Shoddy electronic casing or weak shielding is typically the main cause of why do amplifiers pick up radio stations – mostly AM radio frequencies. Your guitar’s cord (jack) and pickup pots work like antennae, collecting and then amplification local radio signals to be played through the amplifier.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to fix a guitar amp picking up a radio and explain the factors that cause it to pick random signals.
How guitar amplifies obtains sound:
Guitar amplifiers take the signal from an electric guitar and push it through a series of electronic components that clean up the sound, make it louder, and shape the tone. This signal is then sent to a speaker or speakers, which turn the electrical energy back into acoustic energy, producing the sound you hear coming out of your amplifier.
Similarly, the way a guitar amp has input and output speakers, it also has an antenna. The difference is that the antenna on a guitar amp is not meant to receive or transmit radio signals; it’s only purpose is to pick up electromagnetic interference (EMI) and translate it into sound.
Factors that lead to amplifier picking up radio sounds:
There are 5 main factors that can cause your amplifier to pick up radio signals:
Poor cables or connections:
The first, and most common, is a poor connection between the guitar’s input jack and the amplifier’s input socket. If there is any looseness or play in the connection, it can act as an antenna and pick up radio signals.
A guitar cable, especially a cheaper one, can act as an antenna and amplify airwaves at a certain frequency if your amp speaker is turned up loud enough.
Loose or damaged electronic components:
Any loose or damaged electronic components in the amplifier can also act as an antenna and pick up radio signals. This includes everything from the power supply to the input and output sockets, and even the capacitors and resistors inside the amplifier. If you are using an amp with mic input, consider if it may be worth it to just replace the mic input.
A common cause of this is a faulty ground connection. If the ground connection is not secure, it can pick up all sorts of interference, including radio signals.
Shoddy electronic casing or weak shielding:
The electronic components inside your amplifier are sensitive and need to be protected from outside interference. This is why amplifiers are typically enclosed in metal cases with thick walls.
However, if the casing is made from thin metal or plastic, or if there are gaps or holes in the shielding, it can allow radio signals to enter the amplifier and be amplified by the speaker.
Improperly grounded power supply:
Another common cause of radio interference is an improperly grounded power supply. If the power supply is not properly grounded, it can pick up all sorts of interference, including radio signals.
Proximity to other electronic devices:
If your amplifier is near another electronic device that emits electromagnetic radiation, such as a microwave oven or a cellphone, it can pick up that radiation and amplify it. This is why it’s important to keep your amplifier away from other electronic devices.
How to fix a guitar amp picking up radio signals:
There are a few things you can do to reduce the chances of your amplifier picking up radio signals:
Use high-quality cables and connectors:
Make sure all the cables and connectors going into and out of your amplifier are high quality. This includes the power supply, the input and output jacks, and all the internal wiring.
Use shielded cables:
If you’re using unshielded cables, they can act as antennas and pick up radio signals. Shielded cables are coated with a conductive material that protects against electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Use ferrite beads:
Ferrite beads are small ceramic devices that can be placed on cables and wires to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI). They work by absorbing electromagnetic energy and dissipating it as heat.
Replace damaged or loose components:
If there are any damaged or loose electronic components in your amplifier, replace them. This includes everything from the power supply to the input and output sockets, and even the capacitors and resistors inside the amplifier.
Check the ground connection:
Make sure the ground connection is secure. If it’s not, it can pick up all sorts of interference, including radio signals.
Keep your amplifier away from other electronic devices:
If your amplifier is near another electronic device that emits electromagnetic radiation, such as a microwave oven or a cellphone, it can pick up that radiation and amplify it. So keep your amplifier away from other electronic devices.
Use a noise filter:
Noise filters are devices that reduce electrical noise. They work by interrupting the flow of AC current and only allowing DC current to pass through. This reduces the amount of electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can enter your amplifier.
Update the firmware:
If you have a digital amplifier, make sure the firmware is up to date. Firmware updates often include fixes for known bugs and other issues.
Do Guitar amps interfere with the radio?
Yes, guitar amps can interfere with radio signals. This is because amplifiers are typically enclosed in metal cases with thick walls. However, if the casing is made from thin metal or plastic, or if there are gaps or holes in the shielding, it can allow radio signals to enter the amplifier and be amplified by the speaker. Another common cause of radio interference is an improperly grounded power supply.
If the power supply is not properly grounded, it can pick up all sorts of interference, including radio signals. Additionally, if your amplifier is near another electronic device that emits electromagnetic radiation, such as a microwave oven or a cellphone, it can pick up that radiation and amplify it. This is why it’s important to keep your amplifier away from other electronic devices. There are a few things you can do to reduce the chances of your amplifier picking up radio signals:
- Use high-quality cables and connectors,
- use shielded cables,
- use ferrite beads,
- replace damaged or loose components,
- check the ground connection,
- keep your amplifier away from other electronic devices, and
- use a noise filter.
How to shield guitar amp to keep off interference from AM-frequency radios:
One way to reduce the chances of your amplifier picking up radio signals is to use shielded cables. Shielded cables are coated with a conductive material that protects against electromagnetic interference (EMI). Additionally, you can use ferrite beads. Ferrite beads are small ceramic devices that can be placed on cables and wires to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI).
They work by absorbing electromagnetic energy and dissipating it as heat. Another way to reduce the chances of interference is to keep your amplifier away from other electronic devices that emit electromagnetic radiation, such as a microwave oven or a cellphone. Finally, you can use a noise filter.
Noise filters are devices that reduce electrical noise. They work by interrupting the flow of AC current and only allowing DC current to pass through. This reduces the amount of electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can enter your amplifier.
Grounding process of a guitar amp to prevent radio interference:
To properly ground your amplifier, you’ll need to connect the negative terminal of the power supply to a metal ground. This can be done by connecting the power supply to a metal water pipe or to a metal stake driven into the ground. Once the power supply is properly grounded, you’ll need to connect all of the exposed metal parts of the amplifier to the ground.
This includes the metal chassis, the input jacks, and the output jacks. You can do this by soldering a wire from each of these parts to the ground terminal on the power supply. Finally, you’ll need to connect a wire from the amplifier’s ground terminal to the metal water pipe or stake in the ground. This will complete the grounding process and help reduce the chances of your amplifier picking up radio signals.
Why is my guitar amp picking up static?
Static electricity can cause all sorts of interference, including radio signals. If you’re using a solid-state amplifier, this is more likely to happen. Solid-state amplifiers are typically made with plastic cases, which don’t conduct electricity well. This means that static electricity can build up on the amplifier and cause interference.
Additionally, if you’re using a tube amplifier, the tubes can act as antennas and pick up radio signals. To reduce the chances of static electricity interfering with your amplifier, you can use a humidifier. A humidifier will add moisture to the air, which will help reduce static electricity. Additionally, you can use an anti-static spray.
This spray will help dissipate static electricity and reduce the chances of interference. Finally, you can use a noise filter. Noise filters are devices that reduce electrical noise. They work by interrupting the flow of AC current and only allowing DC current to pass through. This reduces the amount of static electricity that can enter your amplifier.
How to use a noise filter to lock that radio noise out
Noise filters are devices that reduce electrical noise. They work by interrupting the flow of AC current and only allowing DC current to pass through. This reduces the amount of electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can enter your amplifier. To use a noise filter, you’ll need to connect it to the power supply of your amplifier. Then, you’ll need to connect all of the exposed metal parts of the amplifier to the ground terminal on the noise filter. This includes the metal chassis, the input jacks, and the output jacks. Once everything is properly connected, the noise filter will reduce the amount of EMI that can enter your amplifier.
How to use a ferrite bead to reduce Electromagnetic interference:
Ferrite beads are small ceramic devices that can be placed on cables and wires to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI). They work by absorbing electromagnetic energy and dissipating it as heat. To use a ferrite bead, you’ll need to place it on the cable or wire that’s causing the interference. The closer the bead is to the source of the interference, the more effective it will be. For best results, you should place the bead as close to the source of interference as possible. Additionally, you should keep the bead as close to the amplifier as possible. This will help reduce the amount of EMI that can enter your amplifier.
How to use a ground loop isolator:
Ground loop isolators are devices that are used to eliminate ground loops. Ground loops occur when there is more than one path for electricity to travel between two devices. This can cause interference, particularly if one of the devices is an amplifier. To use a ground loop isolator, you’ll need to connect it to the power supply of your amplifier.
Then, you’ll need to connect all of the exposed metal parts of the amplifier to the ground terminal on the ground loop isolator. This includes the metal chassis, the input jacks, and the output jacks. Once everything is properly connected, the ground loop isolator will eliminate ground loops and reduce the amount of interference that can enter your amplifier.
How to use a shielded cable:
Shielded cables are used to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI). They work by enclosing the wire in a conductive shield. This shield helps to dissipate electromagnetic energy and prevent it from interfering with the signal. To use a shielded cable, you’ll need to connect it to the power supply of your amplifier.
Then, you’ll need to connect all of the exposed metal parts of the amplifier to the ground terminal on the shielded cable. This includes the metal chassis, the input jacks, and the output jacks. Once everything is properly connected, the shielded cable will help reduce the amount of EMI that can enter your amplifier.
How to use a Faraday cage to block EMF:
A Faraday cage is a device that is used to block electromagnetic fields. It works by enclosing the device in a conductive material. This material helps to dissipate electromagnetic energy and prevent it from interfering with the device. To use a Faraday cage, you’ll need to connect it to the power supply of your amplifier.
Then, you’ll need to connect all of the exposed metal parts of the amplifier to the ground terminal on the Faraday cage. This includes the metal chassis, the input jacks, and the output jacks. Once everything is properly connected, the Faraday cage will help reduce the amount of EMI that can enter your amplifier.
How to use an RF choke to block Radio Frequency Signals:
An RF choke is a device that is used to block radio frequency signals. It works by Enclosing the device in a conductive material. This material helps to dissipate electromagnetic energy and prevent it from interfering with the device. To use an RF choke, you’ll need to connect it to the power supply of your amplifier.
Then, you’ll need to connect all of the exposed metal parts of the amplifier to the ground terminal on the RF choke. This includes the metal chassis, the input jacks, and the output jacks. Once everything is properly connected, the RF choke will help reduce the amount of EMI that can enter your amplifier.
How to use an isolation transformer for less EMI in your amp
You can also use an isolation transformer to help reduce the amount of EMI that can enter your amplifier. An isolation transformer is a device that transforms the voltage of an AC signal while isolating it from the ground. This helps to reduce the amount of interference that can enter your amplifier.
To use an isolation transformer, you’ll need to connect it to the power supply of your amplifier. Then, you’ll need to connect the input of the amplifier to the secondary winding of the isolation transformer. The output of the amplifier will then be connected to the load. Once everything is properly connected, the isolation transformer will help reduce the amount of EMI that can enter your amplifier.
Which guitar amp have more static interference? Solid-state or tube amps
Tube amplifiers generally have more static interference than solid-state amplifiers. This is because the tubes in a tube amplifier are heated to a high temperature, which can cause the electrons in the tube to become excited. This can lead to a build-up of static electricity, which can interfere with the signal. Solid-state amplifiers, on the other hand, do not have this problem. This is because they use transistors instead of tubes. Transistors are not heated to a high temperature, so they don’t produce the same amount of static electricity.
There are more details on solid-state vs tube amps here.
As explained above, if you want interefernce-free amp you are better off with these top-rated solid-state amps.
Summary: How to reduce or eliminate static interference in your guitar amp
There are a few things you can do to reduce or eliminate static interference in your guitar amplifier. First, you can connect a ground wire to the exposed metal parts of the amplifier. This will help to dissipate the static electricity. You can also use a Faraday cage or an RF choke to block electromagnetic fields. Finally, you can use an isolation transformer to transform the voltage of an AC signal while isolating it from the ground. This will help to reduce the amount of interference that can enter your amplifier.
I hope this helps! If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.
Hi there! I am Jack Musau, the founder of this Best Guitar Amp Review site. I am an avid musician with several years using both traditional and electric guitars and created this site to assist others looking to find the best guitar amplifiers in the market today. I also offer private coaching and training on how to use guitars and guitars amps of all kinds. You can reach out to me using my email, jack@soundspros.com.