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AC Power question

bassgrooves2

bassgrooves2

Guest
Apr 8, 2011
305
22
44
North Myrtle Beach, SC
#1
So I played a 4 hr gig last night and for the first time in my career, I could not get my amp working. I did of course have a DI so I went to FOH but I had no live amp on stage.

Everything appeared to be functioning normally, but I was able to get no output through my cab whatsoever. I check instrument cords of course, and then on to speaker cable, swapping to a different AC outlet and got nothing. The only thing I can figure is that the AC Line power was insufficient, although all our other gear was working normally, albeit through different outlets.

After about 5 minutes of tinkering and trying to get it going, I went ahead with the separate DI to FOH so we begin the set on time.

When I got up this morning I plugged in at the house and everything of course is working just fine, so I have to assume it was maybe improper voltage or something. I was getting power, but maybe it was just insufficient.

I have, in the past, used my Furman rack mount Power Conditioner for all my power with great results. I have been playing smaller venues lately and have been forgoing the rack setup. Perhaps I should get a single rack case and bring my power conditioner?

You guys use power conditioners, and if so are any of you using the power strip style? I have been thinking of trying one of the Monster of Furman strip style units.
 
#2
Power "conditioners" provide some line noise filtering and spike protection. Ones with a voltage meter or LEDs can warn you of under or over voltage visually and some will interrupt power if present. If you have a low voltage condition your amp still won't work but at least you will have a visual reason why.

Sounds like you did have a supply voltage condition at the gig. What amp head did you use?
 
#3
B-string said:
Power "conditioners" provide some line noise filtering and spike protection. Ones with a voltage meter or LEDs can warn you of under or over voltage visually and some will interrupt power if present. If you have a low voltage condition your amp still won't work but at least you will have a visual reason why.

Sounds like you did have a supply voltage condition at the gig. What amp head did you use?
Click to expand...

Carvin BX500. Been using it for a few years now and have never had a problem. I was actually thinking of just throwing a small multimeter in my gig bag so I can check for power insufficiencies in this type of situation.
 
#5
Everything else worked fine? Lights, FOH and monitor amps, etc., all of the other amps/rigs except yours?
You mentioned that you switched plugs, did you not try an outlet being used by someone whose gear was functioning properly? :confused:
It's difficult for me to imagine being on stage with working AC and not being able to get some of it for my rig. ;)

Sounds pretty strange to me... I wouldn't shrug it off as "a supply voltage condition" just yet, or that same gremlin may surprise you in the future.

IMO a multimeter in my gig bag is as mandatory as extra strings or backup cables. It's pulled the fat out of the fire more than a few times over the years! :D
 
#6
edbass said:
Everything else worked fine? Lights, FOH and monitor amps, etc., all of the other amps/rigs except yours?
You mentioned that you switched plugs, did you not try an outlet being used by someone whose gear was functioning properly? :confused:
It's difficult for me to imagine being on stage with working AC and not being able to get some of it for my rig. ;)

Sounds pretty strange to me... I wouldn't shrug it off as "a supply voltage condition" just yet, or that same gremlin may surprise you in the future.

IMO a multimeter in my gig bag is as mandatory as extra strings or backup cables. It's pulled the fat out of the fire more than a few times over the years! :D
Click to expand...


If we had a bit more time, I would have gone through all the above mentioned steps. We were allowed only ten minutes to setup before our scheduled start time, due to a pestering football game. I chose to simply go DI so we could get started on time and get payed what we were promised. Nobody out front even new my amp wasn't working as we try to play a reasonable volume for the environment and the PA spread the bass throughout the room well. We certainly noticed on stage though:hyper:
BTW I was using the new VT BASS DI and it certainly gets the job done nicely. I have a Countryman Type 85 in my bag as well, but since I had no amp, I chose the Samsamp to go FOH
 
#7
For situations like that, I carry one of these:
AC Power Line Monitor
VoltageMonitor.jpg
 
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#9
Yep. Next time when you are pushed for time just run a drop cord to an outlet that is also running something else on stage that seems to be working perfectly. Then go back with your multi meter (that you will ALWAYS have form now on) and check the outlet nearest you during a set break. One of those pictured above is the perfect option for someone with no experience handling electricity. It will tell you a lot more than just the voltage.
 
#10
The simple unit that Warnergt shows is very useful. Most equipment will work fine with reversed polarity, but some equipment is very sensitive to polarity. Sometimes it can cause noise and occasionally it can cause units to not function correctly. That certainly could have been the problem.

A Multimeter will give you a lot more information, but the unit Warnergt shows demands no expertise on your part.
 
#13
The problem is if you identify a bad power line, what do you do? You can try another circuit on a different breaker, the power might be better. If not, you rise harming your amp if the voltage is too low.

I carry a heavy duty building contractor's extension cord in case it's needed.
 

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