|
Post by thatstatuemoved on Nov 15, 2018 9:55:11 GMT -7
I do not use the reverb much on my lux, but I turned it up the other day and there was an inherent amount of hiss. Really noticable. Is this normal? Wondering if other lux owners have this hiss in their amps. Thanks for any info--Jester
|
|
|
Post by scottunzicker on Nov 15, 2018 13:17:24 GMT -7
In short, it's most likely either the V3 tube or a cabling issue. What kind of tube do you have in V3, and when was the last time it was changed out?
|
|
|
Post by Stephen on Nov 16, 2018 11:26:31 GMT -7
|
|
|
Post by scottunzicker on Nov 16, 2018 12:11:54 GMT -7
|
|
|
Reverb
Nov 16, 2018 12:34:11 GMT -7
Post by thatstatuemoved on Nov 16, 2018 12:34:11 GMT -7
This is the tube(6201-the one doc recommends) I have in the lux for the reverb. Are your lux's hissy with the verb on? Just wondering and thanks for the reply's. Listened to it again today and it is more of a hum than hiss and it increases as I turn the reverb up.
|
|
|
Post by Rockerfeller on Nov 16, 2018 13:12:43 GMT -7
This is the tube(6201-the one doc recommends) I have in the lux for the reverb. Are your lux's hissy with the verb on? Just wondering and thanks for the reply's. Listened to it again today and it is more of a hum than hiss and it increases as I turn the reverb up. If you dime on your Reverb you're going to hear some hum. But I wouldn't call that hum like an annoying kind of sound. It's just there. If you're using the non-stock pedal to turn it on and off, keep in mind that it has to be shielded.
|
|
|
Post by Rhythmark on Nov 22, 2018 15:29:22 GMT -7
I do think the zlux is one of the greatest amps ive ever played. But it’s down fall is that hiss - if that where ever (fixed) i would never look for another amp- Even though I don’t hear it while playing ,at gig vol. you do hear it and That bothers me. Ive tried the suggested tubes and the hiss remains. I just dont like clean amps making noise. Hi gain amp sure- I just love the sound of the amp- Is there another z with verb that sounds similar to the lux but that has no hiss? Again my Fender super reverb does not hiss even at max volume. I also have a z cure which sounds fantastic! Does the ezg 50 hiss like the lux? Im just tired of buying amps only to have to sell them . But its the only option i have since i cant try them in person! I know the lux is quiet when turn down low . But i play loud!
|
|
|
Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Nov 22, 2018 18:16:20 GMT -7
Mine's quiet. No hiss, no hum. I did go through a couple of tubes but it's been a rock for a good long time now. Get a couple of good quality NOS 6201 tubes and I think your problem will go away. I'm sure you have a problem somewhere and the reverb driver tube is the best place to start.
|
|
|
Reverb
Nov 23, 2018 9:35:58 GMT -7
Post by Rhythmark on Nov 23, 2018 9:35:58 GMT -7
Mine's quiet. No hiss, no hum. I did go through a couple of tubes but it's been a rock for a good long time now. Get a couple of good quality NOS 6201 tubes and I think your problem will go away. I'm sure you have a problem somewhere and the reverb driver tube is the best place to start. hey lucky man with a quiet zlux! Any chance you can pull that tube and try a different one just to see if you get a very noticeable hum? vol master noon- mine hums pretty loud and is super annoying- Ive tried every tube I have and its stays the same! 22w hum is lower 40w louder! I have unplugged the reverb pedal still hums. turning the reverb knob changes the hum but doesn't lessen it. I seriously think this amp is a lemon! And it sucks! Something happened to this amp along the way - I think during shipping. The treble knob if turned down completely lessens the hum-- I dont think this hum is from a tube, its just frustrating to say the least . I think ill look for a cracked solder joint or something- all I want to do is play and not mess with a freaking noise issue- I really do think something went wrong when it was shipped, so no fault to the Z company-
|
|
|
Reverb
Nov 23, 2018 10:33:32 GMT -7
Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Nov 23, 2018 10:33:32 GMT -7
Interesting symptoms for sure. I'm travelling but when I get home I'll check it out and let you know. I've got hand full of 12AT7s and 6201s.
|
|
|
Reverb
Nov 23, 2018 10:50:51 GMT -7
Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Nov 23, 2018 10:50:51 GMT -7
Also, check the cables between the tank to the chassis. You'll need to take the tank out of the pleather case (if its a combo) and re-seat the cables into their respective jacks a couple of times to make sure they're in all the way and to clean any oxidation that may be impeding the signal and imparting noise. You can do this with the amp running to see if moving the cables around does anything to mitigate the noise. Also, make sure they are plugged in correctly, Doc marks the red leads. I have two Luxs and neither of them are noisy, so I know this can be remedied.
|
|
|
Post by Rhythmark on Nov 23, 2018 11:53:51 GMT -7
Holy Smokes !!! I figured it out and in under 3 hours!! Well I took the chassis out and checked every solder post every wire, swapped every tube. and nothing! But as I was grounding all the grounds with my screw driver ( i touch the chassis and grounding points with it) I touched the volume pot and chassis and the noise dimmed a lot! So I took off all the knobs and tightend each pot ,every switch , jack and actually every screw and nut on the entire chassis. And the noise I had the entire time Ive owned this is GONE!!! It was the tightening of the volume pot that did it. But I tightened everything to go the extra mile! Man I am HAPPY!! Yes I do have a very minimal type of hiss, from the reverb-- I still have to get a 6201 nos, which is next!-- But the hiss hum I had was a grounding issue after all--- When I bought this it was used ( 1 owner) and shipped but it wasn't the original box and was not packed properly ,so things must have shaken loose!
So be careful buying used kiddies!!
|
|
|
Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Nov 23, 2018 19:09:18 GMT -7
That's great news. If I had a dollar for every time a bad ground has caused issues I'd be a rich man. Good job!
|
|
|
Post by bourgeoisboy (Josh) on Nov 23, 2018 19:18:38 GMT -7
Mines noisy too. I was going to send it back to Z. Maybe I need to try tightening things before I pay the $ to ship it back..
|
|
|
Post by Rhythmark on Nov 23, 2018 19:55:10 GMT -7
Mines noisy too. I was going to send it back to Z. Maybe I need to try tightening things before I pay the $ to ship it back.. Do it. Doesn’t take much time. I seriously tightened everything attached to the chassis . Inside and out. But it almost certainly was the volume pot. I had no idea such a thing would matter! Ive played that amp all day, it’s quiet now im super happy!! I keep checking it to be sure and it sounds quiet and good!
|
|
|
Post by curlykyle on Nov 29, 2018 6:42:56 GMT -7
My Lux came with a Jan Philips 12AT7 WC instead of the 6201. Am I missing out on my reverbs full potential? It’s sounds great as it is and is quite so I don’t know if this tube is comparable to the 6201 or not. Any input?
|
|
|
Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Nov 29, 2018 6:57:43 GMT -7
The Docs video on annual amp maintenance recommends tightening everything as part of the maintenance plan.
I did that on my Z28 and Therapy and did find a few things loose - not a ton but maybe 1/16th of a turn. The amps made no stray noise but it was good to tighten up the input/outputs and knobs.
|
|
|
Reverb
Nov 29, 2018 8:22:01 GMT -7
Post by scottunzicker on Nov 29, 2018 8:22:01 GMT -7
My Lux came with a Jan Philips 12AT7 WC instead of the 6201. Am I missing out on my reverbs full potential? It’s sounds great as it is and is quite so I don’t know if this tube is comparable to the 6201 or not. Any input? In short, if you like the way it sounds, I wouldn't mess with it. The 6201 is an industrial/military grade 12AT7 which, if I understand correctly, the Doc switched to due to the inconsistent quality of the NOS 12AT7s out there. So, if you've got a good 12AT7, there's no need for you to switch to the 6201. Check out the details: www.effectrode.com/knowledge-base/the-12at7%E2%80%B2-tube/
|
|
|
Post by Rhythmark on Nov 29, 2018 9:43:47 GMT -7
My Lux came with a Jan Philips 12AT7 WC instead of the 6201. Am I missing out on my reverbs full potential? It’s sounds great as it is and is quite so I don’t know if this tube is comparable to the 6201 or not. Any input? In short, if you like the way it sounds, I wouldn't mess with it. The 6201 is an industrial/military grade 12AT7 which, if I understand correctly, the Doc switched to due to the inconsistent quality of the NOS 12AT7s out there. So, if you've got a good 12AT7, there's no need for you to switch to the 6201. Check out the details: www.effectrode.com/knowledge-base/the-12at7%E2%80%B2-tube/I agree dont fix what ain’t broke! But I understand the concern, Most of the 6201 nos are marked 12at7, and essentially are the same tube, so characteristicly id say the reverb would sound the same. And if yours is not noisy or microphonic id leave it. But you could always buy a 6201 nos and try it out. And if it stays the sane then you have a spare tube !
|
|
|
Reverb
Dec 4, 2018 18:35:19 GMT -7
Post by thatstatuemoved on Dec 4, 2018 18:35:19 GMT -7
This is the tube(6201-the one doc recommends) I have in the lux for the reverb. Are your lux's hissy with the verb on? Just wondering and thanks for the reply's. Listened to it again today and it is more of a hum than hiss and it increases as I turn the reverb up. If you dime on your Reverb you're going to hear some hum. But I wouldn't call that hum like an annoying kind of sound. It's just there. If you're using the non-stock pedal to turn it on and off, keep in mind that it has to be shielded. Well to me it is very annoying. Makes reverb unusable.
|
|
|
Post by Stephen on Dec 5, 2018 6:35:33 GMT -7
I bought a 6201/12AT7WA from Tube Depot this summer and put it in my Z-Lux. It was noisy like you describe. Then I saw that Dr Z said he bought his 6201 tubes from Amplified Parts so I did that and it worked fine.
|
|
|
Post by pcns on Dec 5, 2018 8:08:15 GMT -7
I also have a Zlux, brought it home from church to do some maintenance (removed and cleaned all the tubes and sockets) plugged it in an played for a while, sounded great. There is a slight hum when I engage the reverb, very very slight. Nothing I am going to worry about because its barely noticeable and can't be hear at all once I start playing. I am thinking about changing out the cables for the reverb unit as an experiment. We had a customer years ago claim that it makes a huge difference, we'll see. I have some amazingly well shielded cable that I may try. If it reduces the noise at all I will let you know, it may help some of you who are having more noise that me or are just pickier than me
|
|
|
Reverb
Dec 6, 2018 16:43:45 GMT -7
Post by zpilot on Dec 6, 2018 16:43:45 GMT -7
JAN tubes (Joint Army-Navy) are built to be more rugged and, mostly likely, less noisy than standard tubes. I have a bunch of JAN versions of popular preamp tubes. I've never had a problem with noise with them. Come to think of it, I can't remember a JAN tube becoming noisy or microphonic. That includes power-amp tubes as well. Even when used in combos. So if you have trouble finding NOS 6201's a JAN version should work as well.
|
|
|
Reverb
Dec 6, 2018 18:14:19 GMT -7
via mobile
Post by Rhythmark on Dec 6, 2018 18:14:19 GMT -7
I also have a Zlux, brought it home from church to do some maintenance (removed and cleaned all the tubes and sockets) plugged it in an played for a while, sounded great. There is a slight hum when I engage the reverb, very very slight. Nothing I am going to worry about because its barely noticeable and can't be hear at all once I start playing. I am thinking about changing out the cables for the reverb unit as an experiment. We had a customer years ago claim that it makes a huge difference, we'll see. I have some amazingly well shielded cable that I may try. If it reduces the noise at all I will let you know, it may help some of you who are having more noise that me or are just pickier than me let us know how it goes!!
|
|
|
Reverb
Dec 8, 2018 13:15:06 GMT -7
Post by thatstatuemoved on Dec 8, 2018 13:15:06 GMT -7
Just replaced my reverb tube with a nos 6201 and still humming just as bad as before. Aaahh!!
|
|
|
Reverb
Jan 23, 2019 7:32:35 GMT -7
via mobile
Post by Rhythmark on Jan 23, 2019 7:32:35 GMT -7
I also have a Zlux, brought it home from church to do some maintenance (removed and cleaned all the tubes and sockets) plugged it in an played for a while, sounded great. There is a slight hum when I engage the reverb, very very slight. Nothing I am going to worry about because its barely noticeable and can't be hear at all once I start playing. I am thinking about changing out the cables for the reverb unit as an experiment. We had a customer years ago claim that it makes a huge difference, we'll see. I have some amazingly well shielded cable that I may try. If it reduces the noise at all I will let you know, it may help some of you who are having more noise that me or are just pickier than me did you ever try the cable thing out? If so was there any difference? Thanks
|
|
|
Post by pcns on Jan 23, 2019 13:39:14 GMT -7
I also have a Zlux, brought it home from church to do some maintenance (removed and cleaned all the tubes and sockets) plugged it in an played for a while, sounded great. There is a slight hum when I engage the reverb, very very slight. Nothing I am going to worry about because its barely noticeable and can't be hear at all once I start playing. I am thinking about changing out the cables for the reverb unit as an experiment. We had a customer years ago claim that it makes a huge difference, we'll see. I have some amazingly well shielded cable that I may try. If it reduces the noise at all I will let you know, it may help some of you who are having more noise that me or are just pickier than me did you ever try the cable thing out? If so was there any difference? Thanks I have not had a chance to try it yet, we'll get to it now that the guitar show is over
|
|
|
Post by pcns on Jan 27, 2019 18:23:02 GMT -7
Hi guys, Sorry for the long wait, we've been pretty slammed lately (no complaints, just means less time for play). I pulled the reverb cable out of my Z Lux tonight and brought them to Patty. She is going to build me a set of cables out of a really nice cable with a very good shield to see if that changes anything. As I've mentioned before, my reverb is very quiet so I am not expecting any changes in my amp but will at lease try and see how it sounds. Jester volunteered to try it out in him amp and see if it helps. That is still probably at least a week away though In the meantime . . . . Patty notice some oxydation on 3 of the 4 plugs on the reverb harness I pulled out of my amp. If you are having a noise issue, please try cleaning all of your reverb cables with a good electronics cleaner and see if that helps. Be sure to do some insertions with your cables as well to clean the female side of the connection. Let me know if that helps anyone. Todd
|
|
|
Post by bourgeoisboy (Josh) on Jan 30, 2019 17:15:41 GMT -7
Mines noisy too. I was going to send it back to Z. Maybe I need to try tightening things before I pay the $ to ship it back.. Do it. Doesn’t take much time. I seriously tightened everything attached to the chassis . Inside and out. But it almost certainly was the volume pot. I had no idea such a thing would matter! Ive played that amp all day, it’s quiet now im super happy!! I keep checking it to be sure and it sounds quiet and good! Sorry I’m just now getting back. I did as you said and it fixed the noise. I tightened everything. A lot of the connections were really loose. My treble pot was stripped out and wouldn’t tighten. I thought I was going to still have to send it off to fix that but I went to Lowe’s and bought a thicker nut to go on it. Due to the thickness difference it was able to grab good threads and tighten properly. Back to 100% now. Thanks so much for passing on that info!!
|
|
|
Post by Rhythmark on Jan 30, 2019 17:57:47 GMT -7
Do it. Doesn’t take much time. I seriously tightened everything attached to the chassis . Inside and out. But it almost certainly was the volume pot. I had no idea such a thing would matter! Ive played that amp all day, it’s quiet now im super happy!! I keep checking it to be sure and it sounds quiet and good! Sorry I’m just now getting back. I did as you said and it fixed the noise. I tightened everything. A lot of the connections were really loose. My treble pot was stripped out and wouldn’t tighten. I thought I was going to still have to send it off to fix that but I went to Lowe’s and bought a thicker nut to go on it. Due to the thickness difference it was able to grab good threads and tighten properly. Back to 100% now. Thanks so much for passing on that info!! That is so good to hear! If you have some stripped threads you can sometimes use a washer or two as well. Good job!! I like to post when things work. Just a matter of time before someone has the same problem!
|
|