Volume/Preamp problems with Yamaha BBNE2

[Ravenh4wk]

I have recently noticed that I'm getting volume problems with my Yamaha BBNE2 and wondered if anyone had a solution?

The volume doesn't seem to start rolling up until I get to about the 7 out of 10 position and it sort of 'pops in' rather than gradually increase in volume. I did a gig a few weeks ago and there was a high pitched squeal that increased in pitch and volume during our set. I realised that it was probably the battery and changed it and it sorted out the issue - but I had only recharged the battery recently and it would have only had around 3 hours of use since being charged? I always pull out the cable during breaks too so that it saves the battery.

i gigged again last night and replaced the battery with a brand new Duracell rechargeable. I soon noticed that if I had the volume slightly rolled off, there was an odd thing happening where the volume varied on each string? So, for instance, the volume on the A string would be fine, but the volume on the D string would break up?

My quick solution was to play in passive mode and I didn't have any other issues. So it leads me to think that it might be a preamp issue?

Are preamps for the Yamaha BBNE2 readily available or should I go for a different type of preamp? For anyone who is not familiar with the BBNE2, it has a switchable mid cut boost and a 3 band EQ.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I'd pull the rechargeables and install some standard 9v's just to rule-out the dumb stuff.

Riis

 

[Ravenh4wk]

I'd pull the rechargeables and install some standard 9v's just to rule-out the dumb stuff.

Riis

I've always used rechargeables in my active basses and there's never been a problem before? I've had this bass for about 18 months and it has always worked with rechargeables up until recently?

 

[Zooberwerx]

I've always used rechargeables in my active basses and there's never been a problem before? I've had this bass for about 18 months and it has always worked with rechargeables up until recently?

Well, you've got a problem now and we're pursuing the simplest and least-expensive diagnostic path. If the bass functions perfectly with a conventional alkaline 9v, we may be on to something. If not, we'll expand the search....plus you now have a spare 9v!

Riis

 

[Ravenh4wk]

Well, you've got a problem now and we're pursuing the simplest and least-expensive diagnostic path. If the bass functions perfectly with a conventional alkaline 9v, we may be on to something. If not, we'll expand the search....plus you now have a spare 9v!

Riis

I set up my bass yesterday, exactly as I would for a gig, all except for the Shure PSM 300 IEM and the bass played fine. So I'm thinking that the problem probably lies with a wireless frequency that is interfering with the preamp on the BBNE2?

The volume rolled perfectly and there was no loss to string outputs. My band uses a lot of wireless gear (3 Shure IEM's, 3 wireless Shure mics, 1 guitar and 1 bass wireless) so I guess at our next practice we will have to turn off each of them to see which one is causing the interference.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Okay, I've heard of weirder conflicts. This is a fairly recent onset, correct? What was the last thing that was added or changed and is there any correlation? All this wireless gear is a new twist in the plot.

BTW: if the bass is no longer our chief suspect, you may want to consider moving this to "Live Sound". These wiz-kids work extensively with wireless systems and can more readily ID the conflicts.

Riis

 

[Ravenh4wk]

Okay, I've heard of weirder conflicts. This is a fairly recent onset, correct? What was the last thing that was added or changed and is there any correlation? All this wireless gear is a new twist in the plot.

BTW: if the bass is no longer our chief suspect, you may want to consider moving this to "Live Sound". These wiz-kids work extensively with wireless systems and can more readily ID the conflicts.

Riis

I can't think of anything new that has been added. I do know that our whole system had to be taken out of their racks as were having everything PAT tested, so maybe the guitarist changed the frequency on something when he put it all back together?

I'm not sure how to move this thread to a different area of the forum?

 

[Zooberwerx]

I can't think of anything new that has been added. I do know that our whole system had to be taken out of their racks as were having everything PAT tested, so maybe the guitarist changed the frequency on something when he put it all back together?

I'm not sure how to move this thread to a different area of the forum?

I'd just start a new thread or ask a mod...an abbreviated back-story will provide additional insight. For the time being, I'd ask my bandmates to start out fully "corded" and then re-introduce wireless components one-by-one as the true culprit may reveal itself.

Riis

 

[-Stingray]

I set up my bass yesterday, exactly as I would for a gig, all except for the Shure PSM 300 IEM and the bass played fine. So I'm thinking that the problem probably lies with a wireless frequency that is interfering with the preamp on the BBNE2?

The volume rolled perfectly and there was no loss to string outputs. My band uses a lot of wireless gear (3 Shure IEM's, 3 wireless Shure mics, 1 guitar and 1 bass wireless) so I guess at our next practice we will have to turn off each of them to see which one is causing the interference.

I seriously doubt it’s a wireless issue. I would pull the rechargeable and test with a regular alkaline. When rechargeables are on their way out they dump voltage too quickly and all kinds of janky stuff like this happens.

Use a regular alkaline and report back.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I seriously doubt it’s a wireless issue. I would pull the rechargeable and test with a regular alkaline. When rechargeables are on their way out they dump voltage too quickly and all kinds of janky stuff like this happens.

Use a regular alkaline and report back.

Point taken. I'd start with a known quantity like the alkaline 9v and re-introduce the rechargeable if desired near the end of the diagnostic path. It's purportedly been ruled-out but I hate having to deal with multiple variables.

Riis

 

[Ravenh4wk]

I seriously doubt it’s a wireless issue. I would pull the rechargeable and test with a regular alkaline. When rechargeables are on their way out they dump voltage too quickly and all kinds of janky stuff like this happens.

Use a regular alkaline and report back.

It's not the rechargeable battery as when I plugged the bass into my Yamaha amp at home, and also listened through headphones, plugged directly into the back of my HX Stomp XL, there were no problems with intermittent volume.

The only difference to how I set up my rig for testing, compared to when gigging, was the wireless IEM.

The battery is a brand new Duracell and it was just fitted for the last gig as I had encountered the same volume problems when using other rechargeable batteries.

Listening to my rig directly with headphones proves that it's not a battery or preamp problem