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BMax-T Users, I need Help

pgurns

pgurns

Dec 26, 2003
649
12
60
Northern, IL
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#1
Just got a BMax-T and was wondering how bright the tube glowed in it. The reason I ask is that I am getting very low output to the cabs. I know it was MUCH louder with my old solid state BMax. All that has changed is the Bmax-T pre and I am now using Avatar Kappa pro's rather than the Avatar Deltas. (same impedance) I know the Kappa Pro's have a higher power handling range but it should not affect volume to this degree. I suspect it is in the pre but not sure. Any help appreciated.
Paul
 
#3
Well it was an EBay purchase so I really have no store to take it too unfortuneately. I have a friend who used to own a TV repair shop and still has some test equipment so he will test the tube on Friday. Anybody no if a tube can go bad causing this type of problem, or is it simply a case of it either works or not, with the tube. Like I said it lights very dimly. How bright does your tube glow afroman?
 
#4
pgurns said:
Well it was an EBay purchase so I really have no store to take it too unfortuneately. I have a friend who used to own a TV repair shop and still has some test equipment so he will test the tube on Friday. Anybody no if a tube can go bad causing this type of problem, or is it simply a case of it either works or not, with the tube. Like I said it lights very dimly. How bright does your tube glow afroman?
Click to expand...

Paul,

I've heard of bad tubes causing low output, but I think the normal 'tube going bad' symptoms deal with the audio quality not the amplitude. Are you cranking the gain and master volume knobs currently to get what is still lower output?

John

P.S. did you get my PM re: the solid state BMax you sent to me last week?
 
#5
Yeash just read it. Glad you like the pre I'll hook you up in the Feedback Forum. Yeah everythingis cranked up to max and still wimpy ass sound. The pre I just sold you cranked but the new tube one blows. Like I said besides the pre I also changed from the Avatar delta cabs to the Kappa Pro's but I can't see that making a difference. Now I'm just getting pissed 'cause I got new cabs pre and a new bass and I can't hear anything LOL
 
#6
pgurns said:
Yeash just read it. Glad you like the pre I'll hook you up in the Feedback Forum. Yeah everythingis cranked up to max and still wimpy ass sound. The pre I just sold you cranked but the new tube one blows. Like I said besides the pre I also changed from the Avatar delta cabs to the Kappa Pro's but I can't see that making a difference. Now I'm just getting pissed 'cause I got new cabs pre and a new bass and I can't hear anything LOL
Click to expand...

Hmm, that's too bad :) If it's not a bad tube i'm not sure what other electrical issues would cause the symptoms you're describing. Unfortunately I really can't help you past that, but you know TB, i'm sure you'll get some great feedback shortly.
 
#8
Thanks for the reply OBBM. a few questions, what is normalling mean? I assume you mean 1/4 jacks right? I can try it when I get home later. If it works that way what does it mean? Sorry for the dumb questions,just not sure how this all works cause I'm kinda new to this stuff.
 
#9
One more thing you may want to check up on:

If your Tube version has had the input sensitivity adjustment, and your old SS version didn't, it would definately seem quieter. The newer versions have the adjustment already. You can probably check by the serial number, and email BBE.

When I had the older versions, I couldn't turn it past 3 or 4. It would be way too overpowering. Now, I pretty much max the Master, and adjust the Input to about 5 or 6, depending on how hot signal from the bass is.

+1 on checking the effects loop too.
 
#10
C-5KO said:
One more thing you may want to check up on:

If your Tube version has had the input sensitivity adjustment, and your old SS version didn't, it would definately seem quieter. The newer versions have the adjustment already. You can probably check by the serial number, and email BBE.

When I had the older versions, I couldn't turn it past 3 or 4. It would be way too overpowering. Now, I pretty much max the Master, and adjust the Input to about 5 or 6, depending on how hot signal from the bass is.

+1 on checking the effects loop too.
Click to expand...

Did BBE charge you for this upgrade? How long was turnaround, etc. Mine is hot, too, but it doesn't really bother me too much.
 
#11
Your problem sounds unusual. I would swap out the tube first. Also has this unit had the factory input mod done? Did your solid state have the mod done. I just sold a BMax-T, and the output was about the same as the BMax. I could be something as simple as the preamp getting dropped in shipping. EH makes a Mullard tube that's quite reasonable. My favorite is the Amperex "Hammond" tube. A little pricier, but worth the sound.
 
#12
I test a BMAX-t with a QSC plx1202 and a avatar 410 pro, not problem, very, VERY LOUDDDDDDD

GAIN 2-3, MASTER 2-3 AND and the sound was rumbling the place!!!

What about that gain adjustment issue that I read, that require factory adjusment?

because I think is not normal to have the gain set 2-3, this is the one that pump the tube,

any feedback?
 
#14
pgurns said:
Thanks for the reply OBBM. a few questions, what is normalling mean? I assume you mean 1/4 jacks right? I can try it when I get home later. If it works that way what does it mean? Sorry for the dumb questions,just not sure how this all works cause I'm kinda new to this stuff.
Click to expand...

When you have nothing connected to the Fx send and return jack sockets the signal gets passed from one socket to the other via an internal switch in the Fx return socket.

When you plug in a jack it changes this switch and accepts the external signal coming in through the Fx Return jack.

Sometimes these internal switches become faulty and not pass the signal when no jacks are plugged in. The vcontacts can become dirty and provide a high resistance to the signal resulting in loss in level.

I've had this problem on audio mixer insert jacks.

I have a BMAX-T and far from having low gain it had originally had very high gain until I did the BBE modification. Now it's just fine.
 
#16
you def have a serious problem here. I run a Crest LT 1000 (1300 watts bridge / mono into 4Ohms) and I have the Gain at 10 o'clock and the master at about 9 o'clock and it will clip the power amp any higher.

My tube burns very bright.

I would contact the seller on ebay ($5 says it was instrument exchange, or the seller's name was GC123 or GC something)
 

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