My amp is really quiet and won't turn up.

Pure_Intension · #1 08-02-2011, 07:33 PM

I have an Ampeg B-1RE solid state amp and an Ampeg 4x10 B-series cab. I played it the other day and it was as loud and clear as usual, but today I turned it on and all it gives is a low, distorted sound no matter what I plug it into or how I adjust it. Anyone know what the problem could be, and if so, how do I go about fixing it?

Tanner5382 · #2 08-02-2011, 07:40 PM

Have you tried using different cables?

**pacojas** · #3 08-02-2011, 07:41 PM

try cleaning the volume pot with Contact Cleaner/Lube!

Pure_Intension · #4 08-02-2011, 07:50 PM

Yeah I used a number of different cables and they all produce the same exact quiet, distorted sound. I'll try the cleaning thing but I feel like it might be something wrong inside of it. Thanks for the help, any other help would be appreciated.

Bass_Pounder · #5 08-02-2011, 07:55 PM

If the head has an effects loop, try bridging the loop by placing one end in the send, and the other end in the return. If that cures the problem, you need to clean the contacts.

**B-string** · #6 08-02-2011, 07:57 PM

^this first.

Pure_Intension · #7 08-02-2011, 08:20 PM

Ok I tried that and it still produces the same sound. Thank you for the suggestion though.

**B-string** · #8 08-02-2011, 08:41 PM

Have you tried a different cab? Or speaker cable?

Pure_Intension · #9 08-02-2011, 08:51 PM

I only have the one cab so I'd have to take it to a shop or something for that I guess. I just moved a drum kit into the same room and have been banging on it pretty hard, is it possible that could cause the speakers to pop or something? Doesn't seem too logical but that's the only thing that has changed since I played the amp a couple days ago.

Stumbo · #10 08-02-2011, 08:55 PM

Have you tried a different speaker cable?
Or opened the cab to make sure none of the speaker wires has vibrated loose?
+1 on taking your amp to a shop and trying it with another cab.

Pure_Intension · #11 08-02-2011, 08:58 PM

Yeah I tried different speaker cables, haven't opened the cab up yet in fear of not being able to get it back together but I might have to.

**B-string** · #12 08-02-2011, 09:02 PM

You don't by chance have an active bass with a weak battery???

Pure_Intension · #13 08-02-2011, 09:38 PM

Yeah I tried all three of my basses (One active, two passive) and they all do the same thing. Thanks for the help, maybe I'll call ampeg or something.

johnk_10 · #14 08-02-2011, 09:48 PM

to do a quick test on the cab, you can take a 9V battery and touch the + and - terminals to the speaker cable's tip and sleeve and see if it makes a clicking sound.

**B-string** · #15 08-02-2011, 09:54 PM

Only thing left that I can think of is the nut on the input jack being loose (if that supplies the signal ground, don't have the schematic).Hope you get it sorted.

Pure_Intension · #16 08-02-2011, 10:04 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions and help, I appreciate it.

nashvillebill · #17 08-02-2011, 10:25 PM

Assuming your speaker is good:

Do you have another amp with a preamp out/power amp in? Or another power amp, or preamp?

If so, go from your questionable amp's "Send" into the other amp's "power amp in" or return and see what you hear. If everything sounds fine, your preamp is OK, if not, something is wrong in your preamp.

If the preamp was fine, then go from another preamp into your Return jack, does it sound distorted now? That means something's wrong in the power amp section of your amp.