Ampeg SVT-3 Pro stopped sounding, but lights are lit

[GMO]

I bought my SVT-3 Pro about 2 years ago, and it hasn’t giving me any problems until now. About 3 weeks ago, in the middle of a rehearsal, out of nowhere it stopped sounding, but the light indicators were lit; specifying that the amp was still on. I turned the amp off, and waited a few minutes to turn it on again to see if the problem persisted, but once I turned it on it was operational again with no fault. I used it for the rest of the day, and it didn’t give me anymore problems. Again I used it a couple of times throughout the weeks and no problem aroused. Just yesterday I was practicing with my band, and it stopped sounding again, so I turned it off and on again, just like last time, to make it work again.

Does anyone know what could be happening with my amp? I am really concerned about this problem because I don’t want this to continue happening on rehearsals and much less on gigs. I have looked everywhere, and still haven’t found anyone with a forum that shared the same problem. I’m taking the svt-3 pro to a tech tomorrow, but I would like to know if somebody has encountered a similar situation and a possible solution.

For the record I have the SVT-3 Pro connected to a Furman M-8D Power Conditioner and a Korg Tone Works DT-1 Rackmount Tuner. Also I run it through an Ampeg SVT-610HLF and sometimes through an Ampeg BXT-115HL4, both are 4 ohm cabs, and I never run them together with the head.

 

[B-string]

Copy and paste from your other thread of the same question: Try using an instrument cable to patch between the effects send and effects return jacks. Could just be micro corrosion (fretting) in the effects return jack.

 

[GMO]

Thanks for the immediate response! What you mean is to disconnect the previous cables that are set up in the rack, and connect another cable?

 

[B-string]

You made no mention of having the effects jacks in use on the 3-Pro? Are they in use? If so the first step is to disconnect ANY signal cable, run straight from your bass to the amp-amp to speakers, no effects or tuner. If all is good add things one at a time.

 

[JimmyM]

Before you take it to a tech, you should check the effects loop jack. To me it sounds like the effects loop jack might have gotten some corrosion that causes an intermittent short, as they're prone to do that on most amps if you don't use them regularly. You can clean them with a shot of contact cleaner, or you can stick a plug in and out of the jacks real fast to break it up, but contact cleaner works better if you have it. Doubt it's a tube, but you might also want to check if they're seated well and free of corrosion while you're at it. If none of that works, then take it to a tech, but I think it'll work to clean the loop jacks.

 

[GMO]

Thank you all again for your responses. I will let you know later today if it worked.

 

[GMO]

I conected the instrument cables in the effects loop compartment, but I don't know how to be sure if it work since it only has happened twice sporadically in a month. Yesterday I dropped it off at the tech and hope the problem can be resolved.

 

[JimmyM]

Hope you didn't pay a guy $80 to spray contact cleaner in it