Bass Guitar "Ground Noise" during recording

There are several reasons for such a noise. In many cases it can be resolved by running a ground wire from the bridge to the ground of the output jack. This connects the strings to the ground and in many cases, this can resolve this. But this doesn't help, if you have stray currents from power supplies, etc., that run down your instrument cable in the moment you touch the strings. There you need an isolation transformer or DI box with ground lift:

E.g. http://www.neutrik.com/en/accessories/inline-adapters/na2f-j-tx

Hope this helps,

DaCaptain

Use a DI with a ground lift, use an input (to the Mac) that is balanced.

A balanced line has 3 conductors v- v+ and ground, it has a s/n ratio 6db (4 times) greater than an unbalanced line (it is the standard in the pro audio business), it requires that your Mac has a balanced input which must be obtained externally (USB interface commonly). But, if your bass buzzes before connection to the Mac it will buzz after so debuzz the bass first. (as a concert engineer buzzing bases are the bane of my life)

mactreouser wrote:

Hi,

How do you solve the issue (the most simple and easy way) of Ground Noise from a Bass Guitar (Direct in) during recording?

What kind of Bass, does it have single coil pickups?

Also, what type of computer, Desktop, Laptop, iMac? Does it have a second monitor plugged in.

mactreouser wrote:

Csound1,

I got it, the power cable (charger). Yup, I'm using 3 pins (with ground) type!

Not sure what that means, what does a charger have to do with this, do you have an external amplifier/preamplifier?

Csound1 wrote:

mactreouser wrote:

Csound1,

I got it, the power cable (charger). Yup, I'm using 3 pins (with ground) type!

Not sure what that means, what does a charger have to do with this, do you have an external amplifier/preamplifier?

I think the OP got the 3 conductor balanced cable confused with the 3 conductor power cable.

I think so too, but confirmation is always nice, 🙂

mactreouser wrote:

Pancenter,

* I'm using MBP with Grounded Charger.

** For the Bass Guitar: PJ pickup & Jazz Bass Black (covered) pickup.

*** I'm using an extended TV as my second monitor.

Your help is appreciated!

Ok, let's just say that it's not the bass, although instruments with high impedance outputs (most guitars and basses) are susceptible to hum and some hi frequency interference especially if the internal wiring is cheap.

So, if it's not the bass...

1. I'd first make a test with your external monitor turned off and unplugged from the computer.

2. Although not advised, I use them (when necessary) in my studio. Try a ground lift plug adapter (three prong to two prong) on the MBP power supply.

Laptops are notorious for ground noise.

How about a complete signal chain, bass plugs into what, at every step down the line, makes and models please