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Hey, what is this little switch

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by Matthew Bryson, Oct 5, 2001.

  1. Oct 5, 2001 #1
    Matthew Bryson

    Matthew Bryson Guest

    Jul 30, 2001
    this little switch on the back of my amp: ground + or 0 or - can anybody explain?
     
  2. Oct 5, 2001 #2
    Deman669

    Deman669

    May 11, 2001
    Caldwell, ID, USA
    That is a ground switch. It controls the polarity oof the ground, and whether it is connected or not. It hleps get rid of 60 cycle hum (oftebn heard when bad/dirty power is present). it is a nice little feature, so you don't have to plug your amp into an adapter.
     
  3. Oct 5, 2001 #3
    Matthew Bryson

    Matthew Bryson Guest

    Jul 30, 2001
    So if set on 0 then I am not grounded...and I can have + or - ground. I am guessing that it is prefered to be grounded, is there any difference between a + or - ground if all other things are equal (and if both work equally well?)
     
  4. Oct 5, 2001 #4
    throbbinnut

    throbbinnut

    Jun 20, 2000
    georgia....georgia........geor
    If your amp has a 3 prong plug, then you are always grounded regardless of the switch setting (assuming the outlet is grounded correctly). And if you have a 2 prong plug, then you are never grounded regardless of the switch setting. The switch is just connecting a capacitor from chassis to either of the AC lines, or neither of the AC lines in the 0 position. It helps with high frequency noise in some situations (fluorescent lights, etc.).

    To set it, plug in your amp, plug in your bass, and touch the strings and listen for a "pop" from your speaker. Flip the switch and try again. In one of the positions, there will be less or no "pop", and that is what you want.

    Chris