Author Topic: Crackling/popping Amp noise help! (Read 9008 times)

math2014 · « **on:** February 13, 2006, 09:07:22 AM »

Hi all,

I got a Laney LC30II. Bought new in May 05.

I ve been getting intermittent popping/crackling noises from the amp occasionally (even without anything plugged in), and i was wondering what could be causing this? Is it valves? Dirty AC from the house? Problem on the PCB?

I am asking this because i wouldnt want to fork out 70quid for a revalve, if thats not the culprit.

Furthermore, very rarely, i got a fade/loss of drive/signal while i play, for under 1sec or so, and then all back to normal. This is intermittent as well and non replicateable, but too rare.

I initialy met the problem while i was switching from bridge to neck pickup on my LP, and it was like i had too little volume-no drive-noise while doing so. Flicking the switch up and down quickly and later on cleaning it with servisol, sorted the issue. However sometimes (once in a while) i got this similar fade/loss thing again.

I was scared by another forum that its definately a cold solder joint in the amp etc etc.

So i got.

1.Dirty AC
2.Noisy/going Valves
3.Bad switch on my LP or jack
4.PCB related
5.Lead related.

Any advice or previous experiences on those two issues? the crackling/popping and the rare drop/fade?

Yannis

Kilby · « **Reply #1 on:** February 13, 2006, 01:01:18 PM »

Well if it's crackling & popping when nothing is plugged in it's not the guitar or cable.

I's suggest reseating the the valves and while your in there looking for any bad connections or solder joints.

Assuming it's still under warrenty, you could alsway take it back to where you bought it (especially if you can reproduce the problem)

Rob...

math2014 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 13, 2006, 01:30:42 PM »

Cheers for the reply.

Laney (and the shop) told me its just valves and such and not cold solder joints. I wonder if they are honest or just call BS on me.

HJM · « **Reply #3 on:** February 13, 2006, 10:43:25 PM »

It's probably the valves - if teh reseat doesn't work try pulling the preamp tubes. If it's still there it'll be the power valves. Or something else (you'll have to suspect the valves first, rule this out before going any further)

math2014 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 14, 2006, 07:40:00 AM »

Quote from: HJM

It's probably the valves - if teh reseat doesn't work try pulling the preamp tubes. If it's still there it'll be the power valves. Or something else (you'll have to suspect the valves first, rule this out before going any further)

This is exactly what Laney told me, to get new power valves specifically. Wierd. I ll just do that and order some JJ EL84 from edicron.

By the way. do you reckon i should remove and reseat the power valves as well? I already did this with the pre-amp valves.

HJM · « **Reply #5 on:** February 14, 2006, 09:42:24 AM »

I'd try that first, sometimes you get a dirt build up on the contacts, just the same as a dirty pot.

math2014 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 14, 2006, 12:54:12 PM »

Quote from: HJM

I'd try that first, sometimes you get a dirt build up on the contacts, just the same as a dirty pot.

Ok man cool :)

I suspect i ll have to unscrew the metal clips that hold the EL84s. Is it dangeround if the amp is OFF to remove the EL84s and clean contacts and valve sockets with Servisol? Can i turn it back on after that? Or should i wait for sometime for the servisol to evaporate 100%?

HJM · « **Reply #7 on:** February 14, 2006, 01:40:26 PM »

I'd just try pulling them and putting them back in. I don't use servisol on my tube sockets, you don't really want a lubricant just a cleaner. Caig Labs Deoxit is good. Give it plenty of time to dry, it's conductive (especially with a few hundred volts!)

You shouldn't need to remove the clips that hold the valves, but I'd guess you need to remove the cage that keeps your fingers away from them. :P

math2014 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 14, 2006, 01:54:14 PM »

Quote from: HJM

I'd just try pulling them and putting them back in. I don't use servisol on my tube sockets, you don't really want a lubricant just a cleaner. Caig Labs Deoxit is good. Give it plenty of time to dry, it's conductive (especially with a few hundred volts!)

You shouldn't need to remove the clips that hold the valves, but I'd guess you need to remove the cage that keeps your fingers away from them. :P

Cheers man,

So i just bend away the clips?

HJM · « **Reply #9 on:** February 14, 2006, 09:14:24 PM »

They usually have a spring to them, so they pop off as you push them.....b

math2014 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 14, 2006, 09:18:07 PM »

Quote from: HJM

They usually have a spring to them, so they pop off as you push them.....b

Yep man, i reseated them all, but crackling/popping is still there.

What hasnt appeared in the last 3 days is the fade/dive of signal... its stable.

math2014 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 16, 2006, 06:08:27 PM »

Quick update...

The amp has now JJ valves everywhere.

More importantly... there is no pop-crackle-noise ANY more...

Equally importantly... it sounds significantly better now... no shrill no brittleness.

A piece of advice:

Got a Laney LC? GET RID OF TAD TUBES.

TwilightOdyssey · « **Reply #12 on:** February 16, 2006, 06:28:17 PM »

Quote from: math2014

A piece of advice:
Got a Laney LC? GET RID OF TAD TUBES.

That's true of just about ANY non-'boutique' amp.

Author Topic: Crackling/popping Amp noise help! (Read 9008 times)

TwilightOdyssey