Problem with Markbass Tube 800 and tc electronics RS210

[sambassista]

I have just run into an issue with my (older) Markbass Tube 800 and tc electronics RS210 speaker. Once connected and setup, there is some heavy clicking sound and bass tone is only audible in between, trying to attach a brief video clip. I was planning to use this setup on on a gig next weekend (mostly just play with preamps and in-ears these days, but still use the trusty amp setup occasionally on gigs with classic wedge monitor setup).

I used the setup last rehearsal last Tuesday, where it worked fine (after a while, see below). On the way home, the speaker *lightly* tumbled off my trolley and everything got a good shake, amp was double-protected in its bag and an extra hard shell case though. Would anyone have had a similar experience or good guess whether the poweramp or the speaker may be the more likely problem? Would much appreciate any insights.

Some additional info:

• The preamp of the markbass head does not seem to be affected. Works fine when connected via xlr to a headphone preamp, both pre-and post EQ settings work fine (no clikcing, no noise.
• I don't think the Markbasses pre-amp tube is the issue either - works fine on xlr both dialed in or out.
• Issue persists with instrument and instrument cable connected or disconnected - and also with different speaker cables (I tried too)
• No internal clicking from amp audibale when no speaker is connected
• Changing the horn level of the speaker makes no difference either
• I had noticed before this issue already that when turning on the amp there is a loud clicking sound (which I don't remeber to be the case with another speaker a few years ago).
• Most recently, the amp and speaker were first very quiet when turning on, as if the system needs to warm-up. After a while it worked fine.
• *EDIT: I do not have another amp or speaker here to exclude one or the other, unfortunately.

Thanks in advance for any tips.

 

[frankie5string]

That's hard to diagnose. It sounds almost like the amp is going in and out of protect mode - which would explain why the preamp is fine while the amp output is doing that.
Can you try a different speaker cable? Or have the cabinet tested in case there's something triggering a dead-short in the cabinet?

 

[sambassista]

Thanks for your reply. I have tried two different speaker cables, one new - that is not the issue. Will try and go by a local music store tomorrow and see whether we can exclude either the amp or speaker by trying with a respective alternative.

 

[sambassista]

Update on this: took it to a music shop today: the clicking sound (see video above) had stopped this morning, seems to come on only after a while. Very silent on turning on though, again seemed to need to "warm up" first, and same behavior on a different speaker. Hence likely the power amp - I will try and send the head to Markbass for repair.