Genz Benz Neo Pak Making "Sizzle" Sounds

[Plastic Bass]

Hello there...
I'm looking for a little help on this... Lately my Genz Benz Neo Pak 3.5 has been making what can only be described as a 'sizzling" sound everytime the tube overdrive is engaged. Which is to say every time the little light comes on, indicating that the overdrive is engaged, I can hear a distinct "sizzle" coming from the speaker. I've already tried different cabinets and I'm getting the same result.
Is this something as simple as replacing the 12x7 tube or is this something more serious?
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you very much.

[KsPiNeSh]

Originally Posted by Plastic Bass

Hello there...
I'm looking for a little help on this... Lately my Genz Benz Neo Pak 3.5 has been making what can only be described as a 'sizzling" sound everytime the tube overdrive is engaged. Which is to say every time the little light comes on, indicating that the overdrive is engaged, I can hear a distinct "sizzle" coming from the speaker. I've already tried different cabinets and I'm getting the same result.
Is this something as simple as replacing the 12x7 tube or is this something more serious?
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you very much.

I'd definitely replace the tube and see if that fixes it - sounds like it could be a tube freaking out and that would be an easy (and fairly cheap) test.

[LilloEsquilo]

I agree. I had the same thing happen with a GB Shuttle, talked with Jeff Genzler who suggested it might be the tube. He sent me a tube for no charge. Took care of the issue. (Talk about great customer service by the way, GB is one of the best).

[agedhorse]

First thing to do is change the tube and see if that resolves the problem.

Another thought, if you have the high eq turned up high and the HF attack filter selected, the noise level will be higher because there will be a lot more amplification of any noise already present.

Does it do this with no bass plugged into the amp? It's also possible that with an active bass, there is a problem w/ the electronics, low battery or the high eq (if it has eq) is boosted all the way up. Just other things to check, maybe before changing the tube.

[Plastic Bass]

First of all, this forum is fantastic.
Secondly, I went down to Guitar Center and got a new tube. The problem persists.
I will try new batteries in the pre-amp next.
Thanks again.

[agedhorse]

You can always PM me and I'll walk you through some troubleshooting steps. First hing is to be sure the problem is really with the amp of course.

[Plastic Bass]

Thank you. New batteries in the active bass and a new tube in the amp, and it's working perfectly.
Thank again!