Genz Benz Shuttle 3 Going into Protect Mode: Why?

JJBass30 · #1 04-04-2010, 09:53 PM

This Christmas I bought a Genz Benz shuttle 3-8T. Which I'm very happy with. Unfortunately it has been going into protect mode after being played for awhile, usually an hour or so after starting. I use 3 different basses. My fender precision has never caused the problem but I have only used it on very low volumes while practicing on my own. My Michael Kelly has been the common offender (I also play it a good deal more) and for the first time today my Upright (Fishman full circle pickup) caused the problem.

I called Genz Benz a few weeks ago and talked to Jeff Genzler. I was told that they would happy to take a look at it but he said it sounded like it would be a hard problem to recreate. Seeing that I need my amp constantly I decided to try the solution he suggested.

His thought was that the pickup inside my Michael Kelly (a passive K&K with three transducers designed for 5 string bass and tenor guitar) was putting out too much treble, although he did say that this would be odd because they tested the amp with guitars and didn't have that problem. To counteract this he said to turn down the treble. Which I did and hadn't had any problem until today.

I was using my Upright with the treble at 9 o clock for about 40 minutes. Also, although I'm not sure this did anything on the last song before I switched basses I turned off the mid scoop which I don't normally do. I then plugged in my michael kelly with the same settings. After about a minute it had gone into protect mode. Luckily I was able to use the college's amp, but I was pretty bummed.

So my question too all you TBers is what cause the Shuttle to go into protect mode? I read some other threads which described problems with cabinets and speaker connections, which I am relatively sure is not my problem, seeing that I'm using the stock setup. In the situations this has happened I've been running direct in with passive setups. The volume has been moderate (definitely not pushing the capability of the amp). I feel like the treble suggestion is not the answer because the Fishman full circle is specifically a bass pickup.

Thanks in advance.

agedhorse · #2 04-04-2010, 10:11 PM

That's an odd one, when you switch it off and then back on again does it come out of protect? When it exhibits this problem, does the red protect light turn on?

You can give our service manager Scott a call at the factory after about 10am and he will walk you through a couple of things and if there's an amp problem he will help you in getting it resolved quickly. Scott knows the amp inside and out, every detail.

**Mark Wilson** · #3 04-04-2010, 11:22 PM

Moved to Amps.

Hollywars · #4 04-04-2010, 11:26 PM

Are you bridging? I don't know much about the Shuttle 3, but I know bridging causes heat problems on some amps.

agedhorse · #5 04-04-2010, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hollywars

Are you bridging? I don't know much about the Shuttle 3, but I know bridging causes heat problems on some amps.

Not possible.

JJBass30 · #6 04-05-2010, 12:37 AM

There is no heat problem.

to answer agedhorse, the red protect light comes on and the volume cuts out. It's not a cable problem or anything of that sort. I'll be busy all tomorrow but I would like to do that, or if there is an email I can reach him at. If you could PM it to me.

agedhorse · #7 04-10-2010, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJBass30

There is no heat problem.

to answer agedhorse, the red protect light comes on and the volume cuts out. It's not a cable problem or anything of that sort. I'll be busy all tomorrow but I would like to do that, or if there is an email I can reach him at. If you could PM it to me.

Sorry, I missed your reply.

Have you tried the amp with a different cabinet, it's possible that the driver voice coil got damaged resulting in a shorted turn. This is uncommon but not unheard of, mostly in high powered PA cabinets.

Feel free to give Jeff a call and he will help you resolve it.

JJBass30 · #8 04-10-2010, 06:33 PM

I don't own any other cabinets to try it with. Is there anyway for me to check the voice coil (I have no idea what that is).

I plan to if it happens again. It hasn't since I posted this here, but I'm terrified it will happen during my gig next Friday.