Isolated power supply/ground loops

[jeff]

I have a question
It's recommended to use an isolated power supply to avoid ground loops when using multiple pedals instead of those daisy chain one spot adapters.


If the ground loop is caused by the power supply ground AND the signal ground forming a loop, could you just use patch chords that only have one end grounded?
This would eliminate the loop.
Wouldn't that be easier/cheaper to eliminate the loop pedal to pedal?


Not sure how that works

[acheld]

could you just use patch chords that only have one end grounded?

You would think so, right?

In my own experience, pedal manufacturers differ so much in how they handle grounding -- for example, buffered vs "true bypass" -- that it is hard to predict.

Best advice:  don't use cheap power supplies.   I've had zero ground loop problems with Strymon, Voodoo Labs isolated power supplies.  Even 1Spot Pro series seems ok.

They work, but ain't cheap.   Good news is -- they hold up for years.