Backbeat G2 Issues

[gflowers]

I finally got my G2 Backbeat and have had it for 5 days and it's working intermittently (sometimes it works fine, sometimes a bit and sometimes not at all). The rumble level control sometimes has no effect on the level. Anyone else having issues with theirs?

 

[oldmanp03]

I haven't had this issue, but email them, they are pretty good with customer issues

 

[gflowers]

I did contact them and they were very responsive. Shipped a new replacement unit out the next day. Great customer service.

 

[BigBadBen67]

I'm having the same issue with mine. In my case it seems to be the cable where it plugs into the bass. It's loose and only works if you hold it just right. I've emailed to see if they can send a replacement.

I'm wondering if having the cable to the amp come out of that same jack isn't going to turn out to be a bad idea. It creates a lever that could put stress on the cable end pretty easily.

 

[gflowers]

I didn't like that cable design either. I just use a couple of cables. George's L cable cut to length from the bass to the G2 and my regular instrument cable from the G2 to the amp.

 

[BigBadBen67]

Shout out to Backbeat. They gave me no grief and sent out a replacement lighting fast.

 

[BigBadBen67]

I should add that I think the Backbeat is one of the greatest and most underappreciated accessories for bass. I'm a groove player and love how that added sensation helps me lock in. When my whole chest resonates with the groove I can really feel when I'm in the pocket. I almost never play live without it.

 

[MrBassNotes]

I had pre-ordered a backbeat G2 and received it in June after waiting 14 months. After trying it, I returned it. I didn't have any issues with intermittent working while I tried it though. The company did handle the return professionally and provided a refund, less a $29 restocking fee.

 

[BigBadBen67]

I had a new interesting thing happen with my Gen2 Backbeat. It was fully charged last night. I used it for maybe an hour while practicing as I'm still getting to know it. Then I turned it off and left it overnight. When I went to pick it up this morning the battery was completely dead.

Do these things need to be unplugged from the bass? I thought I caught it turning itself on after I had turned it off earlier. Has anyone else noticed theirs turning itself on when it's plugged in?

 

[mtaustin]

Manual says it turns itself off when fully charged.
Received mine in May/June 2023. Charged overnight. Then while watching the YouTube video manual, stepped thru the menu. Plugged in ears, bass and sound from PC and tried the mix function. Seemed to work ok, similar to the Phil Jones Bass Buddy I use a little practice amp/mixer to learn new songs. Spent maybe 30 minutes with it. Unplugged everything, turned off and laid it down. 2 weeks later I picked it up and the battery was completely dead. I figured it would hold a charge a little longer than that!

 

[MrBassNotes]

Come to think of it, when I received my unit in the mail, the battery was completely drained. Typically new electronics will have some level of charge to at least power on, so I was a bit surprised that it was totally dead. I didn't give it much thought beyond thinking that the unit didn't have a post assembly test, but perhaps there is a bigger issue with phantom power draw even when turned off.

 

[mtaustin]

I'm having the same issue with mine. In my case it seems to be the cable where it plugs into the bass. It's loose and only works if you hold it just right. I've emailed to see if they can send a replacement.

I'm wondering if having the cable to the amp come out of that same jack isn't going to turn out to be a bad idea. It creates a lever that could put stress on the cable end pretty easily.

Maybe this high tech fix could offer some strain relief to prevent the cables from pulling out while playing?

 

[DerekWG]

I had a new interesting thing happen with my Gen2 Backbeat. It was fully charged last night. I used it for maybe an hour while practicing as I'm still getting to know it. Then I turned it off and left it overnight. When I went to pick it up this morning the battery was completely dead.

Do these things need to be unplugged from the bass? I thought I caught it turning itself on after I had turned it off earlier. Has anyone else noticed theirs turning itself on when it's plugged in?

I'm on my 3rd G2 due to decharging issues when left plugged into bass. They acknowledged the issue and sent out new units immediately both times. I'm on day 3 and hope when I get home it is still charged.

Also does anyone have photos of cable management ideas? I only using direct from bass to G2 unit cable and then running from bass to Sansamp DI. I haven't tried too much with my IEMs or using the pass through side of the G2 unit. What is the advantage of that versus going into my DI and XLR out to board?

 

[Chace90]

Emailing them now about the same battery issues. It's been frustrating.

 

[Esquillama]

I’ve been using my G2 BackBeat for about 2 1/2 months or so now. It seemed to work great at first, but then it wasn’t doing anything when charged and powered up. Then I discovered that I wasn’t setting it properly, now it’s been working just fine.

I have a thick foam-type strap, so even set to maximum, I don’t feel as much as I’d like. But that’s not the BackBeat’s fault. I bet with a thinner strap you feel it quite well set on max. I plan on continuing to use it live, I don’t use it for practice at all, as I already have a set up that works for me.

Someone was asking about cable management. The cable is a bit long, so I used some Velcro cable ties and just strapped it onto my strap. I did double up some of the cable near the bottom, and it seems to be staying in place.

The one thing I have noticed is that I have to be careful with my wireless transmitter. If it gets out of position it causes the signal to cut out. But I’ve also attached Velcro to it, and the body of my bass so it stays in place.

We use IEMs, and I like the tactile response the BackBeat provides.

 

[rockinbilly]

Has anyone had any problem with using the backbeat with an active bass? I've been using the backbeat for several gigs, plus rehearsals and practice and I have to return it because it has developed a loud rattle! Is it possible to push the device too hard????? P.S. I love this thing and don't wanna play without it!!!!!

 

[rockiezz]

So I had a cable made for my Backbeat G2 rig, not real keen on how it turned out, the extra large plug at the bass is really large and it does not fit in my new MetroExpress jack, they have a recessed output jack. What are your thoughts? How to you cable your rig?

 

[Esquillama]

I use the BackBeat cable that they sell. I ordered an extra in case one goes down, then I have a back up. Their cable works very well for me, I just used Velcro cable wraps to keep it snug on my strap with a little extra loop for the slack.

 

[jgbassking78]

Be careful with the provided cable. The first one snapped off when trying to remove it from the G2. They sent another no problem. I've been much more careful, but the sheath of the wire is now slipping away from the jack end on the G2 side, and started to expose wires. I now use a 2 ft double L cable from the bass to the G2, and a single L cable from the G2 to my amp.
You also have to be aware of the Pad setting. I always keep it on and adjust my volumes. Btw, that first cable was bad from the gate. The unit was rumbling like crazy, I realized later it was because of a hum the cable caused, and the G2 was responding to the low frequencies.
Overall I enjoy the unit, although sometimes I wish I could get my hands on a G1. Its no bells and whistles, but very user friendly.

 

[Esquillama]

I have changed since I posted that picture above. I now use a flat double 90 degree cable from the G2 to my bass, and attach a wireless "bug" type transmitter to my effects unit. Works great, and sits flush at the G2 and on my bass. A little velcro on the side of the G2 and on my wireless transmitter, and it doesn't move during our sets.