Line 6 HD100 Spider Valve + MXR GT-OD Noise

[JosephEMG]

I'm currently running my Line 6 HD 100 Valve Head with a Crybaby from Hell Wah and a MXR GT-OD. I know the head has its own Noise Gate (and it's turned on), but as soon as i turn the gain knob on the OD (while using distortion on the amp) comes an unbearable high pitched noise. Gain knob has to be at 0 in order for me to get minimal noise. Can a additional noise gate/supressor fix this?? Im looking into the NS-2, ISP Decimator, etc.

 

[Mega-Mads]

yep.

 

[TheWarAgainstTime]

You'll definitely want to get a gate if you're using the OD.

I'd run the guitar into the gate, then the OD into the front of the amp and keep the built in gate on.

 

[Mega-Mads]

I own that amp too. I used a Ns-2 in front of it. Its own noise gate is good enough for bedroom playing, but in a rehearsal situation its simply too weak.

 

[Kaappari]

You should consider lowering your gain if it wont mess up your tone too much. Otherwise more/better gate.

 

[JosephEMG]

I own that amp too. I used a Ns-2 in front of it. Its own noise gate is good enough for bedroom playing, but in a rehearsal situation its simply too weak.

This is exactly what has been happening to me!

 

[Mega-Mads]

Then you got the answer.

 

[TheWarAgainstTime]

I've found that the Decimator has much more range than the NS-2, so I'd try one of those out if the Boss isn't cutting it for you.

 

[JosephEMG]

I've found that the Decimator has much more range than the NS-2, so I'd try one of those out if the Boss isn't cutting it for you.

The decimator is on the way as we speak! Hope it brings good results!

 

[rectifryer]

How long is the power cable to your cabinet?

 

[Chris O]

I'm not entirely sure a gate is the answer here. The SV is an inherently noisy amp already (I've had 3, so I'm speaking from experience...). I used to run a Boss SD-1 in front of mine, and it wasn't causing that type of issue at all. Did you try looking at your preamp tubes? Do you maybe have one that's getting microphonic? Are they still stock? If so, I'd look into that too. The stock tubes do not have the best track record on those amps. Mine were DREADFUL, but I can't recall what I replaced them with.

 

[JosephEMG]

I'm not entirely sure a gate is the answer here. The SV is an inherently noisy amp already (I've had 3, so I'm speaking from experience...). I used to run a Boss SD-1 in front of mine, and it wasn't causing that type of issue at all. Did you try looking at your preamp tubes? Do you maybe have one that's getting microphonic? Are they still stock? If so, I'd look into that too. The stock tubes do not have the best track record on those amps. Mine were DREADFUL, but I can't recall what I replaced them with.

Haven't changed the tubes ever. They're still stock. Shame on me... let me look into that!

EDIT: I saw the tubes and they say 5881/6L6 Sovtek...I'm confused. Which one should I
replace them with? In the user's manual it says 5881 Sovtek. But on the webpage and tubes
themselves say 5881/6L6 Sovtek. The preamp tubes say 12XA7. Which one should I believe?

 

[Chris O]

Haven't changed the tubes ever. They're still stock. Shame on me... let me look into that!

EDIT: I saw the tubes and they say 5881/6L6 Sovtek...I'm confused. Which one should I
replace them with? In the user's manual it says 5881 Sovtek. But on the webpage and tubes
themselves say 5881/6L6 Sovtek. The preamp tubes say 12XA7. Which one should I believe?

The 6L6 and 5881 are essentially the same - they are interchangeable. The important part is getting a matched set.

The preamp tubes are the ones you should look at for now though. They will be the ones that would cause the symptoms you're having if it is indeed the tubes. It's also the cheap way to troubleshoot. Power tubes are a bit more spendy.

 

[JosephEMG]

The 6L6 and 5881 are essentially the same - they are interchangeable. The important part is getting a matched set.

The preamp tubes are the ones you should look at for now though. They will be the ones that would cause the symptoms you're having if it is indeed the tubes. It's also the cheap way to troubleshoot. Power tubes are a bit more spendy.

My local store has the Sovtek 5881/6L6 Quad Matched Set but I noticed it says that is a WXT model. The one's that the amp has stock are WGC. Does it matter? Do I need to Bias these new power tubes?

 

[Mega-Mads]

I would say no. Some would say yes.
If the amp starts to act funny, then get it biased.

 

[Leuchty]

What are your settings on the amp and OD?

Don't worry about your power tubes (5881/6L6) look into the smaller ones, preamp tubes (12AX7/ECC83).