Half-broken MXR Carbon Copy :(

[SonicProvocateur]

So...I had a show wednesday and the only 2 pedals I used were my Carbon Copy and my vintage EH Electric Mistress. When I plugged them up, the mistress was making some wonky noises (that its prone to making anyway) so I bypassed it, and went straight to the delay...the lights were on the delay but it wouldn't delay at all...nothing...but it bypassed fine...so I had to run the show sans effects *bummer*

So I go home and test my effects, and turns out the MXR will only regen the delay twice then just cut off (note, note, nothing)... on every regen and delay setting, same thing...but also, when I increase the delay past 12 o'clock, It makes a high pitched frequency noise that changes with the setting (like a transistor noise). It will still make the "crazy UFO noise", but it just wont delay past 2 delays. (bloop bloop nothing...)

*Anger* *Frustration*

Ideas?

[Petie]

Mine did that too when I had it running off the same power supply as my Danelectro BackTalk reverse delay. Are you running it off the same power supply as multiple pedals? I noticed it stopped doing it when I took the Danelectro off my pedalboard. I have a feeling the supply's mA level was being exceeded by the Danelectro.

If, however, you're not running them off the same supply at all, that means my theory's wrong and then I too will need fresh answers!

[SonicProvocateur]

I had it running of a 1-Spot by itself lately, which has an exceptionally high current, but it should only draw what it needs and it has always worked fine. I'll throw in a 9V today and see if I can't get it to delay properly. That high pitched noise is what is throwing me off though, making me think there might be a fried piece of circuit, but I dunno

I was also at Studio B when I tested it last time, which has problems with bad grounding anyway. When I test it today, i'll be at my house which has good electricals.

[LonePhantom]

My Digitech Hardwire DL-8 Delay/Looper is a cronic power hog.

I can have it on my 1.33A power supply with one other pedal (say a Boss CS-3) and I'll some subtle high pitched noises. Add more pedals, the noise becomes more prominent.

I'm thinking that I'll go get a single power supply for my delay, and run all my other pedals off the 1.33A supply.

[SonicProvocateur]

Well, the Carbon Copy has been the finest delay I've ever had. Completely noiseless, no noise true bypass, and lush delays, but I just retested it on my Mesa and all my home gear and it's still acting up; same diagnosis. I haven't disassembled it to look for a burned transistor or anything.

Guess it's time to buy a new one, or just use the DD-3 for my show next week until I grab up a replacement. Super bummer.

Note: I do use the Carbon Copy for the "UFO noise" in one song regularly. I'm wondering if that constant use could have had a negative effect on its functionability? I don't see why it would though...

[Petie]

Hmm, that sucks.

I'm getting a Way Huge Aqua-Puss soon. It'll be fun to compare the two.

I like to use the Carbon Copy almost like a reverb to fatten up the sound rather than for rhythmic repeats. Here's how I use it in my rig: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQUb3KrLQz0

[hellboar]

I've been waiting to buy one of these for a long time now. If I could just stop GASing for a new ibby every month...

[SonicProvocateur]

I've seen the Aqua-puss, and its super rad. Its a little bright and thin sounding personally, and I like the wetter sounding MXR but thats all peas and carrots really. I do use the MXR to fatten my leads on some songs, but since I run it in front of the amp, I keep the mix ultra low, allowing me to give it a very "post-production" sound. One of the reasons I love it so much. Took me forever to get it dialed in right w/ the Mesa. My bassist got a Memory Boy, and it's WAAAY loud. Carbon Copy wins by a mile for sheer delay sound; but looses for crazy factor.

I wouldn't let my Carbon Copy malfunction shy you away from getting one, hellboar, it's a freaking AMAZING pedal. This is the first thing i've ever broke that I'm demanding I must own another on the spot...and i've broke and blown up alot.

[hellboar]

Well thats a good sign. When one breaks and you still want it, I think I'll pick one up next month