Guitar amp/FX volume issue

[Slenver]

I have an issue with my guitar setup and thought I'd ask here before registering with some music site. As it involves the crossover of guitars and electrickery, it's entirely likely that this is just a question for @moth, and I could've just PM'd or messaged on FB, but where's the fun in that? Anyway, it's about time we had some guitar discussion on here for @Skub and others.

So, basically, I have a little tube amp, and various pedals powered by a pedal power unit dooberry. The issue is that, usually after a bit of time, the volume/gain level will vary quite dramatically but unpredictably. It will usually drop significantly but may come back up again.

Now, most obvious answer is the pre-amp tubes I assume, and that may well be it. I replaced them all years ago but haven't done for a while, though I've not been using this amp much.

The reason I'm querying that is for a couple of reasons: firstly, I did do a visual inspection of the tubes and all seemed well to my untrained eye. This isn't conclusive, though I don't know how easy it is to spot issues visually.

Secondly, the issue *may* vary with power to the pedals. For example, I've just spent a few hours playing with a new bunch of pedals for a new pedalboard setup, and for that I've been slowly introducing new ones to compare (originally just using 9v batteries in them) and slowly adding new stuff before finally powering all with the power supply. The issue only started happening when several pedals were added and using the power supply.

So, does this mean it's more likely to be the power supply and/or cables? Or is it possible that pushing more stuff into the pre-amp would show up dodgy tubes more?

It would be easy to troubleshoot if it were less inconsistent, but it's not like it suddenly happens when one thing is changed.

FWIW, I do have concerns about the power supply as it seems that adding extra pedals causes the issues. Would an overloaded PSU cause this issue?

Thanks

[Mr Moofo]

I know nothing about guitars and amps - but I assume you do have it turned up to 11?

[Slenver]

I know nothing about guitars and amps - but I assume you do have it turned up to 11?

Only when I need that little extra push over the cliff.

[Slenver]

OK, I did more testing and it's definitely the power supply. No issues at all using batteries and dedicated power for a big pedal, but as soon as I try switching to the power supply for all it starts to fuck up. I think it's made clearer today by trying a new multi pedal that needs more juice than most do.

Guess I'll have to shop for a new one.

[Skub]

I take it you mean the power supply to your pedals,yes?

Do all the pedals need the same voltage?

Is it a cheap daisy cheap power supply? They are known for giving bother.

I ran a Voodoo lab which allows switchable voltage,plus the outputs are isolated.

BTW,you'll be crucified by being a Brit and calling valves tubes on a UK forum.

[DefTrap]

I run (small) amp and pedals off a battery pack. Hate those nasty transformers, they always seem to die and / or add a load of noise

[Slenver]

I take it you mean the power supply to your pedals,yes?

Yep

Do all the pedals need the same voltage?

Yep, all 9v though the new one (Plethora X5) needs 600ma, which is unusually high. My power supply is rated for this and it does work, but I suspect it's not good enough.

Is it a cheap daisy cheap power supply?.

Yes and no. I mean, I suspect it's the 'yes' that's causing the issue, but it was very well reviewed when I bought it. Though was always a bit suss as it's tiny compared to others and much cheaper. Plus, it's not made any more The rating on it is good enough but I suspect it's just not up to the job. Plus it's a daisy chain one rather than independent connections, so it's not great. It's a Diago Powerstation btw.

I ran a Voodoo lab which allows switchable voltage,plus the outputs are isolated.

Yeah, I need to get something along those lines. Like I say, the Plethora needs 600ma which is rare, but you can double up from two free connections with a y-connector which should be fine. I only currently want 5 pedals max, so I don't need anything with a million connections. Want it to fit under a Pedaltrain board.

BTW,you'll be crucified by being a Brit and calling valves tubes on a UK forum.

Never occurred to me tbh. I suspect I would normally say 'valves' I think, but never thought about it before

[Slenver]

I run (small) amp and pedals off a battery pack. Hate those nasty transformers, they always seem to die and / or add a load of noise

I've found from today's testing that when connected to the power supply they actually make a lot less noise, ie none. When using battery there always seems to be a bit. Mind you, at least it works reliably with batteries.

[Slenver]

This is the current layout btw, sans pedalboard. I've gone all minimalist and am replacing all modulation stuff with the Plethora for simplicity.

[Skub]

Cool drummer's rug.

[Slenver]

Cool drummer's rug.

Ha. That's my study

[dern]

I've never had much luck daisy chaining power to pedals from one output. I have a supply bank and try to power one pedal from one isolated output until I run out and then only daisy chain those with low power requirements. I've never had the volume drop as a result of low power, just no sound. I would isolate each component and see what happens. If nothing happens except when everything is plugged in then I'd say it's probably the pedal power supply.

[Slenver]

I've never had much luck daisy chaining power to pedals from one output. I have a supply bank and try to power one pedal from one isolated output until I run out and then only daisy chain those with low power requirements. I've never had the volume drop as a result of low power, just no sound. I would isolate each component and see what happens. If nothing happens except when everything is plugged in then I'd say it's probably the pedal power supply.

Yep, definitely the power supply and now looking for alternatives with isolated inputs.

Plenty out there, though I want something compact enough to fit under the board and that has enough inputs for 5 pedals, with one drawing 600mA, so will likely need two inputs to draw from. Looks like you can spend over 200 easily, though there's actually a whole Harley Benton range at Thomann for peanuts that seems very highly specced.

[Skub]

There's a Voodoo lab hiding under this lot. Take my word for it.

[Slenver]

Very Bossy

I have an early 90s DS-1 but I've never really liked it so it's one of mine that's up for sale currently.

[dern]

I've never had much luck daisy chaining power to pedals from one output. I have a supply bank and try to power one pedal from one isolated output until I run out and then only daisy chain those with low power requirements. I've never had the volume drop as a result of low power, just no sound. I would isolate each component and see what happens. If nothing happens except when everything is plugged in then I'd say it's probably the pedal power supply.

Yep, definitely the power supply and now looking for alternatives with isolated inputs.

Plenty out there, though I want something compact enough to fit under the board and that has enough inputs for 5 pedals, with one drawing 600mA, so will likely need two inputs to draw from. Looks like you can spend over 200 easily, though there's actually a whole Harley Benton range at Thomann for peanuts that seems very highly specced.

Mine has "Power Plant" written on it and sits under a pedal board ok. I can't recall where I got it from though and can't find the email receipt, sorry. HB are a pretty good company though if you can find a power supply with the right specs with some good reviews.

[Skub]

Very Bossy

I have an early 90s DS-1 but I've never really liked it so it's one of mine that's up for sale currently.

Boss = very tough as old boot!

I seem to recall most of the Boss are Keeley modded,certainly the TR2 for the volume drop. I don't think he does mods now,just makes pedals.

[Slenver]

Very Bossy

I have an early 90s DS-1 but I've never really liked it so it's one of mine that's up for sale currently.

Boss = very tough as old boot!

I seem to recall most of the Boss are Keeley modded,certainly the TR2 for the volume drop. I don't think he does mods now,just makes pedals.

Yeah, I have a Keeley Top Boost but never really got on with that either. Might sell that too.

[dern]

I've never had much luck daisy chaining power to pedals from one output. I have a supply bank and try to power one pedal from one isolated output until I run out and then only daisy chain those with low power requirements. I've never had the volume drop as a result of low power, just no sound. I would isolate each component and see what happens. If nothing happens except when everything is plugged in then I'd say it's probably the pedal power supply.

Yep, definitely the power supply and now looking for alternatives with isolated inputs.

Plenty out there, though I want something compact enough to fit under the board and that has enough inputs for 5 pedals, with one drawing 600mA, so will likely need two inputs to draw from. Looks like you can spend over 200 easily, though there's actually a whole Harley Benton range at Thomann for peanuts that seems very highly specced.

Mine has "Power Plant" written on it and sits under a pedal board ok. I can't recall where I got it from though and can't find the email receipt, sorry. HB are a pretty good company though if you can find a power supply with the right specs with some good reviews.

Ah, found it... https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton ... -AQAvD_BwE

[Slenver]

HB are a pretty good company though if you can find a power supply with the right specs with some good reviews.

There's obviously a lot of snobbery about an 'own brand' for equipment, and they used to just make cheap mic stands and shitty acoustics etc, but it seems they make pretty good stuff these days at ridiculous prices. Even their valve amps are supposed to be decent.