Genz BEnz Shuttle Max 6 goes to Protection

[AJQH]

My recently purchased Shuttle Max is going into protection mode with very little volume out of the speaker, it is distorted and doing it on both channels so seems like a power amp problem? It was brought to use with a Pedal Steel and Tele to each channel. worked well for the PS, not so much with the Tele, although that could have been the problem developing, no volume available, Any ideas would be appreciated, Aged? if possible. Amp has only been trialed at home, and not for long as it didn't seem suitable for the Tele, fine for the PS, Thanks

 

[agedhorse]

Are you using the same speaker and speaker cable? This is generally an indication that you have a shorted speaker cable or connection inside the speaker.

If it turns out there is an issue with the amp, it's still covered under the flat rate factory service program. TM me for information.

 

[AJQH]

Fixed!! Thanks very much for your comments, I was running it into a 2 speaker box with one of those fancy multiple ohm inputs, must have been short circuiting through there somehow when I connected the Speakon socket. I had been using it with a 1/4'' plugin for another amp as well without Speakon. Its a testament to the design and safety features you put in the amp that no damage was done

 

[agedhorse]

Excellent. When folks ask WHY some amps cost more than other amps, why they are so expensive, one reason is the added cost of designing in AND TESTING these sophisticated protection circuits. It simply costs more to design and manufacture an amp that is reliable under adverse conditions, has a long service life and is serviceable/supportable 15+ years down the road. This becomes the definition of "cost of ownership" which is based on cost divided by years of service rather than just cost alone.

 

[AJQH]

Some thoughts on using it for Pedal Steel and guitar - It seems to work really well for the PS in the FET channel, not so good with a Tele in either channel, sounds a bit 'sterile' for want of a better description, even using some gain on the tube channel. The tube listed is a 12ax7 do you think changing the tube, even going to a ef86?same as used in Vox ams and some DR Z. Could the ef86 damage the amp? I'm not even sure it would fit, pin wise. I wouldn't like to reduce the output of the amp, it does seem a little weak with the single coil tele, I also realise it was not designed as a guitar amp, the concept of the 2 channels for different guitars, easily switchable and configureable appeals, and almost works...

 

[agedhorse]

First of all, that's a totally different tube type entirely so it won't work. Second, fortunately it won't fit either. Just leave well enough alone, I have no idea if trying something like that (assuming it would even fit) would not damage the amp as it never crossed my mind that it might be tried. You already lucked out with the speaker protection, I wouldn't recommend pushing your luck.

There is not nearly as much gain on the ShuttleMax as in a typical guitar amp by design, nor is there reverb. You can get more gain by using the high gain switch, but that's still not as much as a guitar amp.

 

[AJQH]

Thanks, What I thought about the ef86, just needed confirmation , and you gave it

 

[spufman]

A nice boost/drive pedal between the Tele and the amp doesn't do the trick?

 

[S-Bigbottom]

not so good with a Tele in either channel, sounds a bit 'sterile' for want of a better description, even using some gain on the tube channel. The tube listed is a 12ax7 do you think changing the tube, even going to a ef86?same as used in Vox ams and some DR Z. Could the ef86 damage the amp?

It is a nice clean amp to make loud. What you want to do with the Tele you need to add in an effects pedal or four to get you some color and such.
Leave the amp guts alone.

 

[AJQH]

I have a couple of pedals that will help, I think, thanks for your comments