford in my price range. It hasn't given me problems until recently....

Who knows, maybe it is just too old.

[lonewolf]

The wireless should be the very 1st thing in your signal chain. You should put it where you would normally plug in your guitar, in this case, the guitar input of your amp head. If you use FX boxes, its up to you whether you put them after the wireless or in the amp's FX loop.

[songsmith]

Note, too, that digital equipment gives off RF hash (radio frequency interference), especially inexpensive FX. If your amp has an FX loop, put your FX in that loop, and run from your receiver into the instrument input of the amp. Sometimes moving the receiver antenna just a foot or two works well.
Also, it helps the tech-types here if you explain things according to the flow of the signal chain, for instance: The signal goes from your bass pickups (instrument level), to the wireless transmitter (changes to radio signal), to the receiver (changes to line level), to the amp input, through the effects loop (still line level), to the amplifier section (changes to speaker level), to the speaker, where it's changed to sound that you hear. So basically, you describe it starting from where the signal is created, and end where it becomes audible sound.
BTW, the Samsons are kinda known for interference, maybe due to the unshielded plastic cases. It's manageable, though... we used 'em for years. A good hint is to velcro a coiled-up instrument cable to the back of your cabinet, in case of wireless issues mid-set. ---->JMS

[DMFJ03]

I already have my Tuner through the effects loop in my head - therefore, I wouldn't be able to put my pedals in through them.

Also, how would I run into the wireless first and then reach my pedals.

I'd run a cable from the input on the head, into the back of my wireless unit, then that would be it. Without my effects loop being open, I'm screwed.

[ToonaRockGuy]

Also, how would I run into the wireless first and then reach my pedals.

Just become a drummer. It makes life much easier and you get better looking, too.

[lonewolf]

I already have my Tuner through the effects loop in my head - therefore, I wouldn't be able to put my pedals in through them.

Also, how would I run into the wireless first and then reach my pedals.

I'd run a cable from the input on the head, into the back of my wireless unit, then that would be it. Without my effects loop being open, I'm screwed.

Most tuners have an input and an output so you can put it in the same chain with the effects. If that's your case, you can take the FX send to the tuner, the output of the tuner to your FX chain and take the output of the FX chain back to the FX return on your amp.

You shouldn't have any problem connecting the receiver's output to the amp's input. Putting it on top of the amp should cause zero problem as long as you keep the antennae away from metal. Use a 1 or 2 foot long quality shielded cable and angle the antennae to the left and right at 45 degrees.

Another thing that can cause a wireless to hiss or distort is a weak signal or a clipped signal. There should be a trimpot on the transmitter to adjust your guitar's signal. While hitting an open "E" with volume & tone on full, adjust the trimpot with a tiny screwdriver until the LED starts lighting and back it off so that the LED only blinks occasionly.

Also, check the cable to the transmitter to make sure there are no frayed or poorly soldered wires.