Problem with GK Backline 115

katu_lp · #1 03-16-2011, 09:54 PM

Hi! i'm matias from Argentina, so i'll try to explain my issue the best i can...

I have had a Gallien Krueger Backline 115 Combo for over 3 years....I use it almost everyday to practice at a fairly low volume, and once a week to rehearse with my band.
My bass is an Ibanez SR1200 with active pickups

My problem is that for the last months ,when i use the amp i hear an ugly sound when i play the low notes, as if the speaker was saturating complety......only happens when i play the low notes, or when i use a bassy EQ

i took it to the store where i bought it, and they said that there was nothing wrong with the amp, that that is the normal way because it was the "limit" for that amp, and they recommended me to diminish the Boost. ,They also told me i should get a bigger amp

My questions are:
1) is this normal? when i play, the level knob is on 6-7 o clock, the Boost and the master are at 6 o clock. , so it's not an excesive volume
2) the guys in the store said that i should use the attenuation pad, since i have an active bass.........but the clip light never lits when i play the bass without the attenuation pad.
3) the amp delivers 115w @ 8 ohm ...........to rehearse in a room in my house should be more than enough right? why is it then that the amp seems to be at its full power demand? i have friends with a 80w Peavey amp and he says its more than enough for him to rehearse...

Thanks a lot, i really don't know what to do.......

GrowlerBox · #2 03-16-2011, 10:16 PM

Try backing off the bass end of the EQ, and lifting the mids for more apparent volume. Less speaker excursion (required for low frequencies) means less farting, more mids provides a boost where your ears are sensitive.

Noose · #3 03-16-2011, 10:19 PM

115 watts is kinda borderline in my opinion. If you are playing with a heavy drummer, loud guitarists, etc you are gonna have to push that rig pretty hard just to hear yourself. Has the amp always sounded like that or is this something that just started? To be honest, if you want to do anything other than play at home by yourself or occasionally jam with friends you're gonna need more power.

katu_lp · #4 03-17-2011, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noose

Has the amp always sounded like that or is this something that just started?

It started happening a few months ago after some shows i played it loud, but the guys from the store said that everything was allright with the amp.

My initial plan is to get a 2x10 cabinet to add it to the extra output of the amp, so i'll have 175W @4 ohm........i hope this will solve my problem for now....right?

Thanks!

gregoire1 · #5 03-18-2011, 04:14 AM

can you bypass the speaker? This will give you a way to isolate the trouble(speaker or amp). Provided you have a spare cab. You didnt accidentally push in your channel button did you? (sorry I had to ask).

katu_lp · #6 03-18-2011, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregoire1

can you bypass the speaker? This will give you a way to isolate the trouble(speaker or amp). Provided you have a spare cab. You didnt accidentally push in your channel button did you? (sorry I had to ask).

The ugly noise happens only when i play it loud, so my guess it's that both things are ok, but the speaker can't stand that much power like it used to be (sorry for the spelling)

Jaja no, i didn't push the channel button

RickenBoogie · #7 03-18-2011, 05:49 PM

Yes, you are reaching the speakers limits. Add another cab and your problem is solved. Back off the low end in the meantime.