PS-2A line out into the Boss SDE3000

New here. Have been using the PS-2, 2A for quite some time. Thankful for it’s ability.

Running a wdw out of the JJ Jr’s. (2 identical rigs. one in basement, one in my Insurance office).

Currently running the line out to the Boss SDE3000’s input, then splitting that right/left into the Eventide H9 for harmonizer, output then to stereo power amp.

Center cab is dry, and L/R Cabs are wet. Using unbalanced line out, currently, but questioning whether to move to the XLR>TRS into SDE. Having noise issues and the weird static sounds on occasion.

Signal chain is Guitar>Whacko> Switcher pedal. Pedal contains TS9, Rockaway SS, Phase 90, MXR Flanger, Univibe, and a Volume pedal. Output to amp. Switcher Pedal is Voodoo Labs.
Output of amp to PS2, attenuated to center cab.

Line out>SDE 3000>H9>Power Amp> R/L cabs or in office R/L speakers. Office cab is a 3x12.

Noise gate in the effects loop of the Friedmans. ISP Decimator.

There is a Friedman buffered input/output for the Line in, and the outputs to all amps…due to cable runs. Approx 20 feet.

I get that weird bird sound/static discussed in other posts. Is the XLR-TRS output cable my best choice?

If you want to build a guitar, repair a guitar, insure a guitar…I can do it. This has me stumped.

Thanks in advance!

Scott Eivins

Hi Scott, I appreciate the details that you have laid out in your post. The weird noise is a symptom of a ground loop somewhere in your rig. You can try the XLR out but ultimately there is a ground loop most likely due to the multiple AC electrical connections your are utilizing to connect all of the gear, especially since part of the rig is in the basement. The most effective method of trouble shooting this kind of scenario is to use the “subtractive” method; remove components one at a time from the rig till the noise goes away, then you’ll know for sure which component is creating the problem. At that point you can then analyze where those components are getting their electricity from, and the solution is probably as easy as simply lifting a ground on one of the components in order to break the ground loop. Hope that helps. Gil

Gil, thank you for the follow up. The joys of the 40 year old house! The basement rig and the office rig are both on the same circuit in the houses wiring layout.
I’ve added a hard ground (to the outside) for the basement outlet that feeds the brown box and power conditioner.

Will work on the subtraction method and keep you posted. With the xlr to trs on the line out of the PS2, that should help some of the long run noise that could be picked up by the office computer etc?

Appreciate the help! Keep doing the lord’s work!!!