Amp issue or pedal issue?

[9YGBass]

I have a GK MB212 combo and it is distorting when I have my TCE Spectracomp engaged. When I run though headphones or our PA there is no distorting. Seems like an amp issue but I can't figure it out. I run everything at level with no boost. Contour is off. It has me starting to look for a new amp.

Any ideas?

 

[AGCurry]

Does the amp distort (at the same volume level) WITHOUT the pedal engaged? That's the only test you need as far as I can tell.

 

[9YGBass]

Does the amp distort (at the same volume level) WITHOUT the pedal engaged? That's the only test you need as far as I can tell.

It does not. It's only with that pedal, but the pedal does not have issues with other outputs.

 

[AGCurry]

It does not. It's only with that pedal, but the pedal does not have issues with other outputs.

In that case, I wouldn't replace an amp just because it doesn't get along with a pedal.
You might try using the pedal in the effects loop rather than straight in.

 

[agedhorse]

Are you running it in the loop? Is it a line level pedal?

 

[9YGBass]

Are you running it in the loop? Is it a line level pedal?

It's is in my regular pedal chain. Bass-tuner-comp-dist-chorus-pre-amp.

I like the pedal and the amp is only used for home and on stage. We run our own FOH during practice and gigs. I'm not impressed with the amp when I use it for stage.

 

[Spector2112]

No effects loop on that combo.
Does it distort with input pad engaged?

 

[agedhorse]

If it’s a line level pedal and has gain/boost involved, it could easily overdrive the input. The input pad should help provided it’s enough.

 

[HelpImaRock]

It's got to be something in a toneprint setting.

 

[9YGBass]

No effects loop on that combo.
Does it distort with input pad engaged?

Yes.

 

[9YGBass]

It's got to be something in a toneprint setting.

That was my thought but I have never messed with the tone print. It just started happening too.

 

[J Wilson]

To double check the amp, plug straight in, bass-cable-amp, play the hell out of it and see if you can prompt it to do that. Once that's clear, then you rotate each pedal in and out of the chain to eliminate if another pedal is prompting that one to do it. Then ultimately bass-single acting out pedal-amp.

BTW, are you sure every last cable is good?

You just eliminate then add in to find out where the squeaking wheel is.

 

[9YGBass]

To double check the amp, plug straight in, bass-cable-amp, play the hell out of it and see if you can prompt it to do that. Once that's clear, then you rotate each pedal in and out of the chain to eliminate if another pedal is prompting that one to do it. Then ultimately bass-single acting out pedal-amp.

BTW, are you sure every last cable is good?

You just eliminate then add in to find out where the

 

[9YGBass]

Well after multiple times of trying to figure out the issue... it seems to be fixed by the magic posting on talkbass

Literally I have been dealing with it for 2 weeks and now... it's fine.

 

[J Wilson]

Like they say down at the KC Hall, 'Bingo!'

 

[Engle]

Well after multiple times of trying to figure out the issue... it seems to be fixed by the magic posting on talkbass

Literally I have been dealing with it for 2 weeks and now... it's fine.

It’s possible one of the jacks in the chain had some corrosion which you’ve cleaned by plugging/unplugging.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

It's is in my regular pedal chain. Bass-tuner-comp-dist-chorus-pre-amp.

I like the pedal and the amp is only used for home and on stage. We run our own FOH during practice and gigs. I'm not impressed with the amp when I use it for stage.

Your speakers are farting. Turn the bass knob down slightly, or turn the spectra comp dial up, and your gain down. The default setting accentuates highs and mids as you turn the knob. But, it also adds gain.

 

[agedhorse]

Your speakers are farting. Turn the bass knob down slightly, or turn the spectra comp dial up, and your gain down. The default setting accentuates highs and mids as you turn the knob. But, it also adds gain.

Problem is already gone.

 

[9YGBass]

Problem is already gone.

For now...

 

[9YGBass]

Your speakers are farting. Turn the bass knob down slightly, or turn the spectra comp dial up, and your gain down. The default setting accentuates highs and mids as you turn the knob. But, it also adds gain.

I generally don't run the bass past 12. Good to know about the default setting though. I am not super knowledgeable with this pedal. I just plug and play. Turn the knob to where it sounds good.