• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Mesa WD-800 Noise Issue

Wolfenstein666

Wolfenstein666

Dec 19, 2014
2,326
4,794
#1
Having an issue with my WD-800. When the amp is plugged in it makes a hissing / popping / static noise intermittently. I replaced the tube preamp yesterday and it didn't help out at all. I have also isolated it to just the amp: it makes the noise when no instrument or cable is plugged in, and it makes the noises while plugged in DI and through my cabinet. I'm stumped, and figured I'd ask to see if anyone has had a similar issue before I send it off to be repaired.

Thanks!
 
#2
Does the noise go away if you turn the master volume down?

Can you try the amp in another location to eliminate the possibility of the noise coming over the power lines?

You don't have a mobile phone near the amp do you?

These amps are best handled by our factory service department, our customer service folks can get this arranged for you.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Al Kraft, dbsfgyd1, Aqualung60 and 10 others
#3
agedhorse said:
Does the noise go away if you turn the master volume down?
Click to expand...
I will try this at my next practice. I believe the noise does not go away, but will confirm tomorrow.
agedhorse said:
Can you try the amp in another location to eliminate the possibility of the noise coming over the power lines?
Click to expand...
Yes. I used the amp at both my practice spots, in different cities. Noise was present at both, one running through DI and the other through my cabinet (also Mesa).
agedhorse said:
You don't have a mobile phone near the amp do you?
Click to expand...
I do not.
agedhorse said:
These amps are best handled by our factory service department, our customer service folks can get this arranged for you.
Click to expand...
I'm assuming this is the service line listed in the manual?

Thank you for your help! Massively appreciate it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Al Kraft, Rev_Slinky and DrThumpenstein
#4
Wolfenstein666 said:
I will try this at my next practice. I believe the noise does not go away, but will confirm tomorrow.

Yes. I used the amp at both my practice spots, in different cities. Noise was present at both, one running through DI and the other through my cabinet (also Mesa).

I do not.

I'm assuming this is the service line listed in the manual?

Thank you for your help! Massively appreciate it.
Click to expand...
707-778-6565, ask for the service department (Mon-Thur)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Al Kraft, Parzival, Rev_Slinky and 5 others
#6
What does a mobile phone do to it?

My WD800 has intermittently gone into a "honking" mode.
It kinda has a goose honking tone and the amber Limit LED just stays lit.
At first, I thought it was the cabinets, so I changed cabinets, and it went away.
Then it came back a couple of gigs later.
When I tested at home, it all sounded fine even with the previous cabinets.

I have been known to set my mobile phone on top when gigging (to keep track of time.)
 
#7
Mobile phones regularly interrogate the cell network at fairly high power in order to communicate location data and this can generate all kinds of odd noises when they are close to pickups and sensitive areas of the amp.

Noises can be caused by other things as well, but this is one common cause that is external to the amp.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Al Kraft, WRM, NitroBobby and 2 others
#8
agedhorse said:
Mobile phones regularly interrogate the cell network at fairly high power in order to communicate location data and this can generate all kinds of odd noises when they are close to pickups and sensitive areas of the amp.

Noises can be caused by other things as well, but this is one common cause that is external to the amp.
Click to expand...
On the subject of mobile phones….

On occasion, I hear wireless in-ear monitor users report a “funny noise” coming and going in their ear buds. Even if the question is directed to a technician, I always ask if their phone is in their back pocket.

Almost always, that’s the issue.
 
  • Like
Reactions: agedhorse, NitroBobby and JazznFunk
#9
The mobile phone thing is REAL. I played several gigs in one venue locally where I thought I always had dirty power. There would be intermittent buzzes and pops and I tried EVERYTHING to diagnose it. Then, during a sound check one day before I muted the amp, the noise started right as I picked up my cell phone off the top of the amp chassis. The noise disappeared. I put the phone back on the amp.... noise came back. What I thought was dirty power or an amp issue was indeed the cell phone. I never put my phone on or near any amp since!
 
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: 6thplanet, agedhorse, WRM and 2 others
#11
Geri O said:
On the subject of mobile phones….

On occasion, I hear wireless in-ear monitor users report a “funny noise” coming and going in their ear buds. Even if the question is directed to a technician, I always ask if their phone is in their back pocket.

Almost always, that’s the issue.
Click to expand...
My hearing aids frequently receive unwanted noise from my phone. In turn it OFF when playing.
 
  • Like
Reactions: agedhorse
#13
Parzival said:
My last three amps, Mesa, GK, Genzler have always had noise at my house and worried me.
Get to the gig, get some good power and never had an issue with any of them.
My house just has the noise. It is what it is.
Click to expand...
Do you have any internet repeaters, Wi-Fi over power line, etc at home.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Parzival
#15
agedhorse said:
Does the noise go away if you turn the master volume down?

Can you try the amp in another location to eliminate the possibility of the noise coming over the power lines?

You don't have a mobile phone near the amp do you?

These amps are best handled by our factory service department, our customer service folks can get this arranged for you.
Click to expand...
Sorry it took me a little longer than I thought, but to answer question 1;

Yes. The noise does go away if I turn the master volume down.
 
#18
Ok, the next step it to try it in another location to rule out interference in your current location and power system.
 
#20
Ok, does the noise change with the input gain control? If it does not, it may just be a defective tube. If it does, there is something wrong with the input stages of the amp.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back