Ceriatone Forum

Hey All,

So I got the Bluesmaster 100w + C-Lator + Kleinulator a couple of days back.  I've hooked up the C-lator to the effects loop in my amp (using George L instrument cables), Effects Send --> Input and Output --> Effects Return.  The problem I'm encountering is that I get a considerable amount of noise with the unit when it is engaged.  I can reduce this somewhat by decreasing the output (adjusting the gain knob has no effect), but it's still considerable.  Also, when I switch the unit into standby or off, my volume gradually reduces to 0 after about 6 or 7 seconds (the same thing happens when I hook up the Kleinulator and then switch it off)

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks,

Stephen

the unit is meant to be always on. Thats why you get no volume when your turn it off because well, youre turning it off. It takes about 6 second because of the tube "cool down"
also if your using the C lator and K lator at the same time, DONT. this could easily be the source of your noise.

If youre still getting noise it is likely a bad tube in the Clator.

And don't forget those George L's cables could be bad, mine would go bad regularly

Hi Guys,

Thanks, for the responses.

Not running the Clator and the Klein at the same time. 

The George Ls aren't the issue as I don't get the hum when I hook up the Clator.  Could it be a ground hum problem?

Thanks,

Stephen

try the power supply in different places there might be some sort of ground loop. Also if theres any slider light switches in your house keep them off they make a TON of noise, especially with those "energy saver" flourecent lights

Thanks, guys, tried all that, as well as Nik's suggestion to ground the amp chassis to the buffer chassis, but to no avail.  The issue is that the noise increases a LOT when I increase the Output knob, which means I can't fully use the vol capacity of the amp. 

Anyone else have any ideas?

Thanks again, guys,

I too are getting a Clator with my OTS50. Off topic. I do know that you don't have to have anything connected in the loop but.......

1. Can you put instrument level floor type effect units in the loop or do they have to be line level rack units? I have an MXR Stereo Chorus that I was wondering if I could use here?

2. Can the loop be used just to feed another amplifier or poweramp? I mean using the send to another amp but not having anything in the return? or will this interrupt the OTS power amp?

Thanks

You can connect to the send from the OTS and not impact the dry amp sound as long as you don't plug into the return of the loop.  You need to tweak a bit with the settings on the C-Lator to get same levels and transparent sound.  I've had my OTS-HRM50 and C-Lator for a few weeks, and the first step was to connect C-Lator with no effects plugged in and play the game where you connect/disconnect the return to the OTS and get as close as you can to having equal levels, tone, etc.  Then plug effects in and adjust volumes/settings on the effects to maintain the same.  takes a bit of time but can get there.

have you tried a different tube yet?

Hey All,

Yes, I've tried another tube with it (NOS JAN Philips 5751) which I know doesn't have any microphonics issues, and I'm still getting hum.  So I've gone ahead and ordered an EbTech Hum Eliminator, we'll see if that'll help.  I think I've narrowed down the issues to ground hum from the power cables, not the audio cables.  Tell me if this sounds right.  I've hooked up the C-lator properly, and have the amp and C-lator turned on.  If I turn off the C-lator but leave the amp on, the amp goes quiet (normal), but I still get hum.  If I unplug the C-lator, the hum goes away.  Seems to me that that is a ground loop issue, right? 

In response to Hayden, yes, you can use normal footpedals with the C-lator.  I'm using the Digitech Hardwire RV-5 and DL-8 in the loop. 

See if there the Recovery Input cable has a ground shield that is grounded to the front buss wire that runs along the top of the pots. If so, try cutting it so is not connected to the buss.

PS:
At first you described the problem as 'noise', but later as 'hum'
Just for future reference, most people regard noise as 'hiss' or 'static' etc. and hum differently.