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MarkBass MiniMark 802 Power up issue

munk18

munk18

Nov 7, 2008
19
0
#1
I looked around about this issue and only found a few threads discussing it, but not about my specific amp. I have a Minimark 802 I use it for small gigs. With COVID I didn't use it as much and it did sit unused for a while, at least 6 months. Well gigs came rolling in and the other day I turned it on to practice to not get any sound. Usually it powers on, lights comes on, you hear a small "click" and the amp works as intended. The 'click' didn't happen that time. So trying to eliminate all other problems of changing cables, basses, outlets and knowing for sure it was the amp I just let it sit powered on and after a while it started working.

After some time I am noticing it now takes at least 5-20 seconds for that "click" to trigger and it then the amp actually works. Its sorta the 'click' of relief at this point lol. The time it takes seems to be dependent on how long after I keep it off if that makes sense? Still very much stressing me out I will get to a gig and it just won't work, which right now I now taking a my back up amp to every rehearsal and gig (ugh!).

To me it seems like sadly its breaking down, but would wan't to get the forums insight or tips on this. After it turns on it works fine - the sound is clear and pristine as usual. No change at all. Would this be an issue of maybe weather? Im in Souther Calif and it seldomly does get hot in my room. Markbass is known for their superior quality and Im not sure if its worth it to fix. Thanks!
 
#2
I am having the same issue with my 12" Mark Combo. I have searched for info or answers on this also, no luck. I was thinking possibly the switch. It does turn on the light immediately but waiting for the "click" is frustrating. Once on it is perfect, I just don't turn it off until gig is done. Sure could use some help or suggestions. I can't even locate the switch or parts info?
 
#6
Pitts said:
I am having the same issue with my 12" Mark Combo...
Click to expand...

Wow. Me too. My 121P combo (early Indonesian) was just sitting (switched off but plugged to 110vAC no doubt) unused for a number of months. Now the pilot light and fan come on, but no click, no sound passes, but I can clip the input. I also have a Micromark 801 (in livingroom, seldom turned off) and a 102P Combo (both are older/Italian), they still work.

Markbass 121P.jpg
 
#9
Hi, I have the same problem with a Markbass Mini CMD121P. It started to take some seconds or minutes to do the 'click' and start working, and after some months being unused, I tested it again and now the click never happens and it doesn't output any sound. If I increase the gain I can see the clip light.
Did you manage to fix the problem?
 
#10
My 121P that I posted about upthread still takes ~5 minutes for sound to pass if it's been off overnight or longer, after that, I can switch it off for an hour, then back on and it will pass sound in just a few seconds. I guess it's a relay, and I've taken no action to have it repaired yet since I only use it at a test bench.
 
#13
It could be the switching power supply or something that is adversely affecting the power supply. Unplug the amp for 24 hours and move the amp to an outlet very close to the electrical panel. Plug in directly into the wall outlet with a different compatible cable if possible. This could eliminate the question of, is your particular room wall power supply crummy or is your power strip slightly defective. If there is no change, then it’s at least not due to a bad wall power source.

There are some here who have an idea of the problem. Someone who could safely work on it wouldn’t ask. So, it is assumed giving an answer is dangerous for the majority of people.

If the inside is very dusty, you could take it to any regular technician to clean the inside, clean/reseat boards, connectors and components and clean pots (while they’re at it, won’t hurt). That could help for the most simple issue.
 
#14
SJan3 said:
Any thoughts on what it could be?
Click to expand...
Yes, but the specific things that are common are not easily identifiable and definitely not user (or even so-so tech) compatible.

Other than remotely possible that it's a cabinet with a defective crossover (unlikely but ruling this out is very easy and definitive), everything else is pretty heavy duty tech time.
 
#15
jps1984 said:
Hi, I have the same problem with a Markbass Mini CMD121P. It started to take some seconds or minutes to do the 'click' and start working, and after some months being unused, I tested it again and now the click never happens and it doesn't output any sound. If I increase the gain I can see the clip light.
Did you manage to fix the problem?
Click to expand...

I have a mate with the same combo, and after a while on start up the amp started to 'whistle', very high pitched. He bought it secondhand so no warranty, and local tech were asking a bit too much just to take a look at it.
 
#16
Bright Midnight said:
27070319[/URL], member: 177396"]I have a mate with the same combo, and after a while on start up the amp started to 'whistle', very high pitched. He bought it secondhand so no warranty, and local tech were asking a bit too much just to take a look at it.
Click to expand...
Is it fan noise? He would have to listen for it. I would vacuum the fan and shoot some compressed air from a can into the fan as a start. Replacing a bad fan is usually affordable.
 
#17
Also on the impossible to be the problem list is the fuse. Warning, the fuse must be completely dry if you used any solvent. Take the fuse out, check it, reverse it if it is reversible, clean and completely dry it if it is slightly oxidized. Just like changing power cables. They “never” go bad but sometimes reseating/cleaning all components that you are qualified to work on is a good practice.
 
#18
Dadum said:
Is it fan noise? He would have to listen for it. I would vacuum the fan and shoot some compressed air from a can into the fan as a start. Replacing a bad fan is usually affordable.
Click to expand...

We disconnected the fan, but the high pitch remained unchanged. According to a local musician/electronics guy it's to do with a piece of board that seems to be 'glued' in.... Haven't heard anything since, but it did get me wondering about Markbass...seem to have been some issues around
 
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#19
Bright Midnight said:
27071508[/URL], member: 177396"]We disconnected the fan, but the high pitch remained unchanged. According to a local musician/electronics guy it's to do with a piece of board that seems to be 'glued' in.... Haven't heard anything since, but it did get me wondering about Markbass...seem to have been some issues around
Click to expand...
Does he know how much a board swap would cost? That would be a great reference number for us to know.
 
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#20
Dadum said:
Does he know how much a board swap would cost? That would be a great reference number for us to know.
Click to expand...

No we don't. It was either swapping it ourselves, but the fact that it was glued in place with a sort of raisin made us not take that route, or have it sent back. Sending the combo back would've cost a 100€ easily back and forth, and then we'd still have to add the cost of the repair, which was unknown. He had paid 250 secondhand, so he let go finally. It's just sitting there now.
 

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