Author Topic: Change in amp sound (Read 3698 times)

OD-Black_Fire · « **on:** August 07, 2006, 02:07:21 AM »

I have a B-52 AT-212 100-watt combo. I've noticed that sometimes the tone is different than other times. At its best, the low end is chunky and tight, and stiff. But sometimes I've noticed that is muddy, loose, and generaly shite and make it tight again. I thought maybe it was my strings, but I've tested the amp over and over again with new strings and it the tone still changes with fresh strings.

More and more often it is sounding cr@ppy, I thought I was just crazy but its really obvious now.

gingataff · « **Reply #1 on:** August 07, 2006, 02:14:26 AM »

The HiFi geek in me is wondering if its your mains supply, seeing as all the power that moves your speakers ultimately comes from the mains if you have interference and stuff, it'll affect your sound. So the geek says anyway.

It could be another problem. There hve been a few reviews on Harmony Central bout your amp saying its not so reliable, sorry. No one has mentioned the problem you have but it might be worth getting it checked out.

Searcher · « **Reply #2 on:** August 07, 2006, 02:38:27 AM »

Tube amps will vary in sound from time to time. It's the nature of the beast. And, like gingataff said, the power supply can have a bit to do with it.

OD-Black_Fire · « **Reply #3 on:** August 07, 2006, 02:39:08 AM »

Yeah I've read them. The reverb tank is also weak but that's not really a problem. But reliability to me is how well it holds together on the road and its built like a $%&#ing tank.

When you say power supply, do you mean what I'm plugging the cord into or a part inside the amp?

gingataff · « **Reply #4 on:** August 07, 2006, 02:48:42 AM »

Have you noticed if the sound changes at certain times of day? A common test with HIFi is how does the sound compare during the day compared to at night? OK, chances are you won't be cranking it up at 1am but if you ever get the chance see if that sounds better than when all your neighbours have their TVs, lights, washing machines etc sucking the mains and adding intereference to the mains circuits. If this seems to be the problem you might need a mains conditioner.

Sorry for the obvious question but it's not just the amp warming up is it?

ibanez4life SZ · « **Reply #5 on:** August 07, 2006, 03:50:09 AM »

Maybe it's time for a tube swap?

OD-Black_Fire · « **Reply #6 on:** August 07, 2006, 05:52:47 AM »

About the amp warming up: That might be it, but I've noticed that it sounds nice and tight when I first play (about a minute of warming up), sometimes it doesn't, and the same after an hour of warming up. It could be changes in room temperature, but the changes in power sounds more possible. We have so much shite in my house going on and off. There is always power outages on my street too, and the power company keeps complaining that our street uses too much power.

As for tubes, its also possible. I got my amp in November 05 but it was a floor model. The newer models made even before the model I have comes with a 4 button foot switch, to change the gain/channel/reverb/and effects loop on/off. Mine came with only the 3 button foot switch. Which means it was the older model. It could be a year old but it looked very clean. I'm going to change the tubes, this is a good excuse to get some NOS tubes ;D I've talked to other people and they said they changed to the tubes out and pretty much any brand of NOS seemed to make it much better.

OD-Black_Fire · « **Reply #7 on:** August 07, 2006, 09:55:51 PM »

Bump. I've got a APC battery backup for my computer, it keeps the computer on during black outs and brown outs and can even out the voltage. With a computer, one can set when the unit intervenes, when there is a big dip or increase in voltage or the smallest. If I can hook it up to a computer, could setting it to a very sensitive setting help out my amp sound?

gingataff · « **Reply #8 on:** August 08, 2006, 02:42:39 AM »

If you're looking for a mains conditioner the Trichord Powerblock is good for hifi, I dare say it would help with a guitar amp too. Are we getting too esoteric now? :D

fps_dean · « **Reply #9 on:** August 11, 2006, 01:04:12 AM »

Couple of questions...

Does it sound different when you move it to another room or another part of the same room?

Or does it sound different after you've been playing it for a bit?

...or is it COMPLETELY RANDOM?

OD-Black_Fire · « **Reply #10 on:** August 11, 2006, 01:06:22 AM »

Oh it changes when I move its position and how long I play, but some times it starts out great and gets better, and sometimes it starts out shitety and never gets any better. Well, I guess it would get a bit warmer over time.