Is this a fair test to check the quality of pedals?

wickenspoet

New member
I wanted to test the transparency of some of my pedals, to see how much noise they introduce to the signal.


First, I tested a solid state amp with a single cable going in to it on the clean channel. I turned the volume on the amp up to a very high level, just to hear what it sounds like with the cable and natural hiss. (making sure the cable wasn't touching anything that will create ear-shattering buzz or popping).

Then I plugged a single delay pedal powered by an adapter into the amp and listened again for hiss.

I didn't use a guitar for the test... just the 2 cables, the pedal I wanted to inspect, and a clean solid state amp turned way up... listening for hiss while toying with the pedal's volume level control.

I noticed hiss was introduced with the pedal, and hum would show up when I turned the volume on the pedal up.

I'm thinking about doing this same test for all my pedals... one at a time on the clean channel at loud volumes, just to hear if it introduces humming or hiss.

Is this a fair test? Do you think the results will always be the same, or will some pedals still be dead quiet and not introduce hiss?
 
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Re: Is this a fair test to check the quality of pedals?

I think it's a bad idea. For many reasons, none of which I wish to explain. I'll let the others tear it apart.

side note: I built a pedal that picked up a mexican radio station once in jazz band room... :D
 
Re: Is this a fair test to check the quality of pedals?

That can be a test to see how much noise will be introduced, but truthfully, if it was hooked up to other pedals, the load on the in and out might be different, and it would have a different noise floor.
 
Re: Is this a fair test to check the quality of pedals?

I think it's a bad idea. For many reasons, none of which I wish to explain. I'll let the others tear it apart.

side note: I built a pedal that picked up a mexican radio station once in jazz band room... :D

lol i once was listing to a kings game on a practice amp!
 
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