Microcube Farting

Holmes · #1 04-02-2011, 11:37 AM

I have a Roland Microcube that is my bedroom practice amp. Recently it has started to fart on the lower notes before the master volume approaches 12:00. I have the gain set at about 11:00. EQ is flat. The amp used to sound very good with no flatulence at this same setting. I removed the grill and inspected the cones, physically they are intact with no rips or tears.

What am I missing here?

::::BASSIST:::: · #2 04-02-2011, 11:39 AM

No idea, I have the same amp and to be honest I have never been happy with the low E. Still a cool amp though. I love the built in drum machine.

Holmes · #3 04-02-2011, 11:59 AM

I never expected miracles from it, I like features like the drum machine and find it to sound good enough for low volume practice and scratch recording, but am disappointed and baffled by the recent farting.

RickenBoogie · #4 04-02-2011, 12:46 PM

Where the knobs are set has no bearing on anything. It's a very small amp with very small speaker, and it seems like it's been pushed too hard, and now has damaged speaker(s).

Holmes · #5 04-02-2011, 01:20 PM

Well is it as simple as replacing the speakers then? Anybody know who makes a replacement speaker for this unit?

seamonkey · #6 04-02-2011, 02:50 PM

Is it plugged in?
Are the batteries worn out?
Do you have an active bass - have you checked it's battery?

**mikeddd** · #7 04-02-2011, 02:54 PM

Hmm. True that an active bass with a worn out battery will have very weak, possibly "farty" low notes. OTOH, if you're playing a passive bass, it sure sounds like you blew the speaker in the amp.

thumpbass1 · #8 04-02-2011, 04:01 PM

While you may very well have a speaker issue, I'd try checking to see if the speaker might have some mounting screws that might have loosened up a bit first, or if anything else might have loosened up and is buzzing as well. I'd start there first. As for the speaker itself, you might want to check with Roland to see if they offer a direct replacement. I don't know if they source their speakers from China or not. I do know they've moved to Chinese manufacturing for a good number of their products. I'd also imagine there would be a good number of compatible after market speakers that would work with your amp from the better known speaker companies if indeed, you need to replace it.

Holmes · #9 04-04-2011, 01:09 PM

The issue is definitely in the speakers. I've been playing with a passive P-bass. I ran it pretty hot, must have pushed it too hard. Live and learn.

Roland wants $32 a speaker, I'm going to go through and see if the problem lies with a single speaker or with all of them. Is this as simple as pulling each speaker and seeing which ones are farting out? Any issues I should be aware of here?

I can't justify putting $140 back into this unit if all of the speakers are shot. I'll find a way to run it into my powered monitors. It would be neat to rack up the amp, I do like the models in this unit.

Bass_Pounder · #10 04-04-2011, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holmes

The issue is definitely in the speakers. I've been playing with a passive P-bass. I ran it pretty hot, must have pushed it too hard. Live and learn.

Roland wants $32 a speaker, I'm going to go through and see if the problem lies with a single speaker or with all of them. Is this as simple as pulling each speaker and seeing which ones are farting out? Any issues I should be aware of here?

I can't justify putting $140 back into this unit if all of the speakers are shot. I'll find a way to run it into my powered monitors. It would be neat to rack up the amp, I do like the models in this unit.

Sounds like you creased the cones from over excursion.

Carefully examine each speaker at the outer parts of the cone (where it meets the flexible surround). Check for lines in the cone that should not be there.

chadds · #11 04-06-2011, 05:38 AM

Check to see if speaker leads are touching cone. That can make quite a buzz.

CDweller · #12 04-06-2011, 06:16 AM

I have the same amp. I wonder if there might be an aftermarket speaker that might do better in this handy little unit...

Boyakasha · #13 04-06-2011, 06:46 AM

Have you tried using an mp3 to see if it still farts? Maybe it's not the speakers after all.

chadds · #14 04-06-2011, 03:20 PM

Could be a case of gas.

Holmes · #15 04-06-2011, 03:26 PM

I haven't ruled out gas.

I will be tinkering with this little box later this weekend.

If anyone has any ideas on replacement drivers I'd love to hear it.

shadow_FIX · #16 04-06-2011, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chadds

Could be a case of gas.

In that case, pour a bottle of Pepto-Bismol in the input jack...should lubricate the active electronic passages necessary to make a good tone.

^don't do this.