Ampeg Classic Preamp pedal - hiss and noise when tapping on it

[Nathanael D]

So I got an Ampeg Classic Preamp pedal that is making a considerable hiss noise when engaged, I read that some have sent it back just for that and I can now understand why, however, I also noticed that when the pedal is engaged and I tap on it (or slightly tap on the knobs), you can hear it (as aloud as the volume is loud) on the amp, as if you were tapping on a mic, is this normal?
It is plugged into a Ciosks DC5, tried all of the outputs, tried different cables just in case, no change.

 

[jkalads]

Did you ever find a fix for this? I just bought a second one and it's doing the same thing??

 

[agedhorse]

Yes, this can occur because high impedance components can be microphonic. I would recommend contacting Ampeg to see if they have a solution.

 

[jkalads]

Anybody know if there is a fix for this? like better grounding etc? This is the second one I have owned and it is basically unusable for me..

 

[agedhorse]

Did you contact Ampeg?

 

[jkalads]

Put in a request but havent heard back. Did speak with a known pedal builder who said just send it back its a known issue.

 

[agedhorse]

Dos the known pedal builder know what he's talking about, or is it just internet mythology?

 

[jkalads]

Yes. Guess I'll wait on Ampegs reply. In the meantime if you have any suggestions they would be appreciated.

 

[ErnieD]

I regularly use my Ampeg Classic pedal with a few different amp heads. If I dial up too much treble on the pedal or amp head, I do get a slight audible hiss. But that's if I dial treble up very high.
Otherwise, my pedal has been one of my favorite useful preamp pedals.
I don't ever use any extreme settings on the amp or the pedal.
Hope mine keeps working well. Its less than 1 year old. Good luck

 

[Jim C]

To the OP: I did a search on this pedal and didn't find any responses about noise other than treble hiss when the control is turned way up.

 

[johnk_10]

i just tested mine and it has zero issues.

 

[Jim C]

i just tested mine and it has zero issues.

Hey John,
Does it really give you and Ampeg inspired SVT tone?
I'm not looking for distortion but something reasonably priced that will make a neutral amp more Ampegy.
Maybe even through the effects return.
I've tried Broughton, Sushi Box, VT Deluxe, and Linden.
All were nice but known of them gave me what I was looking for.

 

[johnk_10]

Hey John,
Does it really give you and Ampeg inspired SVT tone?
I'm not looking for distortion but something reasonably priced that will make a neutral amp more Ampegy.
Maybe even through the effects return.
I've tried Broughton, Sushi Box, VT Deluxe, and Linden.
All were nice but known of them gave me what I was looking for.

i think that it does sound like an Ampeg SVT tone but the origin Super Vintage does is much more authentic and you can also dial in some SVT growl with the Origin. the Ampeg Classic only does clean. of course the Origin cost about 5X more though!

 

[Jim C]

i think that it does sound like an Ampeg SVT tone but the origin Super Vintage does is much more authentic and you can also dial in some SVT growl with the Origin. the Ampeg Classic only does clean. of course the Origin cost about 5X more though!

Thanks. And the SGT-DI is somewhere between the two?

 

[johnk_10]

the SGT-DI is a nice pedal. it was pretty large in size so i sold mine and i preferred the super vintage anyway.