M6 Carbine 2x12 combo...Noises?

Randyt · #1 11-15-2010, 03:18 PM

I just recieved my combo approx 1 month ago now...and I am starting to hear irregular snaps and pops and intermittent noises when the amp is pushed(vol at 12ocklock)....I have swithched cables, cleaned the input on jack (on bass) and it still persists...the only thing I havent tried is another bass.
Do you think its a Mesa issue?
Are there any known issues of this in the past?...sorry guys I have read the mega thread ...but its way too lengthy to back through!

Thanks Randy

RickenBoogie · #2 11-15-2010, 06:00 PM

Can you explain a little more in depth what kind of sounds, and at what time, or what you're doing? Could be anything from improper eq settings, to a loose component, or a possible issue needing a bigger repair. Details, please. (very nice rig, btw, but be aware, the 600 watt amp *can* be more than the built-in 2 12's can handle).

Randyt · #3 11-16-2010, 05:16 AM

EQ settings: Into Passive switch
Gain= 10 oclock
Bass =3 oclock and pulled for Deep Bass
Mid =12 oclock
Voice= setting 4
Treble =9 oclock
Di =9 oclock...not running into any board
Master =11 oclock

Well, I usually turn the amp on and let warm up for a few minutes.(@10mins) Old habit with tube amps...LOL. I started playing a shuffle/jazz standards , not pushing hard at all..noticed that I heard a crack...gap...fart....and looked down and I though I had stepped on my George L cable.
Kept playing and no problems.
Just to be sure I swapped out cable.
Got into some funk..starting to dig in a little (no slap ...no pop)...then it started rattleing, intermittent crack, pop sounds.
There was little intermittent dead time in there too!...

Thats about it...total play time was 1.25 hours
Maybe I was pushing it too hard ...I dunno...this is my first time with this combo.
Hopefully I gave you enough information
Also, I play a fender jazz V with flatwounds
Thanks for the help

Jo6Pak · #4 11-16-2010, 06:15 AM

i would NOT expect new-ish ~$1400 amp to make cracking/popping sounds. i'd have it looked at or return it, whichever is easier/cheaper. i seriously considered buying one several months ago, but balked at the last minute and went with Markbass (deal was too good to pass up). Still curious about these, however. Seems like the way to go for roughly the same price as a Scout (if one were considering a Scout).

Anemic_SluG · #5 11-16-2010, 06:29 AM

I was fighting some of the same intermitent issues with my rig the other day. It's not a MESA but I found that in the room I am in when I use my 2x10 cab with a tweeter and the heater kicks on I get some intermitant pops, like a cable or jack is messed up. The heater is a little fan forced cadet thing, I also have a ceiling fan to move heat and air around in the room so when both of them are on I get the exact issue you describe. The even weirder thing is I only get it with the cab that has the tweeter. I am using a Furman power conditioner and yet I still get that sound. So before you think your amp is bad turn off everything in the room, and then see if it still pops to isolate the issue.

Jo6Pak · #6 11-16-2010, 06:33 AM

^ good idea...

Matt Dean · #7 11-16-2010, 10:11 AM

Take a 1/4" male connector and plug it into all the 1/4" female plugs in the back of the amp. Sometimes a jack will get a little oxidation and cause weird noises. Running a connector into all the holes will clean them out.

RickenBoogie · #8 11-16-2010, 11:33 AM

Hmmm, you may have a bum unit. Maybe have it looked at by a certified mesa tech. Warranty should cover it.

Randyt · #9 11-16-2010, 02:55 PM

Thanks guys for all the help... I have fully turned all knobs to the on and off position, unplugged and plugged all male/female connectors...bought a new 20' planet waves cable...wow... $60 bucks...now , as previously discussed this has been an intermittent problem...,
I turned it on and let warm up for 10 mins...played for and hour and so far no noise...
I did call the store I bought it from and they were very supportive...(any issues and bring it back to tech to service)
huh...dont know what to say at this point...if it does it again...its going back to the shop... I really am digging this amp...
Fingers crossed ...

babebambi · #10 11-16-2010, 07:01 PM

That's a lot of deep bass
could be a woofer failure
or amp over heating

Randyt · #11 11-19-2010, 03:35 PM

Well after replacing the cable..I thought i had the problem fixed...but after 2 days with no problems...today,i warmed it up for 10mins...played for 30 mins...starting cracking and popping...then nothing...crack pop ..then it came back but it seemed the power was less, then crack pop...then pause...then returned to normal power...
Its going back...hopefully for not too long.

Jim Carr · #12 11-19-2010, 04:08 PM

Have you swapped the 12AX-7? My Carbine M9 was crackling and popping with some wierd hum/distortion. A new tube fixed it.

Randyt · #13 11-23-2010, 12:10 PM

Doctor....it was the 12AX-7..all is well on the Funk Front!!

The Growler · #14 11-24-2010, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randyt

Doctor....it was the 12AX-7..all is well on the Funk Front!!

That's good news. I was surprised to hear what you were going thgough. I've had mine for almost a year and no issues.

Enjoy!

drumstobass · #15 01-09-2011, 05:15 AM

I'm glad you got your issue resolved. I'm replying to this post because I'm involved in a similar issue now and this might be useful for someone. Here goes...

I just received my brand new M6 Carbine 2x12 combo and I couldn't believe my ears either:

From the very beginning, when I played any reasonably low notes, the speakers sounded as if they were blown. I couldn't believe my ears, so I called my bass teacher who also has the same exact amp. He brought over another bass to eliminate my bass as the issue. Anyway, the same problem occurred with him. He also noticed that turning the master volume knob up really didn't seem to affect the volume much either. He then went through all the voice presets and the same "blown speaker sound" occurred with all of them. Then, he took the master from zero all the way up then back. Then, played his bass again and the problem was gone. He then torture tested it for a while and says it sounds great and like it should. The store confirmed that it was probably just dirt or other small matter in the master volume pot that we managed to clean it up by twisting the knobs.

Then, I went back and played it again several hours later. For 10 or 12 minutes it sounded great and then I started gradually noticing a distorted sound most primarily on the lower notes that continued to get worse. I also started smelling something like a burning smell. I tried working the pots over again, but that didn't seem to help this time.

Well, the store said it could be a tube. So, now I've got to take to a local repair shop or send it back. I'll keep my experience posted in case it helps anyone.

Thanks for this post.