SF-2 to Mesa Walkabout Scout?

[flpete1uw]

Hi guys,
  Finally, I got my paws on a SF-2!!!! (Used) I had about 10 minutes to try it out and so far the sounds are unbelievable. Even at low levels it felt like the pictures were going to fall off the wall.  
  I do have 2 initial concerns;
1- A couple of the pots seem a little scratchy. Does the same rules apply as the Basses in sweeping them 50 times to clear?
2- so far using my Distallate to SF direct to Mesa in I'm hearing what I feel is a bit to much noise. Hiss. I can use the Mesa parametric to rid it. But this just seam like should have to?  
 
So question, is the SF2 output to hot to put into the Mesa? It hisses on both passive and active, active with its pad is less hiss. Maybe a pad?
Or would it be best to use the Mesa effects patching.  
Or is there something (like usual) am I missing?
 
I must love confusion, it took me forever to get used to a 2 filter Series, so what do I do? Get more filters.  
Thanks in advance for all your help!!
Pete

[jazzyvee]

I have a Mesa boogie walkabout and when I used the SF-2 with it I put the SF-2 in the send and return loop and it was fine.  
 
As for the scratchy pots, yes the same method of fully opening and closing them is the way to go. If that doesn't work then you can start looking elsewhere.

[pauldo]

Pete,
Congratulations!
Got to admit I'm a little jealous, been lusting for an SF-2 for quite sometime.
Glad to hear that your Distillate loves it!
 
:-D

[lbpesq]

Pete:
 
Is your SF-2 set to act as a pre-amp?  There is an internal jumper that can be set for 0, 10dB or 20 dB gain.  If you place it between your instrument and the amp, perhaps it is set for too much gain?  I'd move it to the effects loop, as Jazzy suggests.  And, of course, if you haven't already done so, check out the manual in the FAQ section.
 
 Bill, tgo

[flpete1uw]

Thanks for chime ins?  
 I will build a few cables today to go through the effects jacks to the Mesa. Like I said I only had a few minutes to play around with it last night so?
  Bill, I did see the manual and the input reference but buying used I am unsure of its output settings. I also suspect the output could be driving the hiss. Also I like to look under the hood to see if everything is OK. I'm assuming the jumper is clearly marked.  
  Jazzy, I was hoping you would have chimed in having read in posting you use a Mesa.
  Pauldo, what can I say Thanks!
  This time issue is cramping my Fun Time!
Thank you , I'll know more tonight
Peace,
Pete

[flpete1uw]

OK, made up a couple of 5' cables (Belden 8412) and set up my rig SF-2 in and out from the back set for Mono. This then goes to the Mesa effects sends accordingly. I plug in my Distillate to the Mesa normal input Jack set for Active.  
1- still getting unexeptable hiss of course different settings will change it.
2- Now with the All knobs at 0 I'm getting whining sound (and it's not just coming from me) Mesa output all down as well? Bass unplugged.
3-  When testing the filters I get what sounds like tuning a Broad Band radio or a AM Radio.
4- I went through the suggested filter settings from the manual and sonically I believe sounds correct.
The unit came with a IBM 16v 1.5 amp computer power supply?
So in this configuration does the output need to set to 0 for the internal jumpers or is this adjustment only meant for the front Jack?
So close / So Far,
Thank you
Pete

[flpete1uw]

I think I've got it. Something that I should have done in the first place, troubleshooting 101, check the incoming power.  
  Swapped out the sent Laptop IBM power supply with a Hosa wall wort and most of the problems went away. There are still some hiss issues but I believe at this point it's just gain structure subtleties. The unit is workable now. The proverbial starting point! I can now setup the unit both direct in and through the Mesa effects jacks.
  Now all the swirling, noise, hiss and weird sounds are being done on purpose.  
Thank you all for your input,
Pete