Ampeg SVT-CL and 410-HLF

[jkleban]

I have a new bass rig that sounds wonderful however, when I play at high volume and pump up the low end, the amp head starts to RATTLE?

Any insight into what might be causing this before I open up the back of the head?

Thanks,
Jim

[Rockmusician]

Are you sure the rattle is coming from the head? There might be something loose inside.

[username1]

You might check the metal screen on the back. Mine was also buzzing a bit and i took it off and bent it a little so it wouldnt touch anything and worked fine after that. I would also check the tightness of the screws bolting the pre amp and power amp to the box.

[JimmyM]

Try putting a piece of thick foam between the head and cab. It's possible there's something in the head rattling, but honestly, if you crank a 410HLF that hard, it's got so much low end response that I think it could make just about anything rattle.

Also, I have had room rattles totally fake me out and make me think they were coming from my rig, so try it in another room as well.

[jkleban]

Thanks guys, it does sound like it is coming directly from the head and was wondering if there are metal covers on any of the tubes... it sounds like thin metal rattling against some other metal.

Is it hard to get into the SVT-CL head (I know it is impossible to get into my wives head... hehehe)?

Jim

[John D]

Originally Posted by jkleban

"... it sounds like thin metal rattling against some other metal."

That sounds like it could possibly be a microphonic tube.

[P_Biskitt]

Could it be the small springs attached to the caps that go over the power tubes?

[JimmyM]

Haven't been inside an SVT-CL, but my Blue Line does have retractable metal covers over the tubes, and they can rattle if they're not pulled out all the way. Open it up and check it out. What you're talking about sounds like it could be a culprit.