On Tue, 14 Dec 2004 20:13:57 +0000, Locsmándi Bence wrote:

Hi!

I got a new (MESA/BOOGIE Formula) pre-amp that seems to be very sensitive to
signal levels. I didn't recover the problem described under using my
Marshall 6100 head.
The preamp/amp are built in to a rack with a Neutrik (NYS-SPP-L) patchbay. I
run my cable from my guitar to the patchbay which is sent to a VOX wah pedal
then back to the patchbay because I need to be able to choose which pree-amp
I plug into (I have 3 different pre-amps, using the Marshall as the power
amplifier).
The 2 cables going from and going into the patchbay seems to be the bad
point of this system. These are self-made from high quality Neutrik plugs
and Klotz cable (Pro Audio Instrument Cable Low Microphonics). Both cables
are about 2 metres. The solderings are OK.
If I plug directly into the pre-amp I get a much cleaner, hotter signal that
sounds punchier. If I go through the patchbay I lose some high end and some
punch.
How to overcome this problem? Where do I go wrong?
Thanks for your help!

I would suspect the Wah pedal. Does it have a true bypass? If it does, it
should still pass a signal when off, and the battery removed. The
mesa head may be more sensitive to input impedance than the marshall.

Also..
The signal loss is more likely to be in the socket/plug connections than
the cables. Giving the patchbay sockets a clean can't hurt.

That's a balanced patchbay. Try connecting pins 2+3 (Shield and ring) on
the sockets together for a better earth.

Try plugging a lead from the amp input directly into the patchbay's guitar
output and see if one less plug/socket connection makes any difference.


bence