Ampeg BA210 Loud Hum Noise...little help?

longcoolwoman · #1 08-05-2011, 08:40 AM

I bought an Ampeg BA210 brand new about four months ago and I love the tone but not long after I got it, it started making a loud humming noise (escalating to an obnoxious droning) at times. If I turn it off, the noise ramps up as the amp powers down, then shuts off. Then when I turn it back on it's okay for a bit, then the hum gradually gets louder again.

I've only been playing about two years, so I don't know a lot about sound setups but I can't see that this noise is affected by anything external to the amp. It's sort of random when it occurs, but once it starts it doesn't really go away. The power setting doesn't seem to matter (although I do keep it turned pretty high to hear over the guitarist), and it persists regardless of whether I'm playing or not. It doesn't matter if I'm plugged into the PA or not, and I've had the problem here at home, in our basement rehearsal space (although it seems less there, generally) and at various venues. The room temperature doesn't seem to matter (i.e., heat problem) and I'm not sure how much effect that has on a solid-state amp anyway?

The last gig was the worst--I had to keep turning it off and on to keep the noise from being heard over the music--and I wondered if the electrical conduits running behind the stage might have something to do with it. My impression is that the amp is picking up some sort of external electrical interference, but obviously I'm far from an expert.

Anybody who IS an expert? Do I just need to take it into the shop to be looked at or am I missing something I can fix (connections, settings, etc.)?

BassmanPaul · #2 08-05-2011, 10:20 AM

Does this noise happen with nothing plugged into the amp?? If so take it back and get it looked at. That's what the warranty is for!

longcoolwoman · #3 08-05-2011, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

Does this noise happen with nothing plugged into the amp?? If so take it back and get it looked at. That's what the warranty is for!

I'm probably going to have to, just putting it off because it's a 200-mile round trip to where I bought it, band is busy and I really need the damned thing to work, lol. I was hoping maybe I was making some noob mistake on the settings or something--you know, an easy fix.

Thanks, though.