Markbass head clipping

[Outer Sbass]

So I've got an issue.

I run a Little Mark Tube 800 through 4x10 and 1x15 cabs. Lately, it seems that my head is maybe pushing too much power to the cabs, as it's been clipping (and when it does clip, it makes a very, very quick, high pitched squeal, then it cuts the signal for a millisecond and I notice that the speakers in my cabs almost bulge out, startlingly, pushing way too much air).

If I dial the VPF back to about 1 o'clock, it stops it, but my sound suffers. I usually have my VPF at max (and I've used the head this way for 6 years w no issues), as I prefer that warmer sound.

I also set the gain at about 9 o'clock, master around 10 o'clock, and the EQ settings pretty flat, FYI.

Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[SJan3]

Is your clip light flashing upon hard attack?

 

[Outer Sbass]

Is your clip light flashing upon hard attack?

For the most part, yes, but normally I tend to play hard.

 

[Fretless1!]

Following

 

[Sparky Mark]

The VPF at max will be boosting very low frequencies around (20-30Hz) by 5dB. Chances are your cabs won't be able to produce much sound at those frequencies but at any decent volume this will use a lot of power and could stress your cabs. Something may have changed; are you playing more confidently (percussive) now if nothing else in your signal path has changed?
I recommend using the VPF less and using the low EQ to add some warmth back in. The low mid EQ can also reduce the boxiness like the VPF and the high EQ the top end. The VPF is a great filter but at max it's quite extreme.

 

[SJan3]

For the most part, yes, but normally I tend to play hard.

I'd back it off till it just stops blinking. Otherwise you're overdriving the preamp.
Also agree that VPF at Max is not a good idea. That's pushing the power amp to extremes too.

 

[Outer Sbass]

Update:

Decided to bring my head into the tech. The problem is my head is sending DC current instead of AC current to my cabinets. Very bad, lol. Tech is calling Markbass on Tuesday after the holiday to see what they have to say, but he suspects that could be a leaking capacitor (not a hundred percent sure, yet, obviously). Markbass may have to send a new preamp for it out to me.

I appreciate everyone's input on this. Thank you.

 

[vvvmmm]

I clicked on this title before remembering that Markbass heads don't even have rat-fur ...

 

[dkelley]

Update:

Decided to bring my head into the tech. The problem is my head is sending DC current instead of AC current to my cabinets. Very bad, lol. Tech is calling Markbass on Tuesday after the holiday to see what they have to say, but he suspects that could be a leaking capacitor (not a hundred percent sure, yet, obviously). Markbass may have to send a new preamp for it out to me.

I appreciate everyone's input on this. Thank you.

oof! Well they must be sending AC as well or there would be no sound from the speakers, just for the record

But DC it should NOT have, so that's a VERY good thing to have found!

 

[RSey716]

OS, I like your avatar. Man they have got to start winning again. I'm afraid your avatar is going to remain that way for another year. Ah the days of the French Connection....

 

[Outer Sbass]

OS, I like your avatar. Man they have got to start winning again. I'm afraid your avatar is going to remain that way for another year. Ah the days of the French Connection....

Lol, thanks! Yeah, I agree that this year is going to be yet another painful season, but I'm hoping the kids show something under Granato. They've got to get the "Jack situation" figured out, too.