Ampeg BA115 Buzz, Is it lethal?

AdaptableFuton · #1 07-13-2011, 11:34 PM

So I am borrowing a BA115 from a friend and I have notice over time it is starting to develop a buzz near the power switch whenever I hit B, however it is starting to spread when I hit a low E or C. Now normally I wouldn't be concerned but since it is not mine I want to make sure it isnt just gunna blow up on me and Ill have to buy a brand new one. Can anyone help me?

FrenchAK · #2 07-14-2011, 12:06 AM

The BA115's are notorious for emitting a noticeable hiss - so I guess the first question would be to confirm that this is *not* the hiss, and is something more serious.

The only other thing I can offer from my experience with this (quite nice) combo, is that after a loud practice or band rehearsal, I'll notice one or two of the screws on the side of the enclosure, that seem to be holding the actual amplification unit in place, have vibrated out. Could it be that your screws are loose and vibrating, and the frequencies that the screws are sympathetic to are changing as they vibrate out? It must be somewhat loud to be heard over playing.

Otherwise, the combo looks difficult to open and anything on the inside that may need to be repaired would be difficult to access and difficult to diagnose if you did open it.

Rob22315 · #3 07-14-2011, 05:36 AM

Is the buzz electronic (through the speakers) or mechanical? If it's electronic, I'd get access to the back of the panel and reseat the connectors. The unit sounds like it's too new to have dirty or corroded pots/switches.

If it's mechanical, then look for loose screws, fittings, wires etc. If it's mechanical, then it probably isn't fatal in the short term. If mechanical the buzzing gets louder quickly, I'd stop playing it to keep the mechanical damage from being permanent - stripping threads, cracking something important etc. A short term change in mechanical sounds means something is coming loose quickly which usually happens when it's about to break free entirely.

Although there's no universally accepted definition for 'buzz' and 'hiss', I don't believe a buzzing problem is anything like a hissing problem. Hissing problems usually come from noisy electronics. Buzzing usually comes from aging components, mechanical or electrical.

Longhair · #4 07-14-2011, 06:04 AM

Loose ground wire perhaps?

If you are not familure with electronics, do not open things up and look for yourself.

bassmeknik · #5 07-14-2011, 06:35 AM

I have owned one for several years. Is it coming from the tweeter? If so try turning the treble down or disconnect the tweeter (I blew my tweeter using a bright sound with lots of treble). Tweeter problems seem common to BA-115's IME

Make sure your signal cables are maintaining good ground connection.

Make sure the amp is properly grounded.

AdaptableFuton · #6 07-14-2011, 07:30 AM

so just to clarify it does not emit from the speaker it is from the part right where the power switch is because it I touch it at all with my hand the buzzing stops so. The screws don't appear to be loose, but the concerning thing is that I really don't get anywhere near maxing the amp out I play it relatively quite. However there is a certain volume at which the buzzing stops but that is pretty low.

Rob22315 · #7 07-14-2011, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdaptableFuton

so just to clarify it does not emit from the speaker it is from the part right where the power switch is because it I touch it at all with my hand the buzzing stops so. The screws don't appear to be loose, but the concerning thing is that I really don't get anywhere near maxing the amp out I play it relatively quite. However there is a certain volume at which the buzzing stops but that is pretty low.

There are probably some fasters behind the panel or underneath knobs that are coming loose. Sometimes there are wire ties or foam pieces put in to keep things from vibrating against one another that come losse over time as well.

At least it isn't electrical or electronic.