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Ampeg BA-108 Speaker buzzing, can it be fixed?

Audix99

Audix99

Sep 18, 2009
206
40
Kentucky
#1
Hi all,

Just bought a brand new Ampeg BA-108.
(No it is NOT the new v2 model)
Upon bring it home and plugging my G&L L-2000 into it, I noticed that there was a strange buzzing noise from the amp.
It is not that loud but fairly faint buzzing noise that sounds similar to grounding induced buzzing noise.
But unlike grounding buzzing, this noise is ONLY heard when notes are played.

If I play a single note (ANY note) and let it ring, the buzzing is not noticeable at the beginning because it is faint buzzing that is buried under the strong signal at that point.
But as the note sustains longer and gets quieter, the buzzing starts standing out and overpowers the note becomes noticeable buzzing.
Then the buzzing noise fades out completely first before the note dies down.

I thought the speaker cone had a rip or speaker may had been abused since it was a floor model at Guitar Center.
So I went back and got another one and this time it was a new one in unopened box.
Brought it home and tested.
And the exactly SAME issue.

I have 2 basses, one G&L L-2000, another EBMM Stingray Classic 4.
The noise is there no matter which bass is plugged in.

With normal input, the buzzing is there at any volume level above 0.
The noise is not heard when plugged into -15db input Active Bass jack with volume at level 1 (really quiet volume).
But volume above 1, the buzzing comes back.

What is going on???
No, I do NOT think it is a cab rattling because the noise was actually coming from the speaker.
The buzzing was there when I took the speaker completely out of the cab and when my hand was holding the magnet.

Any chance the input gain was set at too high at the factory?
If that's the case, is there any way to adjust that?

I really like the tone from this little guy and I would love to keep it if this buzzing can be fixed.

Any input?
Thanks all. =)
 
#2
The one caveat about the old BA108 (not sure about the new one) is it is a little bit buzzy. I think it's more in the head than the speaker, but I could be wrong. I find it completely unnoticeable in a band context or when playing along with music, but by itself it's there. But for $100, you're going to be hard pressed to find a practice combo that isn't a little buzzy.
 
#3
It is probably the baffle buzzing because it is fastened with only a couple of staples or something. You can feel it move if you remove the speaker, put your finger on a seam where the baffle meets the cab wall and flex the baffle in and out with your other hand. It can be fixed. Go to a hobby shop and get yourself some thin CA glue, which has the viscosity of water. Liberally squirt the CA glue along the baffle/cab seam from the inside of the cab. You will see it wick through the joint from the front of the cab. The stuff kicks off immediately and the joint will be rock solid.
 
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#4
Thanks JimmyM.
I think the buzzing is from the speaker because I cannot hear the buzzing through a headphone.
But you are right that it's not as noticeable when playing along with music and that this is indeed a real nice amp for $100.
I may have to learn to live with that buzzing noise.
Or--- maybe upgrade the speaker? I heard good things about Eminence Alpha 8A speaker...

Thanks Codger.
The baffle was the first cause that I had suspected but it turned out NOT to be the issue.
I can still hear the buzzing when I take the speaker completely out of the amp.
But just to be safe, I will try the CA glue if I decide to keep this amp.
 
#6
It is possible that the problem is within the electronics of the amp and there is a problem with both amps that you got. They probably came from the same production run. There are a number of possibilities but a distortion on a decaying note could be due to a bad solder joint.

If there's a way that you can try the amp into another speaker, you will be able to determine whether the problems is the amp or the speaker. To do this safely, it would entail disconnecting the speaker and connecting it to another one of the same impedance.

But the smart thing to do would be to take it back to GC with your bass and demonstrate the problem to them. Let them find a solution.
 
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#7
Thanks Beans.
Yes it was the speaker.
The buzzing was not there when using a headphone.
Also, I disconnected the internal speaker and connected amp's line out to the effect return on my GK 700RB II combo to confirm it was the speaker.
And no, the buzzing was not there when the sound was coming from my GK.
Seems that there's something loose inside the speaker coil.

So I took it back to GC and got a Fender Rumble V3. 40W instead.
It's got a good tone and it was on special promotion for only $161.
Couldn't say no to that price and tone. ;)

Just wish the Ampeg could've worked out, but I guess everything all worked out in the end.

Thanks guys, for all your help.
 
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#8
Audix99 said:
Thanks Beans.
Yes it was the speaker.
The buzzing was not there when using a headphone.
Also, I disconnected the internal speaker and connected amp's line out to the effect return on my GK 700RB II combo to confirm it was the speaker.
And no, the buzzing was not there when the sound was coming from my GK.
Seems that there's something loose inside the speaker coil.

So I took it back to GC and got a Fender Rumble V3. 40W instead.
It's got a good tone and it was on special promotion for only $161.
Couldn't say no to that price and tone. ;)

Just wish the Ampeg could've worked out, but I guess everything all worked out in the end.

Thanks guys, for all your help.
Click to expand...

:woot: WOOT! :woot: The very best thing you can do with an ampeg is to trade it in on a Fabulous Fender Rumble! Yes! :thumbsup:
I just love a happy ending! :smug:
:D Rumbles Rule! :D
 
#9
This explain why they all had the noise. Invalid Link Removed
Being ISO 9001 does not mean they build quality merchandise. It means they are extremely consistent in their production standards. That mean if you do something right all will be right; but, if youy screw upo in the production all of that run will have the same issue.
 

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