Why is there a 'pop,' even with the mute switch on? (BX500)

mlbarlow · #1 05-28-2010, 10:30 AM

Just received my new Carvin BX500 the other day. It smokes ... even better than I had expected.

I have one issue, though ... sometimes (not all the time), if I put on the mute switch, and unplug from the bass to plug in a different instrument, I'll get a pop in my cabs either on removing or inserting the cable into the bass. The mute function seems to work well otherwise ... I can't actually hear anything played on my bass when the mute is enacted, so what gives?

I called Carvin, and they told me to keep trouble-shooting before I went I shipped back across the country. The tech there seemed to think that because I was plugged directly into an outlet, that could be my problem (not through a surge protector or voltage conditioner), or that it's just that outlet.

The simple answer is to just turn off the head when I switch instruments, but it's new ... it should work. And it does, most of the time.

BassmanPaul · #2 05-28-2010, 11:05 AM

If you have an active bass the jack switches power to the electronics package. That voltage across the tip and the sleeve sends a pulse into the amp that is very much greater than the pre-amp is expecting. That can push a noise through the mute circuit.

Paul

mlbarlow · #3 05-28-2010, 11:09 AM

So this is a reasonable thing to expect with an active bass? I shouldn't try to get another head out of Carvin?

It didn't occur with the same instruments on my last head, but I guess each pre-amp is different, of course ...

Pilgrim · #4 05-28-2010, 11:28 AM

If it's not the active bass issue, then IMO Carvin should fix it.

Another option is to put a Boss TU-2 tuner between amp and cab, and mute using the tuner. You need a tuner anyway, and you won't get any pop that way.

BassmanPaul · #5 05-28-2010, 11:30 AM

It doesn't happen with my BX1500 but it can depending on how the mute is designed. If you are unsure of the amp by all means get it changed out. If the next one does the same then you have a choice to make.

Paul

mlbarlow · #6 05-28-2010, 11:34 AM

Yeah, well, it seems to pop only when my bass is set to play active ... still not all the time, but enough.

If you guys find that to be reasonable, and that I'd likely get the same thing out of another BX500, I'd save myself the hassle of sending it back ... it's a great amp otherwise.

mlbarlow · #7 05-28-2010, 12:15 PM

Actually on the phone right now with a Carvin tech ... just to make sure ... if they say it's cool, than I'm happy ... if they say ship it back, I've got nothing to lose.

Bass_Pounder · #8 05-28-2010, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlbarlow

Actually on the phone right now with a Carvin tech ... just to make sure ... if they say it's cool, than I'm happy ... if they say ship it back, I've got nothing to lose.

I use mine with active basses, and have NEVER had any pops or crackles come through the mute switch when plugging/unplugging.

mlbarlow · #9 05-28-2010, 01:27 PM

Good to know. The tech I spoke with said he hadn't heard of mute issues in the latest run of heads. He was going to go and try to recreate it on another unit, but regardless, he said they'd take care of it.

mlbarlow · #10 05-28-2010, 03:14 PM

Update ... Carvin tried to replicate the pop, couldn't do it on another unit, and is shipping me a new one ... resolved.

rbonner · #11 05-28-2010, 03:31 PM

Just to mention, it is best to use a tuner through the tuner jack on a head. The reason, it is best to keep the input line clean and unfettered between the guitar and amp for best signal to noise ratio. I also use no effects. and wouldnt consider them with the guitar plugged through. HUM and BUZZ

BOB

mlbarlow · #12 06-03-2010, 07:04 PM

Received new head from Carvin .. no issues ... the BX500 kicks major booty.

v-grooves · #13 06-03-2010, 07:15 PM

I have some older Eden gear and when the mute button is pressed in, I get a pop in the DI going into the board....I thinnk that head is a time traveller and I have an Eden preamp that does the same thing, but this happens only on the older, classic Eden stuff and not their newer gear.

I would love to hear an explanation on it as I have been dealing with it for years. On the Eden preamp, I can roll back the pot that controls how hot of a signal I send to the board and I can minimize the pop, change basses, the go back to the same spot on the pre-amp out pot.....kind of nuts, but I am used to it now. I try to time it when we just finish a song and people are yelling stairway to freebird.

V

nboyer941 · #14 09-24-2010, 12:38 AM

Instead of making a new thread, I'll just up this.

I'm having the same issue. I think i got my head last jan or feb.

Anybody else have this issue? I use a rackmount tuner, so I rely on the mute switch and I use the mute switch for unplugging cables.

Sometimes notes even come through! It is very frustrating, especially at gigs.

it certainly seems like the problem is getting worse.

RNV · #15 09-24-2010, 05:51 AM

What do you mean by ":notes even come through"? The bass is still audible when the mute switch is flipped, or the tuner works while on mute?

bal704 · #16 09-24-2010, 05:54 AM

Does your rackmount tuner have a mute? I plug my bass into the tuner, then run into the amp thru the tuner output (Korg tuner).

nboyer941 · #17 09-24-2010, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RNV

What do you mean by ":notes even come through"? The bass is still audible when the mute switch is flipped, or the tuner works while on mute?

Yes, if you hit a string a little harder than you normally play it.....the bass will be briefly audible at full volume.

The tuner always works when the bass is muted.

nboyer941 · #18 09-24-2010, 10:09 AM

its a sabine rt7000, so I could plug into the tuner.

But still, my carvin shouldn't be leaking through the mute.

BassmanPaul · #19 09-24-2010, 10:13 AM

No it shouldn't. Call carvin and get it replaced.

Paul