Issues with Lyric and PARA DI

[j40picker]

Hi,

I just installed a Lyric system in my Taylor 410CE-R limited to hopefully improve on the sound of the disappointing factory "expression" system. The installation went well and was relatively easy to perform. I listened to quite a few sound files as well as videos on Youtube before choosing the Lyric and was quite impressed with its performance. Unfortunately, my results seem to vary from the samples referenced. I have tried it with and without the PARA DI into a Fender Acoustasonic (both channels) and also into my mixer. I can improve on the tone with the PARA DI and by adjusting the presence control in the volume knob but cannot seem to eliminate what I would describe as what sounds like distortion. I have unplugged the Taylor and run my Takamine g series through the exact same signal chain and with the Takamine (factory preamp) do not experience this distortion. Being as the Takamine cannot compete with the Taylor acoustically I would not expect this to be the case. I have tried moving the Lyric to several different locations on the bridge plate with the same results. Any advice or suggestions on how to deal with this issue would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

[Caleb_Elling]

Hey j40picker,
That's definitely not a normal response. The Lyric should be just as clean as anything else.

Have you tried a fresh battery yet? With any kind of distortion, a fresh battery should always be one of the first things to look at.

I'm happy to help troubleshoot the system if you like. I have a feeling that it's something simple.

[j40picker]

Thank you for the prompt response. Oddly enough I suspected the battery myself (although brand new) and measured the voltage this morning. It read 9.25 V. One thing I did fail to mention is that I did not remove the grounding strip for shock protection installed by Taylor under the bridge pins. I removed the wire but the plate itself seems to be quite difficult to remove. There is still plenty of room for the Lyric on the bridge plate...but could the ground strip be causing some issues with the Lyric's functionality? Thank you for your time!

[Caleb_Elling]

Thank you for the prompt response. Oddly enough I suspected the battery myself (although brand new) and measured the voltage this morning. It read 9.25 V. One thing I did fail to mention is that I did not remove the grounding strip for shock protection installed by Taylor under the bridge pins. I removed the wire but the plate itself seems to be quite difficult to remove. There is still plenty of room for the Lyric on the bridge plate...but could the ground strip be causing some issues with the Lyric's functionality? Thank you for your time!

I don't think that the grounding strip would cause any issues. I've installed the Lyric and the Anthem alongside those strips without any issues.

Is there any way you can send me a sound sample of the distortion? That would give me a lot of insight into the source of the problem. If not, it's totally fine. If you can, email me at [email protected], and I'll see what I can do from there.

I'm wondering if the mic might be picking up an internal rattle of some kind. I've seen a few cases where a rattle will sound like distortion, in the right circumstances.

Let me know.

[j40picker]

Yes, I can supply sound sample. (wav. file) I hope to be able to do that this weekend and will email it to you. Thanks again Caleb for your time and consideration!