Ampeg SVT VR - popping sounds

gregcessford · #1 12-11-2011, 01:04 PM

Hey everyone,

Today when trying to record some tracks through my Ampeg VR (1x mic and 1x DI) a random popping sound started. Unplugged the DI and the sound dissapeared. When plugged in I clicked the GRND button in and that killed all the popping noises. After a while, the popping noises appeared throughout as soon as the amp is on (regardless of DI being in or not)

The popping noises every couple of seconds, sometimes you get a couple in quick succession, then a gap of 4-5 seconds, then maybe one, another couple. There isn't a specific pattern. Tried some different leads and also tried not plugging anything into the amp and these sounds still came up.

(FYI - its a SVT VR into the Ampeg Classic 4x10, connected by the Speakon cable)

Its only just started happening today,

Anyone encountered this problem before? I'm hoping its either a one off or something easily sorted!

Many thanks,
Greg

novo · #2 12-22-2011, 02:03 AM

Hey there..

I got an Ampeg SVT VR and I am not sure if the popping sounds you heard are the same as I had but once I played a gig and the sound started popping as-well...even on the live mix of the P.A there was alot of popping.

My guitar tech told me that it was because there was a lack of electricity going in the amp (basically the electricity was not good over where I played) because it never made that sound in my rehearsal room..

I suggest you get a stabilizer or try one out see if the popping continues

hope this helps

Bassoballs · #3 12-22-2011, 05:34 AM

I have recently repaired 2 VR's and 1 CL with this problem. It's most likely a ground issue within the amp. On the ones I encountered, the plate that the tube sockets attach to were never masked off properly when it was painted. This in turn caused a grounding issue between that plate and the chassis.

blastjv · #4 12-22-2011, 08:11 AM

Not being a smartass, but I've heard sounds like that caused by cell phones near amps...something to consider...

-JV

christw · #5 12-22-2011, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blastjv

Not being a smartass, but I've heard sounds like that caused by cell phones near amps...something to consider...

-JV

My experience with AT&T phones is that in close proximity to any powered on amp head, I can hear my phone interfering if I do or don't play with bigger noises in between. Same with cheap pickups.