Problem with Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0

elkcereal · #1 11-16-2011, 09:02 PM

I just bought a used Shuttle 6.0 last Thursday. I used it on a gig Friday, it sounded awesome. Then Sunday at my house it started making this awful fuzzy, crackling sound. I turned it off and switched cabinets and it went away. Played two more gigs with it. Then yesterday, it happened again at my house again but I couldn't get it to stop. Tried different cables, basses, cabinets, no luck. To clarify on what's happening, you can still hear the bass somewhat, but the volume is very low and its all crackly.

Any ideas?

basscooker · #2 11-16-2011, 09:09 PM

did you try different outlets at your house? it is only happening there, right?

agedhorse · #3 11-16-2011, 09:14 PM

Here's a couple of things to check:

1. Cycle the effects return jack a couple of times with a 1/4" plug, sometimes a bit of dirt interferes with the internal normalling swich contacts.

2. Possible that you have a bad tube.

3. With the amp unplugged from the power source, check to see that the tube is fully seated. Also, check to see that all of the small wire harness header connectors are fully seated, including the small jumper behind the master volume control. Occasionally one will become slightly unseated in transportation.

4. Does the noise go away when you unplug the instrument cable from the front of the amp? If so, the noise is coming from the source... have you changed your battery if it's an active bass?

If you don't resolve this, PM me with the serial number and QC date and I'll look into it's warranty status (transferrable).

elkcereal · #4 11-16-2011, 10:17 PM

Followed your suggestions and it seems to be working fine again. Hopefully it was just the effects jack.

Many thanks. Will let you know if it persists.

chuck3 · #5 11-16-2011, 11:58 PM

got several Shuttles including a 6.0, gigged them a lot over the last three years, and I'm still waiting for my first problem. Glad it sounds like yours is solved.

Played a small venue tonight with a jazz pianist, using an Upton upright into the Shuttle 3.0-8T. I know people like the big rigs, but that little thing is my Swiss Army Knife. Tiny, versatile, always works perfectly and kicks butt. People compliment the sound then flip when they see what I'm playing through.

rodl2005 · #6 11-17-2011, 12:33 AM

Mine did same thing. A.H. suggested the fx loop test & mine's fine too. Love this li'l beast! Small enough to come with me everywhere & sounds bloody terrific!

agedhorse · #7 11-17-2011, 09:20 AM

The intermittent effects loop problem affects pretty much every manufacturer's products that use an effects loop. There's only so much a jack manufacturer can do to improve the reliability of a jack switch that's exposed to the outside world. All pro audio mixer companies have been struggling with this problem for years. We use then best quality jack we can, and even so there are occassionally problems.

Joe Louvar · #8 11-17-2011, 11:01 AM

Personally I don’t use amp effect loops so I'd open up the amp, disconnect (unsolder) the effect loop jacks and hardwire bypass (and I'd put dust plug covers in the disconnected jacks too).

modulusman · #9 11-17-2011, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Louvar

Personally I don’t use amp effect loops so I'd open up the amp, disconnect (unsolder) the effect loop jacks and hardwire bypass (and I'd put dust plug covers in the disconnected jacks too).

Doing your own modifications would probably void the warranty.

Joe Louvar · #10 11-17-2011, 11:54 AM

Well at least if the amp failed it wouldn’t be because of the amp effect loop - and because the amp is built so well after the loop mod the amp may never need the warranty.

RickenBoogie · #11 11-17-2011, 12:01 PM

Much easier to just use a short jumper cable between the jacks. Won't void the warranty either.

rodl2005 · #12 11-17-2011, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Much easier to just use a short jumper cable between the jacks. Won't void the warranty either.

Doing this seems a good idea. Amp's work normally & sockets are sealed eh??
I'd never thunk of this.... Duh!

agedhorse · #13 11-17-2011, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by modulusman

Doing your own modifications would probably void the warranty.

Indeed.

agedhorse · #14 11-17-2011, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Much easier to just use a short jumper cable between the jacks. Won't void the warranty either.

Correct.

In the pro audio world where TRS insert jacks are used, it's not uncommon to carry a TRS plug wired with a jumper between T & S to normal the jack thru if one is encountered.