NWB - Community Blog

06 Dec 2010

Stage Light Hum

Filed Under : Rants

Posted By : Bad Horsie (Mick) | Comments : 9

How to eliminate it?

We have some lights that we bought from some guys off here a while back, and while they work perfectly in most venues, in some they put such a loud hum through my backline that we have to unplug them.

I know that it's a classic known problem, but I don't know if there's anything out there that will stop it, especially that a lot of the pubs have limited power circuits to choose from. Does anyone have knowledge of any bits of kit out there? Surpressors? Power conditioners?

Thanks in advance for any help. :o)

Comments

# Posted by spidermonkeys - 06/12/2010, 11:22 (GMT)

I dont know of any remedy, we sometimes have the same issue with just the amps plugged in. It is a problem with certain venues that have an archaic power supply.

But I am also interested if anyone knows a way round this issue

Sorry I couldnt be of any help

Luke

# Posted by NIGHT TRAIN - 06/12/2010, 11:35 (GMT)

we get it when lights go on dim. There is a special plug you can buy but can't remember the details..its something with a capacitor (or whatever) across the plug terminals..have a look round some of the mobile disco forums they have it sorted

# Posted by Alyerpal - 06/12/2010, 11:37 (GMT)

This tends to be a problem with a bad earth on the power supply, and the only way to get round it completely is to find a socket on a different ring main (or rewire the venue!)

If the hum is that bad, it might be worth checking your lights for a bad earth aswell - they may be adding to the problem.

Failing that - candles?

AYP

# Posted by chrisedgar - 06/12/2010, 12:12 (GMT)

Very often an earth problem, could be the venue has a poor earth or maybe you have a faulty power cable.....you can buy a socket tester and are very quick at fault finding for your gear and the venues power sockets!....www.screwfix.com/.../Kewtech-Kewcheck-103-Socket-Tester#

Hope that helps

Chris

# Posted by Crazy Train - 06/12/2010, 12:19 (GMT)

The problem usually arises from bad earthing. If an earth connection has a high resistance somewhere it can float a voltage which then appears as a signal to a good earth (hope you're with me so far). The way round it is to plug everything into the same outlet (double wall socket OK) using 4-ways etc. so any floating voltage is the same for everything and so can't generate a signal. Always a good idea to use an earth leakage detector for you power, especialy in older places.

# Posted by CATDOG - 06/12/2010, 12:53 (GMT)

Can`t say we really noticed any interference with back line Mick, but I`ll ask Chris Edgar, he might be able to advise.
...sorry dude.

Chris

# Posted by Bad Horsie (Mick) - 06/12/2010, 13:56 (GMT)

Chris, that's cos you play classier joints than us. ;o)

# Posted by Steve Blease - 06/12/2010, 17:05 (GMT)

I've known of fluorescent pub signs to also do this.

# Posted by Bass Bloke - 08/12/2010, 21:05 (GMT)

Yo mick just saw a Gizmo (choke or a suppressor ) on Fleabay that should work , it was £25 i will try and find it again , but i do know it was listed under Pro Audio Equipment etc

You need to be Logged in | Registered to add a comment

Blog Search

Follow NWB on Facebook and Twitter

Help Support NWB - Find out how.

Shopping online? - Select your stores, enter search text, and click go!

Cottam Guitars

10% Discount for NWB members, email max@cottamguitars.co.uk

Bakehouse Studio

Accrington's cosy project studio. Book online 24/7. Use code NWB20bc110301 for NWB members special 20% discount.

Pinned Posts

Latest Comments

Hot Posts

Community Blog Guidelines

Be nice: Even if you disagree with someone, you need to keep your tone civil and reasonable.
Keep on topic: Please keep discussions relevant to each topic and avoid multiple topic posts.
Don't Spam: Show restraint with your posting frequency. We're all doing cool stuff on NWB, but if we post about it too much, it can be distracting.
Respect the Moderators: The entire Community Staff were users once, just like you. We try very hard to answer everyone's questions, so please be cool.