Cioks Adam Link power supply buzz?

Branshen

I'm new to isolated power supplies. I just got a Cioks Adam Link. Do power supplies usually buzz? My amp is now so quiet that it's noticeable.

RaymondLin

The Adam is not shielded.

The DC-10 and Ciokolate are.  According to Poul Cioks, I emailed him once regarding whether I should get a Big John to expand my PSU.  

I think that's why there is a buzz on the adam (and big john).

Branshen

Just to clarify, the buzz is coming from the actual supply itself and not the amp. All power supplies (e.g. laptop) buzz abit, but this is a little more noticeable.

Branshen

Sounds very much like a fluorescent light tube.

hotpickups

I turned mine on last night just to see if it's working. I haven't connected any pedals to it yet but I didn't hear an audible buzz coming from it to be honest. I'll check again tonight to be sure

joeyowen

Email Paul at cioks, they have always been super helpful!

Branshen

@hotpickups you don't need to plug in any pedals to hear it. It's coming from the actual power supply unit.

RaymondLin

It could be a faulty unit.

hotpickups

The only gripe I have is it's a bloody tight fit to get into my Pedaltrain Mini but thats probably a pedal train issue

DNH

I had an Adam that had what sounds like the same issue - a buzz or hum coming from the unit itself. You couldn't hear it when playing but it was audible when not playing. I could have lived with it but in the end I swapped mine for a Fuel Tank Jr - which is dead quiet.

Branshen

Reply from Poul

"Hi Brandon,

Unfortunately this is the case for all Adams.
They are based on a UI core transformer which does have an audible hum. We chose this type to keep the price down. I hope you'll be happy with the product anyway.

Soon, in January, we'll release a new product which you should keep an eye on ;-)

Best,
Poul Ciok"

Based on this, I've decided to return the unit and wait for the new one. The supply is actually annoying enough to disrupt my studies and sleep (young ears). Or perhaps get a T-rex one and figure out a mounting solution. 

@hotpickups, it was indeed a tight fit. Putting it on took some paint off my pedaltrain. 

hotpickups

Branshen said:

Reply from Poul

"Hi Brandon,

Unfortunately this is the case for all Adams.
They are based on a UI core transformer which does have an audible hum. We chose this type to keep the price down. I hope you'll be happy with the product anyway.

Soon, in January, we'll release a new product which you should keep an eye on ;-)

Best,
Poul Ciok"

Based on this, I've decided to return the unit and wait for the new one. The supply is actually annoying enough to disrupt my studies and sleep (young ears). Or perhaps get a T-rex one and figure out a mounting solution. 

@hotpickups, it was indeed a tight fit. Putting it on took some paint off my pedaltrain. 

Yes me too. I must say though that I never noticed the hum/buzzing but will check it out tonight. If it isn't too noticeable for my tastes I'll probably keep it.

Also I wonder if the new product would still fit a PedalTrain mini. It has been mentioned in other forums about the magnetic field of the transformer but this could only be picked up by certain pedals. Maybe the noise is magnified when installed in the nano/mini i'e' resonating thought the aluminium etc. I'll rig it all up tonight and get back to you all. It also said that if they did put another transformer in to sort the hum out it will probably double the price tag. Horses for courses I guess

hotpickups

The alternative Adam we will have to wait until March 2015 at least. I need a power supply now so this one fits for me and as mentioned no noise issue as far as I can hear. The retailer whom I bought it from did say they believe it's the material it's made from which suggest what I mentioned of it resonating in the pedal train. I'm sure that would happen with the new one too as it is a very tight fit.

Did you install it on your pedal train @Branshen when you noticed the noise?

hotpickups

On second thoughts I'm returning mine too. I reckon the resale value on these units will dramatically fall once the newer Adam is launched in March. I'll just have to think of another temporary supply or batteries in the meantime

Shame as it promised to be the best solution for a s

RaymondLin

If you can fit one in it and afford it, the DC10 is the one to go for. You can run 3 Strymons and half a dozen dirt pedals with that easily. The only thing it won't do is AC.

hotpickups

RaymondLin said:

If you can fit one in it and afford it, the DC10 is the one to go for. You can run 3 Strymons and half a dozen dirt pedals with that easily. The only thing it won't do is AC.

Definitely won't be able to fit that in a nano/mini

RaymondLin

Raise the feet and put it underneath?

hotpickups

RaymondLin said:

Raise the feet and put it underneath?

Defeats all my reasoning for getting one in the first place. I'm anal like that I can wait for something that has been promised to be much better anyway

Branshen

@hotpickups Yes I noticed it when it was installed but the hum is from the actual unit itself, not a vibration between the unit and the pedaltrain. I will contemplate the feet mod to install a T-rex. Not sure I'm bothered to wait for a new Cioks that may or may not have a bunch of other problems. 

hotpickups

Where is this mod for the T Rex then @Branshen ?

Branshen;432833" said:

@hotpickups Yes I noticed it when it was installed but the hum is from the actual unit itself, not a vibration between the unit and the pedaltrain. I will contemplate the feet mod to install a T-rex. Not sure I'm bothered to wait for a new Cioks that may or may not have a bunch of other problems. 

Branshen

The new mini (which we have) has the same dimensions between the railings as the nanos.