Smart Phone interference

[fiveny]

Is anyone else experiencing strange noises and interference from Smart Phones. When a phone is on and close to me up to 4 feet, I get some wonky stuff coming out of my amp. At first I thought I had a bad tube, then I noticed our drummer checking his phone. Apple or Droid, makes no difference.
Is there anything we can do, other than turning phone off? I am playing a Europa.

[edwin]

I get that when my phone is in my pocket right behind my bass (Series II electronics). Putting it on my amp usually solves the problem. I do get directional noise quite a bit, but it's only horrible in a couple of venues.

[edwardofhuncote]

Yep, me too, but in my Persuader. Sometimes even leaving it on top of my amp causes the same interference. It's a bizarre sound - buuuuzzzzz-crrraaaackle-sssstatic.... pop-pop-pop-pop-pop.
 
Leave my phone in my bass case, problem solved. I never have tested the theory, but I bet putting your phone in airplane mode during the set would stop the interference.  
 
(Message edited by edwardofhuncote on November 28, 2014)

[gregduboc]

I know little about the technical stuff, and I might be wrong, but I believe this is caused when the phone is receiving/transmitting any sort of signal, giving an interference noise on the electronics of the bass or amp. Airplane mode solves it. Or kipping it away. I never have my phone on me or any where near me or my equipment during a gig or a session. I always leave it on a gig bag, stored somewhere.  
Fun thing to do: if you leave your phone on top of your amp, it will make those noises about a second before the phone receives a call. You can pick up our phone to answer a call or message before it actually gets there.. hehe
 
Greg

[pauldo]

We have two rotary dial phones at our house and no cell/ smart phones . . .  No interference issues here!
 
8-D

[jazzyvee]

On a gig I just turn my phone off.  
Is there a reason you would have it on if you were on a live gig?

[ed_too]

Gregory - I've never had the problem with my Brown Bass - but that might just be serendipity. I've had that problem while playing music at work (I run a cable from my iPhone to the Aux input of an old Advent receiver). Haven't had the problem doing this while on airplane mode - which lends support to your theory.
Ed

[hankster]

If I have my iphone on during a rehearsal i can always tell when anyone within 15 feet of me or so is getting a text message.  Only when i am using the Alembic though - not with my other basses.  I definitely keep it off during gigs or sessions!

[hankster]

That didn't quite make sense. I meant me or someone else. Of course it doesnt help to have my phone off if theirs is on.

[hieronymous]

I would think that a smart phone is sending and receiving all kinds of signals under normal operation, even stuff we aren't aware of (though I don't want to get too paranoid...)
 
Once when I saw Stanley Clarke there was some cell-phone interference during the quietest part of his solo upright section. I asked the soundman afterwards and he said Stanley had his cell phone in his pocket during the show.
 
Holger Czukay of Can moved from bass to electronics in the later years of the band and would incorporate all kinds of short wave radio and other electronic sounds and broadcasts into their performances - maybe that's one way to go?

[fiveny]

Thanks for all your replies. Airplane mode is an option, but it is not just me, everyone in band and the audience has a cell phone.  
 
I was wondering if maybe a mod to the electronics is being looked at by Alembic? Is there a way to shield the electronics?  
 
Maybe Mica can chime in on this?

[jazzyvee]

It's sure an interesting challenge because a lot of things pick up on that phone signal as well as guitars and basses. It happens on analogue car and home radios though I've not had the effect on digital radios.  older series basses may have to get the electronics upgrade to deal with electronic noise though the recent ones should be ok. I can't say I've noticed it on my series bass and I have the phone on my person when  
practicing at home. It's probably a problem regardless of bass  
manufacturer so it would be interesting to hear if alembic are addressing or have advice.

[jazzyvee]

On a gig I just turn my phone off.  
Is there a reason you would have it on if you were on a live gig?

[5a_quilt_top]

Hang up and play - @*#$&@#$&*!!!!!
 
IMO, there are more important things in life than being in constant contact with everyone all the time. Put things in perspective and give yourself a break from the mania by focusing on your passion. You owe it to yourself to give 110% effort to it, especially if you own an Alembic.
 
The fine folks who crafted your musical work of art gave at least 110% effort to ensure that it is just exactly perfect, so you should honor it by doing the same when you play it.
 
End of rant and no offense intended - just had to vent a little.

[pauldo]

David,
As a non-portable phone owner, and a motorcycle rider I view cell/ smart phones as the devil incarnate . . .  Ride a motorcycle once and be surprised at what is happening all around you!
 
I digress, although I do embrace the hang up and play motto.
I believe the OP is inferring that even if his phone is off that other people's phones are also creating sonic akimbo.
 
We should revert back to homing pigeons and smoke signals.