I understand, but a tube amp is closer to a toaster than it is to a computer. Tubes don't have processors, memory cache, and other smart sounding technical terms.
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Fender Rumble LT25, Studio 40 & Stage 800
- Thread starter G-Dog
- Start date
I understand, but a tube amp is closer to a toaster than it is to a computer. Tubes don't have processors, memory cache, and other smart sounding technical terms.
True, should mention I'm a computer engineer by training, but if you consider critical systems... they never get power cycled. Or if you think more desktop wise, your cooling systems are configured to maintain a temperature and not "as cool as possible" in modern computing. Meaning the processors, memory, main board etc are kept thermally stable not cold. As a result failures are much lower than the early days. God I'm old 
Nail meet coffin. The Stage is going back. The restock fee will sting but it was worthwhile to know where this level of amp is compared to upper mid shelf modelers and studio monitors. If I played with others the trade in fidelity for brute volume would change the equation but I don't so... it doesn't 
Hey, guys, I am experiencing re-occurring cut-outs on my Stage 800. I am running the most current firmware. It’s a 2018 model, SN18000330. I bought it used (uh, oh...)
Not long after starting to play (within the first 5 mins) the sound will cut out completely (not just bass input, but also audio via aux in) and then after about 3-5 secs slowly come back to normal volume. As I continue to play (longest period is about an hour to an hour and a half) I will continue to get cut-outs, but each time the cut—out period is shorter, to the point where it will cut-out for about a second, then come straight back at full volume vs. a slow “turning up of the volume dial.”
I’ve tried it via the speakers, via headphones, with Tone App (Bluetooth) enabled and Tone App (Bluetooth) disabled. Cuts-out under all the above conditions within 5 mins of being on.
I have not tried to take back to base firmware yet.
Wondered if anyone else has seen this problem and has a fix?
Thx
Had that same problem, described somewhere in this thread a few months back in February/March. I thought it started occurring as I was messing up with Bluetooth and specifically after I connected it to Windows. The only way I recall getting mercy from the symptoms was when I turned BT and Wifi off, unpaired the amp from any device around.
But ultimately, I resorted to returning it and the new unit never had this issue. I never connected the new unit to my Window Bluetooth to prove that this did it, especially since it seemed to affect the power amp stage in the way you described. Oh and firmware updates didn't help either.
On my end I returned it on a sales day and got a $200 discount on the amp purchase, so I lucked out. I hope you figure it out and if you do learn more, please share, it drove me nuts for a couple weeks. Good luck!
I did look back, I thought it had popped up before, but I couldn’t find the post. Thx for replying.
Mine happens regardless whether Bluetooth or Wi-Fi are connected. I remembered enough from the previous discussion to try that first. No luck.
Because I bought mine used, I’m afraid I won’t get much love from Fender re: a replacement, but maybe they’ll step up. It’s most likely a computer/software issue, not a hardware one as it happens with headphones and speakers. Hopefully, for me, it’s an “identified anomaly” and they’ll offer to take care of it. I hope.
I’ve sent a note detailing the issue to Fender Customer Support, we’ll see what they say.
Thx.
Since then, I have never had any problems (also a 2018 model). Some of these measures may have contributed:
- Restore the base firmware followed by updating to the most recent version.
- unpair all the bluetooth devices;
- Only one bluetooth device connected at once.
I’ll try taking back to base firmware and re-installing current update tonight. And I’ll ensure only one Bluetooth device at a time, which is how I have been operating, but will double check everything.
Thx.
It definitely doesn't like previously paired-with devices in the vicinity. Every time I have to make sure I "forget" (not just unpair) the rumble in any device that was previously connected.
My two cents is that the Bluetooth chip is probably on the same card as the wifi, requiring too much power to function, tripping protection mode.
I have seen that in the past where manufacturers tried to reduce costs by getting these wifi/bluetooth cards from previous generations, but that also end up overheating or asking for too much power.
In the case of laptops, you just see bandwidth limiting to prevent power failures, but here it just seems designed that it can trip the main power, and I hope that it can be addressed with firmware updates.
Is the amp close to a wall or something that may be obstructing air flow to the cooling fan? I think everyone with the GTs and Rumbles were having this issue last year. I experienced it several times and it was either resolved by the firmware update or moving my amp a few more inches away from the wall.
The amp seems to be very sensitive to needing airflow. If it gets hot, it cuts out to prevent damage. Hope that helps because it got annoying quick when I dealt with it.
Update on cut-out issue with my Stage 800:
No word from Fender Customer Service...
I took the unit back down to base firmware. Started it up and played for 20+ min with no cut-out. Ok, this is a positive. Under previous conditions, I would have had multiple cut-outs within 20 mins.
Connected to Wi-Fi, performed update, latest firmware downloaded and installed, no problem.
Turned on the unit, did not connect any Bluetooth devices (no Tone App) and started playing. Cut-out about 5 mins in, same as before, 4-5 seconds no sound, then sound comes back, not all at once, but like someone is turning up the volume knob.
Crap!
Ok, what's changed. New Firmware and Wi-Fi connected.
Let's try turning off the wi-fi.
Turned off wi-fi with new Firmward still installed, start playing. No cut-out after about 15 mins. Ok, another positive outcome, but no access to the Tone App via wi-fi, and that is a definite negative.
Leave wi-fi off, but enable Bluetooth, Open Tone App and sync through my iPad Pro. Connection established, Tone App operative. Good!
Start playing, no cut-out for 15 mins. Excellent!
Leave amp and iPad on and connected. Go eat dinner. 30 mins later plug in bass and practice via headphones for about an hour. No cut-outs!!
I am cautiously optimistic that the wi-fi connection seems to be the culprit, which shouldn't be a deal-breaker for me as I should only need the wi-fi to download firmware updates. I'll log the amp in via wi-fi to do that when necessary, then just disable the wi-fi until the next download is required.
Will continue to test the amp with additional sessions and long stretches, but if I can use it with the Tone App via Bluetooth and that doesn't cause cut-outs, I'll be happy.
No word from Fender Customer Service...
I took the unit back down to base firmware. Started it up and played for 20+ min with no cut-out. Ok, this is a positive. Under previous conditions, I would have had multiple cut-outs within 20 mins.
Connected to Wi-Fi, performed update, latest firmware downloaded and installed, no problem.
Turned on the unit, did not connect any Bluetooth devices (no Tone App) and started playing. Cut-out about 5 mins in, same as before, 4-5 seconds no sound, then sound comes back, not all at once, but like someone is turning up the volume knob.
Crap!
Ok, what's changed. New Firmware and Wi-Fi connected.
Let's try turning off the wi-fi.
Turned off wi-fi with new Firmward still installed, start playing. No cut-out after about 15 mins. Ok, another positive outcome, but no access to the Tone App via wi-fi, and that is a definite negative.
Leave wi-fi off, but enable Bluetooth, Open Tone App and sync through my iPad Pro. Connection established, Tone App operative. Good!
Start playing, no cut-out for 15 mins. Excellent!
Leave amp and iPad on and connected. Go eat dinner. 30 mins later plug in bass and practice via headphones for about an hour. No cut-outs!!
I am cautiously optimistic that the wi-fi connection seems to be the culprit, which shouldn't be a deal-breaker for me as I should only need the wi-fi to download firmware updates. I'll log the amp in via wi-fi to do that when necessary, then just disable the wi-fi until the next download is required.
Will continue to test the amp with additional sessions and long stretches, but if I can use it with the Tone App via Bluetooth and that doesn't cause cut-outs, I'll be happy.
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I am really hopeful that my Stage 800 does work. I really like the amp. I'm totally digging the capabilities built in to this unit and think it's a great concept.
There are several usable amp tones for me and it has surprised me how certain amp models sound awesome on one guitar, but not another. For example, my USA Geddy loves the Super Bassman, but my Sadowsky, not as much. To my ear, the Sadowsky sounds best on some of the more "modern" offerings (GK-800, Rumble V3). Again, I'm pretty much a beginner with all of this, so I may feel completely different in a few months as I learn more about the tones within each bass and how they interact with the different amp models.
The cool part is, this amp opens all of those doors to me in one "reasonably-priced," easily schlepp-able unit vs. multiple heads and multiple cabs and multiple thousands of dollars. And that doesn't even scratch the pedal/FX surface, which is also included.
A HOPEFUL two thumbs up from me on the Stage 800. If I can get the tech to cooperate and offer stable operation this should be a long-term good purchase!
There are several usable amp tones for me and it has surprised me how certain amp models sound awesome on one guitar, but not another. For example, my USA Geddy loves the Super Bassman, but my Sadowsky, not as much. To my ear, the Sadowsky sounds best on some of the more "modern" offerings (GK-800, Rumble V3). Again, I'm pretty much a beginner with all of this, so I may feel completely different in a few months as I learn more about the tones within each bass and how they interact with the different amp models.
The cool part is, this amp opens all of those doors to me in one "reasonably-priced," easily schlepp-able unit vs. multiple heads and multiple cabs and multiple thousands of dollars. And that doesn't even scratch the pedal/FX surface, which is also included.
A HOPEFUL two thumbs up from me on the Stage 800. If I can get the tech to cooperate and offer stable operation this should be a long-term good purchase!
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Rumble Club member #1253, @mike roman asked there ...
And I have previously told him ...
May I respectfully request our bass modeling mavens here in this hallowed Hall off Rumbleness to please give him your suggestions, recommendations and/or thoughts on the matter, especially (but not limited to) any LT25 users? I'd appreciate it very much, thank you.
He's been asking on TB in general since at least April, that I know of, and in the Rumble Club since he joined us about week or so ago, with no really helpful replies that I've seen (maybe I overlooked them?).
I believe that, though our Rumble LT25 users may be few in number, their Rumblings on this topic, whatever they may be, would be greatly appreciated, as would those of our Stage & Studio users.
And I have previously told him ...
.
mike, do you already have the LT25, or are you researching a possible purchase? It is true, to whatever degree, that "tone is in the fingers", but I believe that you can get very close, in many cases, with today's modeling amps!
While I'm not familiar with the available amp models, effects, presets & settings on the Rumble LT25, I do enjoy exploring those on its big brother, my Rumble Studio 40. Its "Roundabout" preset gets me quite close [to Chris Squire's tone] with just the flick of the preset knob! Yes, there's still quite a bit of practice and technique to get the rest of the way, but it's coming along quite nicely, thank you.
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May I respectfully request our bass modeling mavens here in this hallowed Hall off Rumbleness to please give him your suggestions, recommendations and/or thoughts on the matter, especially (but not limited to) any LT25 users? I'd appreciate it very much, thank you.
He's been asking on TB in general since at least April, that I know of, and in the Rumble Club since he joined us about week or so ago, with no really helpful replies that I've seen (maybe I overlooked them?).
I believe that, though our Rumble LT25 users may be few in number, their Rumblings on this topic, whatever they may be, would be greatly appreciated, as would those of our Stage & Studio users.
Come on, Rumblers! Can we help a brother out, here?
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I've tried to find a list of the presets on the LT25, but unsuccessful. I don't know if they have some of the ones on the Studio/Stage or not. So, I'd suggest trying any preset on the LT25 that sounds like it could be a Rush song. On my Studio, that'd be #69 Limelight - which on my jazz gets a very good "geddy tone"!
“Limelight” and “Roundabout” would be my first tries, too.
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@mike roman, have you listened to muzycnyc's Rumble LT25 VIDEO Demo of 30 Presets, which is linked on the Rumble Club Wiki page, in the Rumble LT25 section? See if any of them, hopefully, already sound like what you're looking for, or maybe close enough to tweak there.
Hope this helps.
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@mike roman, have you listened to muzycnyc's Rumble LT25 VIDEO Demo of 30 Presets, which is linked on the Rumble Club Wiki page, in the Rumble LT25 section? See if any of them, hopefully, already sound like what you're looking for, or maybe close enough to tweak there.
Hope this helps.
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Wow. A completely different list than the Studio40/Stage 800. A completely different viewpoint.
