Hum problem and some wrong advice needed!

[reaper121088]

Hi, I've not posted in a while but basically need to start from scratch I think. I've been getting some bad him on my overdrive channel and the noise gate/ compressor doesn't sound right. When I plug straight into the amp, it sounds full and pretty mean to be honest. Doesn't seem to be as much output when effects are engaged. Anyway, my rig is:

Ibanez guitars
Emg 81/60 pickups
Krank revolution series one (head)
Marshall avt cab (horrendous quality)
Digitech digi delay
Alto 2 channel compressor/limiter/gate rack unit
Gcx audio switcher
Ground control pro.

I need to have the compressor/gate channel 1 and amp channel 1 on preset 1, compressor/gate channel 2, digi delay and clean amp channel on preset 2, compressor/gate channel 2, digi delay and solo boost channel on preset 3, then preset 4 the same as preset 1 with digi delay added.
I'm already using a y cable to switch channels etc, and for the most part, it's worked fine. I've refined my set up since then but still using the same diagram. I was thinking, to combat the hum/improve the sound, about routing the compressor/limiter/gate through the front of the amp instead of the fx loop? It's currently in the fx loop before the digi delay. Will it sound any better? Will the gate be more responsive? I'm after that huge, high gain, "pushy", tight sound. A lot of power but still super tight. But I also want to eliminate the him and just clean up the sound. Any help? Thanks in advance.

[nyteowl]

For what it's worth, I've run my compressor and noise gate in front of my amp(s) for years and have never experienced noise issues. Considering the gear you listed, the only thing I would run in the FX Loop would be the delay, but then that's just my personal preference.

[reaper121088]

Thanks. Don't suppose you'd have a diagram or could tell me how to connect it through the front? Cheers

[nyteowl]

Any diagrams I might have wouldn't be of much use to you because I use totally different gear. However, I took a look at the manual for your Alto unit, and as you are not running any other effects in front of your amp, I'd suggest you try making your connections like this:

Guitar -> GCX Front panel Guitar In
GCX Rear panel Guitar Out -> Loop 1 In

Loop 1 Send/Return -> ACOM Channel 1 In/Out
Loop 1 Out -> Krank Guitar In

Krank FX Send -> GCX Loop 2 In
Loop 2 Send/Return -> ACOM Channel 2 In/Out
ACOM Channel 2 Side Chain Send/Return -> Digi Delay In/Out
Loop 2 Out -> Krank FX Return

This will give you two-stage noise reduction, like what you would have were you using an ISP Decimator ProRack G. All you need do now is program your presets with Loops 1 and 2 On or Off as needed, along with the desired amp settings per preset, and you'll be good to go.

[reaper121088]

Hi, I only have 1 side chain socket on the compressor. The manual you looked at may be from a newer model? Help would seriously be appreciated! Thanks

[nyteowl]

Could you please post a link to the manual for the actual model compressor you have?

[reaper121088]

Hi, here's a link to a PDF of my compressor. It's an alto acl 2 (older and slightly different to the acl2 pro)

http://www.soundtrade.pl/pl/pliki_lista ... etfile=138

[nyteowl]

Hi, I only have 1 side chain socket on the compressor. The manual you looked at may be from a newer model? Help would seriously be appreciated! Thanks

Could you please post a link to the manual for the actual model compressor you have?

Hi, here's a link to a PDF of my compressor. It's an alto acl 2 (older and slightly different to the acl2 pro)

http://www.soundtrade.pl/pl/pliki_lista ... etfile=138

I followed the link you provided for the ACL2 manual. The Back Panel image at the top of Page 8 clearly shows two Side Chain TRS jacks, one for Channel 1 and one for Channel 2.

?????

[reaper121088]

Sorry, my bad. When I tried to follow your instructions, I ran out of sockets on the compressor. It's entirely possible that I misread it. I think when you said "sidechain in/out" there wasn't enough inputs to connect in and out. I'll try it again though.

[reaper121088]

It was the second stage I had real difficulty with. And ideally, I'd like to just have the delay on a seperate loop...I use the delay with my clean channel, solo channel and my rhythm b channel. I'm 90% sure I got the first stage right, but I've noticed it does take quite a lot of volume out of the head...I have to turn the output up quite high on the compressor and have my amp volume almost full.