Can hum, buzz or other noises damage an amp?

SSCBA · #1 10-05-2011, 10:12 PM

Mainly noise from broken instrument cables, plugging and umplugging basses without turning down volume/gain, etc. being ampiified at loud volume
I'm NOT asking about cabs/speakers. Only pre/power amps.

Thanks

**B-string** · #2 10-05-2011, 10:23 PM

Hum or buzz no, it is just a signal to amplify. Pops from unplugging/plugging in maybe if there are components that are already marginal, normally no.
If it is a tube amp and the pop blows voice coils in the speaker cab.......you may indeed have trouble with that amp.

will33 · #3 10-05-2011, 10:34 PM

Basically, never turn anything on or off or plug in/unplug anything without volumes turned all the way down, then don't worry about. I can't stand when people plug stuff in or flip switches with volumes up. That's a surefire way to get a "you're not using my stuff" from me.

will33 · #4 10-05-2011, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-string

Hum or buzz no, it is just a signal to amplify. Pops from unplugging/plugging in maybe if there are components that are already marginal, normally no.
If it is a tube amp and the pop blows voice coils in the speaker cab.......you may indeed have trouble with that amp.

+1

Sliding a plug in a jack makes a temporary short until it's all the way in. That not just another sound to amplify, it's an electrical malfuntion. Always hook up/unhook stuff with the volumes down.