Newbie, Amp hum and overload problems

lorsien · #1 08-15-2011, 05:07 PM

Ok guys, on advice from a friend I am coming to you guys for help. I have a Crate BX160 amp, running a Schector Stiletto Custom 4. The amp has a constant hum to it that can be quite annoying, whether anything is plugged in or not. Looks like the previous owner put an aftermarket plug on it so it could be a grounding issue?

Also when you turn it up over about 5, the amp tends to pop super loud like its overloading or shorting out.

Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks

lorsien

Thaos627 · #2 08-15-2011, 05:11 PM

buy a hum x. it solves that problem 9 out of 10 times. my hartke hums too but only at low volumes when its ungrounded besides its not a serious issue. get a good plug and make sure to have it grounded if its not then u'll always have a hum

BurningSkies · #3 08-15-2011, 05:17 PM

I'd rather see you get the amp looked at since it quite obviously has an issue, either a grounding problem or something else. If its a grounding problem, then it could be potentially dangerous for you to play with that amp.

If it's not a grounding problem, then it's something that will eventually lead your amp to complete failure, possibly spectacular failure.

kb9wyz · #4 08-15-2011, 05:18 PM

1) That's a ground issue. Your house power might have problems. The plug could be the issue. Take it off and make sure it's right. If not, get an outlet tester and check it out, or take the amp to a friends house and try it there.

2) Your bass is active and might be overdriving the input. Make sure you're in the -15dB input. If it shows you're not clipping the pre, then there's something else wrong.

RickenBoogie · #5 08-15-2011, 05:22 PM

Is it the head, or combo? Either way, your best bet is to take it in to a qualified amp technician.

Thaos627 · #6 08-15-2011, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kb9wyz

1) That's a ground issue. Your house power might have problems. The plug could be the issue. Take it off and make sure it's right. If not, get an outlet tester and check it out, or take the amp to a friends house and try it there.

2) Your bass is active and might be overdriving the input. Make sure you're in the -15dB input. If it shows you're not clipping the pre, then there's something else wrong.

i agree with this but buying a humx or a zip strip is still a good idea. its cheap and a lot less work than an outlet tester.

lorsien · #7 08-15-2011, 05:26 PM

i have tried it at another house and it still has the hum. The plug that said "previous owner" put on it, looks like a home depot bolt on type to replace a plug that had been cut or severed. Could be a wiring issue, I need to look at it.

I have also tried it with a bass that had passives and same problem.

Any ideas on the overloading? It happens in either input with active or passive basses. Sounds like the noise you get when you try to plug in to the amp while its on with the volume up. Really loud, overpowering pops

lorsien · #8 08-15-2011, 05:30 PM

and its the combo, sorry

Thaos627 · #9 08-15-2011, 05:33 PM

YIKES. get a multiplug with surge protection at the dollar store. if that doesnt get rid of it then its a wiring issue. i would just get a different amp tbh.

lorsien · #10 08-15-2011, 05:43 PM

was thinking about that option, was going to keep it to have as a 1x15 expansion cab so it wasn't a total loss. But if it can be fixed I would like to do that instead