Amp problem, sound clip

[Franknfilms]

Any ideas what could be making this popping noise? It is pretty loud, completely random and unpredictable. My guitar is going direct to the amp, nothing in effects loop, I've tried multiple guitars and multiple guitar cables. I dont' have any extra cables that go to the speaker cabinet, though, so I can't really test that.

http://soundcloud.com/franknfilms/amp-problem

[Franknfilms]

Re: Amp problem, sound clip

I should add that my amp has some known issues: when I power off it makes a loud pop sound, when I switch from clean to lead channel it makes same loud pop sound, the reverb tank has a high pitched squeal if I turn it up past 4 o clock. The tubes are relatively new.

[Franknfilms]

Re: Amp problem, sound clip

Power tubes are a couple of years old actually, pre amp tubes only 6 months

[Franknfilms]

Re: Amp problem, sound clip

Changed power tubes, unplugged reverb tank, took into another room on different power strip with different outlets. This is clearly something wrong with the amp itself.

[ehdwuld]

Re: Amp problem, sound clip

which amp is it
that noise is familiar

[Chickenwings]

Re: Amp problem, sound clip

im guessing the squeal in the reverb in from a preamp tube going south (if its a tube driven reverb). I reckon your popping is too - probably the PI tube.
Is the amp an old fender?
Take each tube out and replace it with a good one till you narrow down the culprit.
Dont belive the internet myth that preamp tubes dont wear out. PI tubes can wear out faster than power amp tubes, and the gain tubes can cook in a matter of months with eavy use.
If swapping out all the preamp tubes wont help, then its time for the tech.

[Toe-Knee]

Re: Amp problem, sound clip

This could also be an intermittent internal ground.

I have this issue with any amps at home but thats caused by power spikes as my mains is really crappy.

[Franknfilms]

Re: Amp problem, sound clip

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm using the peavey xxx in my signature. I'm going to check the preamp tubes next and see if that fixes it. The good news is that I pulled out the reverb tank, then plugged it back in, no more squeal.

[Franknfilms]

Re: Amp problem, sound clip

Changing the pre amp tubes didn't help, guess it is going in to the shop

[CTN]

Re: Amp problem, sound clip

might be a problem with the digital effects module...

[Franknfilms]

Re: Amp problem, sound clip

might be a problem with the digital effects module...

Good idea, I'll see if my tech can take that out of the loop for troubleshooting.

[ehdwuld]

Re: Amp problem, sound clip

I remember now
we had a PA speaker at work that did that

it was a loose connection on the speaker wire