Usually its when I play the low c# (yes an odd drop tuning). I didn't know a preamp could clip. I know power amps can. What causes it and how can I prevent it?
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What does it mean if my preamp "clip" light comes on
- Thread starter FighttheSilence
- Start date
Your strings maybe hitting the pickups. Usually a clip light flashing on means little, if it is always on, with most amps means you are distorting the preamp.
Again, the signal from the bass is a little too hot. This can distort the signal, but it may not, depending on how hot the signal is. Simply reduce the INPUT GAIN knob on the preamp a bit to prevent this.
My light flashes on every note on my AMPEG 4PRO's means nothing on those amps except there's a signal there, HAHAHAHA. Use your ears to listen if there's distortion, if there isn't do not worry about it.
You want your input signal to be as high as possible without distortion to provide the best signal to noise ratio for your amp.
Meaning if you turn down the input gain and turn up your master to get the same output level you'll most likely also hear the amp background noise rise too.
The light on different amps is set to different levels and is just a basic reference.
Have at it.
BOB
You want your input signal to be as high as possible without distortion to provide the best signal to noise ratio for your amp.
Meaning if you turn down the input gain and turn up your master to get the same output level you'll most likely also hear the amp background noise rise too.
The light on different amps is set to different levels and is just a basic reference.
Have at it.
BOB
+1 A little flickering is a good thing. Here's the text out of the Owners Manual for my SVT3-Pro:
PEAK LED: This LED flashes when the signal level into the preamp (excluding the graphic EQ) approaches clipping. Adjust the Gain control (#5) until a strong signal from your instrument causes this LED to flicker.
NOTE: If the LED flashes frequently with the Gain at a low setting, use the -15dB switch (#3) to attenuate the input signal and readjust the Gain.
5. GAIN: This serves as the input level control for the amplifier. For the best signal to noise ratio set this control so the Peak LED (#3) flashes when you strike a string fairly hard.
There you go!
PEAK LED: This LED flashes when the signal level into the preamp (excluding the graphic EQ) approaches clipping. Adjust the Gain control (#5) until a strong signal from your instrument causes this LED to flicker.
NOTE: If the LED flashes frequently with the Gain at a low setting, use the -15dB switch (#3) to attenuate the input signal and readjust the Gain.
5. GAIN: This serves as the input level control for the amplifier. For the best signal to noise ratio set this control so the Peak LED (#3) flashes when you strike a string fairly hard.
There you go!
you don`t say what amp or bass I have a gibson ebo which would fry input stage on some non valve amps. Do not ignore clipping especially on bass frequencys as a clipped signal is a square wave to all intents and purposes DC voltage to speakers with enought power dead speakers non warranty
Good point Bozbass!
Different amps may well be set up differently on when the clipping LED lights up. As the Ampeg manual says, the light comes on when the signal approaches clipping. In this case, a little flickering indictates that you've the input gain to the optimum signal/noise ratio for that amp.
When all else fails, read the operators manual or let us know what amp you're using.
Different amps may well be set up differently on when the clipping LED lights up. As the Ampeg manual says, the light comes on when the signal approaches clipping. In this case, a little flickering indictates that you've the input gain to the optimum signal/noise ratio for that amp.
When all else fails, read the operators manual or let us know what amp you're using.
No it won't only an idiot would play an amp with all the knobs turned up all the way with the thing sounding like crap.
We're only talking a flashing clip light, and those blink a long way from hurting something.
I used to play an EB0 40 years ago and they're a passive bass and sure don't have that kind of output. I used to run mine into a little battery preamp plugged into the front of my bassman just to get more output from the thing.
BOB
This is quite wrong and has been refuted countless times on this forum. Please don't pass on misinformation.
+1 Especially on the 3-Pro. The 3-Pro gets a bum rap for being "underpowered", when in reality it's got more than enough juice for most jobs if you set the gain structure based on sound - not by looking at the flashing red light. I bet if Ampeg changed that red LED to a green one - no one would ever think twice about running the gain as hot as it should be!
