Installing Presys+ system into Baby Martin guitar... problem

[quarry]

Hi all,

I had a client bring me two Fishman Presys+ systems to install into two guitars. The first guitar was a baby Martin. I installed it fine, but the sound quality is not good.
I swapped out the Presys with the second system to see if the first was just bad... and the second does the same thing.

Nothing tricky to this install. The "sonicore" transducer is pre-wired to the preamp, and they both came with endpin jacks that fit into the preamp with the
proper plug.

The issue is a distorted background noise when playing.

I'm playing into my computer using a clean amp emulator. If I do the same using my own Ibanez acoustic with a Fishman system, its perfectly clean.

Here is a quick sample:

test wave file

Gots any ideas? Thanks!!!!

[newey]

quarry-

Welcome back, it's been way too long!

Unfortunately, I get an error message when I click on your sound file, so I can't hear the noise.

[quarry]

Thanks!


Sorry about the error...

Try going here, and you can probably download the wave file...


www.rockwellguitarclinic.com/test/

[newey]

OK, I got the .wav now. But I'm stumped. You're right, sort of like a distorted background signal, almost a fuzzy echo. Definitely a problem!

First things first- isolate the problem to the guitar, eliminating all other variables. Different cable(s), try it into an amp instead of DI. Try it into the computer without any amp emulation.

Probably wouldn't hurt to double-check the solder joints on the endpin jack, since you swapped out the units, but (I assume) did not swap out the jack.

[quarry]

Actually, I did swap out the jacks!

I also played my Ibanez acoustic into the same recording system, with no funky distortion.

But I do plan to try another endpin jack anyway. I also have an old transducer laying around the shop somewhere that I might try to replace the "sonicore" with...



Sonicore Transducer:




Presys+ preamp:





Standard Endpin jack:

[JohnH]

I had a listen to the sample. Seems like there is a nice clear signal, with the scratching on top. And it doesn't sound like an overloaded signal, since it keeps scratching all the way in the decay.

So im not sure, but, is it any different at a lower volume setting on the guitar?, or a different sensitivity on the pc line in? If you are using a mic-in on a pc, it could be overloaded. Also, have you tested with a PA mixer, or just into a normal guitar amp, or, via a stomp-box buffer into the pc (eg a tuner pedal or any switched off Boss pedal)

[quarry]

Just a quick update...

I tried playing it thru my PA; same result.

Also checked for ground issues; no change.

If I turn the volume on the preamp down, the noise remains, but it does respond to the volume. In other words, it remains the same relative to the signal volume.


I've got to find a way to test the preamp with another transducer, so I can verify if the problem is the transducer or the preamp itself...

[JohnH]

If the crackles stay the same but get quieter in proportion to the main signalas you reduce volume, then it eliminates the jack and pc and everything after the preamp. Good luck!

If you pull out the piezo strip, can to tap it / squeeze it / stick a tuning fork on it to try to find something like that crackle?

[6inline]

Hi. I just joined the forum and can't wait to have a look around.

I found this thread via google search and wondered if there was any resolution to this issue, as I'm going nutty at present with the same problem.
I wasn't able to listen to the wav file, but the description matches exactly what I am hearing. Background distortion on top of the sounded note.

I am on my second Presys preamp - this one is worse than the first one! I have tried other pickups into the system with the same result, as well as the troubleshooting performed by the OP.

Were there just a bad batch of these preamps? I'm hoping not as this is the only unit I could find that would drop right in (almost) to my A/Y Dy88.

Old thread, I know, but if anyone has any info that might help, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Paul

[newey]

6inline-

Hello and welcome to G-Nutz2!

Quarry is one of the old timers around here, but we don't hear from him much nowadays. No resolution from him on this issue AFAIK. You might try a PM to him, or better yet an email, if he listed his email as public. (I'm on my phone and can't check that).

Also, if this is a new unit, what about a warranty claim?
Sent from my SM-G900V using proboards