So I noticed while mixing tracks for a project recorded by Wes Jagoe, that some vocals recorded with his Solidtube included some 60Hz hum... Free of charge! I mentioned it to him, and hoped that it was him not setting the ground switch properly, or something simple like that.
Yesterday, I spent some time at his place checking out some cable issues, including finding some stuff in his monitor chain being FUBAR, and we looked at the Solidtube. Running into his rig, both direct into the 002, and through his console, created the hum. Running into my laptop and USB Mobilepre on battery, still getting the hum. I begin to suspect the mic itself, or the AC service. Since I had no means of testing the power with me, I brought the mic home with me. Viola... quiet as a church mouse.
I figure he must have some issue with his service that is causing the thing to hum on it's own... Voltage on the neutral is the probable culprit I figure. I hope Wes would know enough to verify he has a proper earth ground.
I'll find out in the next couple of days what's going on with his power.
Yet another example of ways to mess up with good gear. Always check to make sure you have good AC service!!! It doesn't have to be anything special to work right.... just correct to code!