Home › Forums › Help/Technical Questions › Need help with EHX Micro Synth!!!!!

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  • May 24, 2009 at 2:22 am #78287
    hypsy17
    Member

    Recently purchased EHX Micro synth brand new with the correct adapter and I have had to send one back already thinking it was defective due to a loud humming noise when I turn my amplifier on. When I grab the input/output jacks, the noise ceases. So I’m inclined to think it is a ground problem. Now I’m having the same problem with the replacement micro synth that was sent. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    May 24, 2009 at 2:05 pm #96969
    diblet
    Member

    seems like the micro synths are quirky units…

    i am not sure what strategy might help you here — however, just thought i would submit that i work without an amp and have not ran into any humming issues with my unit — so hum-free operation is possible! hopefully someone else has some advice for you

    May 24, 2009 at 10:17 pm #96987
    revoxjaw
    Member

    I have the exact same error with the Guitar version of the Micro Synth XO. Please read the email I sent them.

    “Hi,

    I am writing in regards to an issue I have with two pedals sent to me from Guitarcenter’s online store.

    The Micro Synth XO pedal I received does not stop humming. This prevents any signal but the buzzing from going to my amp. I initially thought it could be a grounding problem, but I do not have trouble with any of my other pedals. I noticed when I touched the cable plugs simultaneously on input/output end the humming went away, but still no sound.

    I found one work around by using a Boss NS-2 noise suppressor in a loop. It actually eliminated the humming and allowed normal functionality. I still felt something was wrong, so I returned the Micro Synth to GuitarCenter.com. They sent me a new Micro Synth with the exact same problem.

    At this point I thought that maybe connecting the input and output cable ends together with a conductor (3rd cable touching the nuts on either end of the pedal) would resolve the problem. It did get rid of the humming and allowed normal functionality. The NS-2 did not actively get rid of the humming, it just allowed the input and output to be shorted.

    I have a few questions;

    1) Is there something wrong with these two units I received?
    2) Is there a way to fix this humming issue permanently?
    3) What is my best course of action? I’d rather not have to go through the shipping exchange process again with GuitarCenter.com.

    Thank you for your time,

    “

    May 27, 2009 at 6:41 pm #97056
    hypsy17
    Member

    Got in touch with EHX tech support and figured out the problem. I needed to solder a single wire from the ground chassis to the output jack in order to make the MicroSynth operable. According to the EHX representative this is a common problem that MicroSynth owners encounter.

    May 27, 2009 at 8:50 pm #97059
    diblet
    Member
    Quote:
    I needed to solder a single wire from the ground chassis to the output jack in order to make the MicroSynth operable. According to the EHX representative this is a common problem that MicroSynth owners encounter.

    i wonder why this ground is not standard on the xo’s then if its a common problem!? great you found the answer though! thanks for posting the answer — were you supplied with a diagram on exactly where to attach it? just curious incase my (or anyone else’s) unit ever exhibits this behavior

    cheers

    May 27, 2009 at 11:22 pm #97064
    revoxjaw
    Member

    Thanks for the update. I live near EHX in NYC so the support associate said I can drop by and exchange or get it repaired as long as I have my receipt.

    It also doesn’t help that if we solder the circuit to the output jack, the warranty is voided though. =(.

    I agree that this problem should be addressed on the assembly line and not after it is sold.

    But I am happy with EHX customer service.

    May 28, 2009 at 6:20 pm #97091
    hypsy17
    Member

    correction image

    my band (shameless plug):

    http://www.myspace.com/thehypsys

    May 28, 2009 at 7:00 pm #97093
    diblet
    Member

    thanks for the picture – im sure this will help a lot of people out

    May 28, 2009 at 7:03 pm #97094
    revoxjaw
    Member

    I just returned from their office. The engineer there said that the reason some units passed the QA process was because the AV unit was grounding the circuit in the pedal.

    They are already aware of the issue, however there are a problem units still in circulation.

    I was given a replacement unit that was already tested so I will get to try it myself when I get home.

    So I guess the lesson here is to solder the ground yourself, or get it replaced if it is under warranty.

    Good luck.

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