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SWR clipping problem, help!

S

skunkrawk

Apr 25, 2003
194
0
38
DC
#1
The other night I had a performance with my school's show band (the band that plays for the show choire) and when I turned on my SWR Workingman's 12, a horrible static/clipping/distorted sound shot out of the speaker. It couldn't have happened at a worse time, with the audience quiet and waiting and all of the performers (in the choire) in their positions on the side of the stage. Luckily there was a keyboard amp that the guitar player and I use during rehearsals already on stage (we call it the guzzler) and I was able to quickly switch over. I later found that even with the gain all the way down on the SWR, the clip light would shine brightly at the slightest hint of a signal. I added as little volume as possible and i guess as a result of the extreme clipping it sounded a lot like a fuzz pedal. Does anyone know what the exact problem is or how I can quickly fix it? I searched the forums but couldn't come across any posts about SWR's with similar problems. Thanks! -Dave
 
#4
I get the distorted sound regardless of volume setting, even with the gain turned completely down. On stage the master was probably around or less than half, which is how loud I normally had it set for that kind of performance. When I went back and tested it to see what the problem was, I turned the master almost completely off (I had to or my speaker would have killed itself) and the distorted sound could still be heard. I'm pretty sure it's the distinct sound of the preamp clipping. I just can't figure out why it would be clipping constantly regardless of signal stength and/or gain setting. I've used the bass and cable from that night several times since then, so I'm pretty sure it's a problem with the amp. Thanks, -Dave
 
#5
Set the select switch in the back to "Phones" only, and plug in some headphones. Very carefully place the headphones somewhat near your ears and see if the distorted sound is coming through. If it is, it's something within the "amp" section. If not, I have to imagine its speaker related.
 
#6
I'm pretty positive it has to do with the amp section and not the speaker because as mentioned, the clipping light stays lit even when the gain is turned all the way down. I think the problem is with the preamp clipping, I'm just trying to figure out what's causing it and if there is a way to repair it.
 

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