Are blender and loop pedals prone to ground loops?

Started by blackieNYC, September 27, 2013, 05:16:16 PM

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blackieNYC

In a one amp setup, is a active blender pedal going to give me a ground loop?  Assume we're on one AC circuit with all gear. You've got a blend pedal in front of you, two 18 ft cables going out and coming back on the loop.  I wouldn't be introducing a 120vac's ground like you might if you have two amps on two different breakers, but there is a big loop there, and it can't simply be lifted, being unbalanced.  Assuming all pedals are set up and operating in a normal manner.  Am I about to build an RF antenna? If not, why?
  Is this likely to make ESPN, or a neon Pabst sign, come screaming out of the amp?  Iso xformer would prevent a loop situation, but I don't have the real estate Inge box.
Plus, I haven't yet found such a complaint posted.
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R.G.

In most circumstances, no, you won't have an issue.

In some cases, yes. The cases usually involve more than one amp, or an effect that is self powered from AC power. Some wall warts have ... um, less than perfect   :) AC isolation and can cause this issue. Some wall warts are more carefully designed and generally have no issues.

Sorry if that's too vague. The devil is always in the details.
R.G.

In response to the questions in the forum - PCB Layout for Musical Effects is available from The Book Patch. Search "PCB Layout" and it ought to appear.