• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Amp Static Help

JC0313

JC0313

Jul 19, 2020
70
105
California
#1
Hello to all, I have developed an issue with my Mesa D800+ and Genzler MG212 rig that I hope you can help me with.

Yesterday at practice I noticed my amp was making a static noise when playing. It would only make the noise when my bass was being played. Being limited on extra gear and time I waited until I got home to troubleshoot. Also the noise is coming from both the speakers and the tweeter.

So far I have tried the following:
Pedalboard was not in signal path.
Tweeter control full on/off.
Different speakon cables both with Neutrix brand connectors.
Different basses.
Different instrument cables.
Different power cables into different powerstrips and wall plugs.
Bass straight into effects return.
Using headphones.
DI into Focusrite - no noticeable noise

All of the above with the exception of the DI, produced the same noise even with hedphones so i dont think it is the cab.

Any other steps that i can try at home? Does this sound like I need to clean the input/output jakcks, clean the pots? Do I need to send it in for service?
 

Attachments

  • 20230211_151617.jpg
    20230211_151617.jpg
    1.2 MB · Views: 42
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: DJ Bebop
#2
Don’t try to fix it yourself. It’s unlikely to be anything you mentioned. All it will do is add to the cost if it really needs repair.

Now for the troubleshooting part.

Do the following with no pedals, just the bass.

1. does it do this from the DI out in both the pre and post switch positions?

2. does it do this if you plug into the effects return? (Only the master volume will work in this configuration, and the level will be lower)
 
  • Like
Reactions: rapidfirerob, Gorilla Monsoon, DJ Bebop and 2 others
#3
Hello Agedhorse,

All troubleshooting so far has been with 2 different basses that were plugged directly into the amp. Do worry I definitely would not try to fix it myself.

1. No noticeable static from the DI in either pre or post switch position.

2. Bass plugged into the effect return also has the same static.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DJ Bebop
#6
Ok, let’s rule everything out so that we know for sure what remains is the problem piece.

If you bought the amp new, it will be covered under the 5 year warranty, uses will depend on the date of manufacture since some of the older ones still have a 5 year transferable warranty in effect.

I want to be sure you don’t jeopardize this coverage if it’s still under warranty.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DJ Bebop, MaxSpinrun, One Way and 1 other person
#8
JC0313 said:
I got it used a bout 2 years ago from Bananas in San Rafael. Is there a way to check if it is under the transferable 5 year warranty?
Click to expand...
Customer service can look up the serial number, I don’t have access to that system.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DJ Bebop, MaxSpinrun and Bassic_desires
#9
This is why I bought the D800+. Mine has been absolutely trouble free and is the best head I have ever owned. @agedhorse is always around to give invaluable advice and direction. Thank you so much Andy! Support with Mesa is outstanding! Love my Genzler Pre/ DI pedal as well. D800+ always gets mentioned in a query for a top quality feature packed class D amp. I have every confidence you will be taken care of. Anxious to hear what the issue/ solution is.
 
  • Like
Reactions: instrumentlevel, agedhorse and DJ Bebop
#11
Tried another cab and got the same result. At this point should I contact customer service to set up a repair? I live in Sacrament would it be better to deliver it to Mesa directly or ship it? Is there a store front or showroom to see in Petaluma?

Also I love this amp and its tone so I hope it can be repaired.
 
Last edited:
#12
There's no showroom but you can always do a drop-off.

Give our service manager Rich a call and ask him how this is best handled. I can repair it at my shop (an easier ship or drop-off), but that may not be easy to do within the scope of how our paper work tracking system operates.

Do you have the factory box and packaging?
 
#14
So it appears the electrical gremlins are playing with my emotions. I decided to try my amp one more time before begining the repair process with Mesa and now the noise is gone. Nothing in my setup has changed. Same two basses, same instrument and speakon cables, same electrical connections, and same location in my house as when troubleshooting last weekend.

I know intermittent problems can be difficult to diagnose and fix so I think I will hold off on sending it in for repairs unless the issue returns.

It began at my drummers house starting Fri, continued at my house through Sun, it is still at my house and is not exhibiting the noise anymore. Anyone have any idea what could cause this?
 
#16
Do you always set the amp on the cabinet? When the noise occurs, try setting the amp away from the speaker cabinet and see if the noise disappears.
Edit: I was thinking it could be something intermittent caused by vibration, but the headphone test would rule that out, unless your cabinet was still active while using the headphones.
 
Last edited:
#17
JC0313 said:
So it appears the electrical gremlins are playing with my emotions. I decided to try my amp one more time before begining the repair process with Mesa and now the noise is gone. Nothing in my setup has changed. Same two basses, same instrument and speakon cables, same electrical connections, and same location in my house as when troubleshooting last weekend.

I know intermittent problems can be difficult to diagnose and fix so I think I will hold off on sending it in for repairs unless the issue returns.

It began at my drummers house starting Fri, continued at my house through Sun, it is still at my house and is not exhibiting the noise anymore. Anyone have any idea what could cause this?
Click to expand...
Balloons?
 
  • Like
Reactions: MaxSpinrun and agedhorse
#19
The amp is always on top of the cabinet. When I practice with this band I don't use and pedals or effects. My drummer lives about 60 miles from me so I keep it simple when we rehearse. At home I typically practice through the amp DI then to a Focusrite using headphones. I run the amp at volume at home when my family is out and never heard this before.

I unplug the speaker cable when I tried the headphones troubleshooting so that cabinet sounds didn't taint the sound on the headphones. The headphones made the exact same noise as the cabinet. When troubleshooting the noise was more apparent through headphones as they block block out external sounds pretty well. It is the first thing I tried when I turned it on on Mon and didn't have the noise.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back