ISP Decimator, eats batteries for breakfast?

beretta329 · 01-02-2011, 05:51 PM

I never leave my decimator on, but i've owned it for roughly a week and gone through almost 2 9v batteries.... is this normal for this pedal? granted, the week was filled with plenty of playing, but it seems like even once i threw in a new battery the other day, after.. probably 5 hours of playing, it's getting the terrible tone-sucking sound as if the battery is dying. if this thing really eats the fkn batteries this fast i'm thinking i'd be better off to just invest in a cord for it.

MaxOfMetal · 01-02-2011, 05:56 PM

Using a power supply is always the best option. It's easy and cost effective. Honestly, the only reason I have batteries even in my pedals is as a backup.

Though, do you unplug your pedals when not in use?

beretta329 · 01-02-2011, 05:59 PM

come to think of it, no, i didn't bother unplugging it, i didn't really think it mattered. would that drain the power or something?

(p.s. i'm new to pedals, i used to just use straight up amp tone, but i learned of the greatness of pedals through the almighty ss.org.. and periphery xD )

MaxOfMetal · 01-02-2011, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beretta329

come to think of it, no, i didn't bother unplugging it, i didn't really think it mattered. would that drain the power or something?

(p.s. i'm new to pedals, i used to just use straight up amp tone, but i learned of the greatness of pedals through the almighty ss.org.. and periphery xD )

A lot of pedals remain in a "semi-active" mode as soon as a cable is inserted into them, this can run down the battery. It's just the nature of the circuits. Try keeping it unplugged from now on (when not in use of course) and see how that works.

vlover · 01-02-2011, 06:11 PM

people use batteries in pedals?

PirateMetalTroy · 01-02-2011, 06:13 PM

It's the same deal with active pickups. If you leave them plugged it, it can kill your batteries! I'm not sure how the decimator works though.

JamesM · 01-02-2011, 06:14 PM

The same applies if you have active pickups. One of my buddies swore off of EMGs because they "died." He just kept a cable in it all day every day!

EDIT:

budda · 01-02-2011, 08:22 PM

It's not a "can kill batteries", it's "does kill batteries".

JamesM · 01-02-2011, 08:23 PM

^Depends on the circuitry in question.

highlordmugfug · 01-02-2011, 08:26 PM

All pedals that I've ever used that require power will only turn one/be able to turn on if you have a pedal plugged into one of the jacks on it, and they've all been the kind that run down batteries as long as whatever jack let's them turn on is plugged into.

Soubi7string · 01-02-2011, 10:29 PM

pedalboard with surge protection
AC adapter
daisy chain
any of those of the above in combo with each other besides the daisy chain are good

cyril v · 01-03-2011, 01:52 PM

pull the plug on your pedals, that'll cure your issue.

TXDeathMetal · 01-03-2011, 01:56 PM

My friend and I call them "Vampire Devices" because if you keep them plugged in they will drain the life out of your batteries with a quickness.

mattofvengeance · 01-03-2011, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyril v

pull the plug on your pedals, that'll cure your issue.

I was going to say this, but more like..

WHY
DON'T
YOU

PULL THE PLUG

/Death reference

TXDeathMetal · 01-03-2011, 02:14 PM

Quote:

I was going to say this, but more like..

WHY
DON'T
YOU

PULL THE PLUG

/Death reference

Oh I see what you did there.

GuitaristOfHell · 01-03-2011, 03:55 PM

Yeah, I was told the cable "completes" the circuit, so I unplug my Vox every time, and so far it's still on its 1st battery ( 2 years), and I always have it in my rig...well 80% of the time. I don't abuse it like Kirk Hammet, but I find it great for jazz which I play once in a while. That may explain why I haven't needed to change the battery in it. Actually, it may need a new one soon from constant "fun" abuse.

Anyway to tie things up, I think it depends on the use of the pedal you put it through. Since those are almost always active when playing, it makes sense it will murder battery's. I believe planet waves has a power supply for very cheap.

Mark Bass · 06-02-2011, 06:10 PM

Can't add much to this thread except to say everyone is right on the money. Most stomp boxes need the battery to function like a true bypass circuit when switched out. As such, you have to break the connection. Same holds true with the active PUPS in my Hohner B2ADB Steinberger - And the battery is a PITA to get at. If you want to leave everything wired and ready in your jam space then definitely get a 9v adapter. ISP makes one with 5 plugs, you can get it at GC

Floppystrings · 06-02-2011, 07:51 PM

If you have a house with crappy grounding batteries may be your best option.

BUT the decimator seems to take care of even those problems, so like others have said, just grab a power supply. If you have any other pedals it best to just have a little pedal board to clean up all of the cablage.

Arterial · 06-02-2011, 11:54 PM

Honestly, use a wall power thingamabob. Runs great, just another cable though ><

Plus is that no batteries needed!

Rook · 06-03-2011, 04:39 AM

3 Month old thread guys....

To clarify though:
Running on batteries, no pedals will switch on without something plugged in
Plugged into a power supply, most pedals will switch on regardless of something being plugged in
True bypass pedals will not drain the battery if left plugged in
Non True Bypass pedals have a buffer circuit that remains on when the pedal isn't in use, this does drain the battery. EMG's have the same circuit, hence why they die too. Inserting a jack completes a circuit allowing current to flow.

KingAenarion · 06-03-2011, 10:28 AM

The only reason to still use batteries is to isolate them from the power supply. I use this in the studio but otherwise just set them up plugged in. Funnily enough, the batteries in Boss pedals aren't drained if something is plugged into the DC plug (from what I've seen) So you can leave batteries in them no problems

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01-02-2011, 05:51 PM	#1
beretta329 Shoop da Whoop! Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Greenfield, IN Posts: 36 Thanked: 3 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	ISP Decimator, eats batteries for breakfast? I never leave my decimator on, but i've owned it for roughly a week and gone through almost 2 9v batteries.... is this normal for this pedal? granted, the week was filled with plenty of playing, but it seems like even once i threw in a new battery the other day, after.. probably 5 hours of playing, it's getting the terrible tone-sucking sound as if the battery is dying. if this thing really eats the fkn batteries this fast i'm thinking i'd be better off to just invest in a cord for it. Whenever we get a site set up, i'll post it in my sig. Anyway, in the future, look out for my group, A Dirge for Deities!

01-02-2011, 05:56 PM	#2
MaxOfMetal Likes trem wankery. • Super Moderator • Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 21,178 Thanked: 89 Feedback Score: 5 reviews	Using a power supply is always the best option. It's easy and cost effective. Honestly, the only reason I have batteries even in my pedals is as a backup. Though, do you unplug your pedals when not in use? Need help with setting up a trem? Need info on your Ibby? Live in Milwaukee? Please feel free to message me. New Rules. Read Them.

01-02-2011, 05:59 PM	#3
beretta329 Shoop da Whoop! Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Greenfield, IN Posts: 36 Thanked: 3 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	come to think of it, no, i didn't bother unplugging it, i didn't really think it mattered. would that drain the power or something? (p.s. i'm new to pedals, i used to just use straight up amp tone, but i learned of the greatness of pedals through the almighty ss.org.. and periphery xD ) Whenever we get a site set up, i'll post it in my sig. Anyway, in the future, look out for my group, A Dirge for Deities!

01-02-2011, 06:11 PM	#5
vlover SS.org Regular Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: oakland Posts: 174 Thanked: 0 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	people use batteries in pedals? AxeHappy and The Scenic View like this. Al: Pain or damage don't end the world, or despair, or ....in' beatings. The world ends when you're dead. Until then, you got more punishment in store. Stand it like a man -- and give some back. Al Swearengen: God rest the souls of that poor family... and pussy's half price for the next 15 minutes.

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01-02-2011, 06:13 PM	#6
PirateMetalTroy The Tooth Fairy Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: London, ON (Canada) Posts: 1,204 Thanked: 51 Feedback Score: 2 reviews	It's the same deal with active pickups. If you leave them plugged it, it can kill your batteries! I'm not sure how the decimator works though.

01-02-2011, 06:14 PM	#7
JamesM The Armada Join Date: May 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 6,927 Thanked: 86 Feedback Score: 5 reviews	The same applies if you have active pickups. One of my buddies swore off of EMGs because they "died." He just kept a cable in it all day every day! EDIT: Cloudyhead. Facebook//Twitter//Bandcamp Watch:1,2,3,4,5 Debut Album, Abstraction out now!

01-02-2011, 08:22 PM	#8
budda Guiterrorizer Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: London ONT Posts: 18,906 Thanked: 174 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	It's not a "can kill batteries", it's "does kill batteries". _______________________ J S Moore pickups: www.tonefordays.com Rock on!

01-02-2011, 08:23 PM	#9
JamesM The Armada Join Date: May 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 6,927 Thanked: 86 Feedback Score: 5 reviews	^Depends on the circuitry in question. Cloudyhead. Facebook//Twitter//Bandcamp Watch:1,2,3,4,5 Debut Album, Abstraction out now!

01-02-2011, 08:26 PM	#10
highlordmugfug themuthaphukkindeath Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: _ Posts: 4,014 Thanked: 47 $highlordmugfug is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $highlordmugfug is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $highlordmugfug is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $highlordmugfug is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $highlordmugfug is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $highlordmugfug is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $highlordmugfug is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ Feedback Score: 18 reviews	All pedals that I've ever used that require power will only turn one/be able to turn on if you have a pedal plugged into one of the jacks on it, and they've all been the kind that run down batteries as long as whatever jack let's them turn on is plugged into.

01-02-2011, 10:29 PM	#11
Soubi7string AORTIC Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Apison,Tn Posts: 1,648 Thanked: 27 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	pedalboard with surge protection AC adapter daisy chain any of those of the above in combo with each other besides the daisy chain are good check out my band AORTIC: http://www.facebook.com/Aortic

01-03-2011, 01:52 PM	#12
cyril v SS Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 3,682 Thanked: 16 Feedback Score: 31 reviews	pull the plug on your pedals, that'll cure your issue.

01-03-2011, 01:56 PM	#13
TXDeathMetal Lemme smang it girl! Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Camden, AR Posts: 1,417 Thanked: 23 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	My friend and I call them "Vampire Devices" because if you keep them plugged in they will drain the life out of your batteries with a quickness.

01-03-2011, 03:55 PM	#16
GuitaristOfHell The Optimist Prime. Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Long Beach or Saugerties Posts: 4,134 Thanked: 129 Feedback Score: 2 reviews	Yeah, I was told the cable "completes" the circuit, so I unplug my Vox every time, and so far it's still on its 1st battery ( 2 years), and I always have it in my rig...well 80% of the time. I don't abuse it like Kirk Hammet, but I find it great for jazz which I play once in a while. That may explain why I haven't needed to change the battery in it. Actually, it may need a new one soon from constant "fun" abuse. Anyway to tie things up, I think it depends on the use of the pedal you put it through. Since those are almost always active when playing, it makes sense it will murder battery's. I believe planet waves has a power supply for very cheap.

06-02-2011, 11:54 PM	#19
Arterial Dreamer Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 824 Thanked: 18 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Honestly, use a wall power thingamabob. Runs great, just another cable though >< Plus is that no batteries needed! http://soundcloud.com/technicolourdreamcode Ibanez J-Custom RG8570 TT Ibanez J-Custom RG8570 DR Ibanez RGA321F Prestige Ibanez RG2228 Prestige Ibanez PGM301 - Team J. Craft Schecter Hellraiser C-7 Mesa Boogie Mark IV Fractal Audio Axe-Fx Ultra

06-02-2011, 06:10 PM	#17
Mark Bass ss.org Regular Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Natick, MA Posts: 1 Thanked: 0 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Can't add much to this thread except to say everyone is right on the money. Most stomp boxes need the battery to function like a true bypass circuit when switched out. As such, you have to break the connection. Same holds true with the active PUPS in my Hohner B2ADB Steinberger - And the battery is a PITA to get at. If you want to leave everything wired and ready in your jam space then definitely get a 9v adapter. ISP makes one with 5 plugs, you can get it at GC

06-02-2011, 07:51 PM	#18
Floppystrings No like the floppy Join Date: May 2011 Location: Florida Posts: 1,706 Thanked: 10 Feedback Score: 5 reviews	If you have a house with crappy grounding batteries may be your best option. BUT the decimator seems to take care of even those problems, so like others have said, just grab a power supply. If you have any other pedals it best to just have a little pedal board to clean up all of the cablage.

06-03-2011, 04:39 AM	#20
Rook Electrifying Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: London Posts: 7,282 Thanked: 107 Feedback Score: 17 reviews	3 Month old thread guys.... To clarify though: Running on batteries, no pedals will switch on without something plugged in Plugged into a power supply, most pedals will switch on regardless of something being plugged in True bypass pedals will not drain the battery if left plugged in Non True Bypass pedals have a buffer circuit that remains on when the pedal isn't in use, this does drain the battery. EMG's have the same circuit, hence why they die too. Inserting a jack completes a circuit allowing current to flow. Formerly known as Fun111, don't be thrown off by the avatar!!!!!! My Soundcloud My project on Facebook: Rook

06-03-2011, 10:28 AM	#21
KingAenarion Resident Studio Nerd Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 2,796 Thanked: 16 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The only reason to still use batteries is to isolate them from the power supply. I use this in the studio but otherwise just set them up plugged in. Funnily enough, the batteries in Boss pedals aren't drained if something is plugged into the DC plug (from what I've seen) So you can leave batteries in them no problems My band - Ex Curia - Prog metal in an Opeth meets Machine Head kind of way Difference Engine Productions - My recording and mixing business. Difference Engine Productions

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