New GK MBE212 with static

jfh2424 · #1 04-18-2011, 08:09 PM

Hi guys, I just bought an GK MB 212 combo. Sounds great but there is a strange static sound when I play. It is intermittent. It sounds like the sound you get when you change channels on a crappy radio. This happens once about every 5 minutes. It is not based around any particular notes.

It's not a blown speaker issue. It is not a buzz, really more like a static sound.

Has anyone experienced this? Is this part of the normal breaking in period?

Thanks!

John

jfh2424 · #2 04-18-2011, 08:58 PM

Also, when I plug in the headphones while the amp is on, I get a big pop through the speakers. So I have to turn the amp off, plug in the headphones and play.

I wonder if other owners are also experiencing this?

Thanks!

John

vince a · #3 04-20-2011, 03:50 PM

Mine does that too . . . in one place that I play, but not at home, so I'm assuming it's wiring interference . . . like things in the building turning on or off. If you just got it, and it's annoying to you (mine doesn't bother me at all) . . . take it back!

BillMason · #4 04-20-2011, 04:54 PM

If it only happens in one place, then it's wiring in the building - 60Hz hum, a grounding issue.

jfh2424 · #5 04-20-2011, 06:04 PM

Actually, I wrote to Mr Gallien and spoke to Brian from GK. After describing the issue, they suggest I send it back and get a new one.

It wasn't a usual grounding thing. It even made the noise intermittently when the bass was plugged in and I wasn't playing. Very weird indeed.

I guess something was messed up electronically.

Anyway, I get the new one in two days.

Kudos to GK and MF for coming through.

Thanks for the posts, too, guys!

John

jfh2424 · #6 04-21-2011, 02:03 PM

I got the new unit and it has none of the static of the one I returned. That's great!

I have noticed that the passive input is much louder than the active input. Is that normal? I guess that would be because active basses have more gain?

Thanks!

John

NicJimBass · #7 04-23-2011, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfh2424

I got the new unit and it has none of the static of the one I returned. That's great!

I have noticed that the passive input is much louder than the active input. Is that normal? I guess that would be because active basses have more gain?

Thanks!

John

Yes, the active input likely has a -10db pad to compensate for the (sometimes) higher output of active basses. IIRC, the rule of thumb is to use the passive input, unless the amp is clipping like crazy, in which case us the active input. It takes a lot to clip a GK, so I've found, so I normally use the passive input for everything.

vince a · #8 04-23-2011, 01:47 PM

Yes, if you have hot passive pickups, use the active input . . .

seamonkey · #9 04-23-2011, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfh2424

I got the new unit and it has none of the static of the one I returned. That's great!

I have noticed that the passive input is much louder than the active input. Is that normal? I guess that would be because active basses have more gain?

Thanks!

John

It's good to hear about great customer support. I know others have badmouthed GK for not sending parts, but we never hear both sides of the story. This case shows they are willing to talk to customers and resolve the problems quickly. You can't ask for better support than that!