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Post by baltimonster on Oct 22, 2019 12:32:29 GMT -7
Hello friends!
I have a Dr. Z Nova and just picked up a Dr. Z Z-Verb. Plugging the zverb into the nova effects loop causes some issues. I am wondering if possibly I have a defective z-verb, nova, or maybe for some reason the z-verb isn't compatible with the Nova.
Issue: Intermittent but significant volume drops, sometimes completely cutting out. Not choppy, more swell like, but not consistent in rate of dropping. It almost seems like the z-verb is choking either on power or maybe the sound is getting choked out for some reason. Because the amp goes completely silent, I don't know if this suggests an amp issue or a z-verb issue. This only happens when going through the effects loop.
Things that work: * putting the verb in front of the amp and not using effects loop: both amp and reverb work fine * jumping the effects loop with a cable from send to return: amp works fine * using delay pedals/other in amp effect loop
Things that don't work: * zverb on top of nova using 10" or 12" mogami patch cables * zverb off the amp, using longer cables that are 3' * flipping the ground lift on the zverb
I've tried using different power cables, and have tried running the power from separate circuits in my house.
Any ideas on what could be happening here, or what I can try next to troubleshoot?
Want to make sure that the zverb WON'T work with the Nova before I consider returning it, or running it in front of the amp only.
Thank you in advance for any and all advice!
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Oct 22, 2019 14:00:41 GMT -7
Not sure if you saw Doc's AMA on using the Z-verb
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Post by doctorice on Oct 22, 2019 14:40:32 GMT -7
Reading your post, it seems you've done all the right steps and isolated the problem to an interaction between the Nova's effects loop and the Z Verb. One thing to check is to confirm that your Nova has the Metropoulos Zero Loss fx loop board installed; the earliest Novas had a different loop circuit. (Most likely if you bought yours from a dealer rather than direct from Dr Z, your amp has the Metro loop.) The Metro loop has a switch or pot (I don't recall) that alters the signal level. It's possible something's going on there with a mismatch in signal level.
Best bet is to check with Dr Z directly on this issue. Send your post above in an email to repairs@drzamps.com. It may take 24 hours to get a response, but the folks in Cleveland are very good at diagnosis and repair.
(I have a Nova, but no Z Verb, so I can't offer an independent observation of whether this is unique to your gear or not.)
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Oct 22, 2019 15:52:45 GMT -7
Definitely ask the Doc. He has the resources to test and diagnose these issues.
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Post by baltimonster on Oct 22, 2019 17:18:44 GMT -7
Reading your post, it seems you've done all the right steps and isolated the problem to an interaction between the Nova's effects loop and the Z Verb. One thing to check is to confirm that your Nova has the Metropoulos Zero Loss fx loop board installed; the earliest Novas had a different loop circuit. (Most likely if you bought yours from a dealer rather than direct from Dr Z, your amp has the Metro loop.) The Metro loop has a switch or pot (I don't recall) that alters the signal level. It's possible something's going on there with a mismatch in signal level. Best bet is to check with Dr Z directly on this issue. Send your post above in an email to repairs@drzamps.com. It may take 24 hours to get a response, but the folks in Cleveland are very good at diagnosis and repair. (I have a Nova, but no Z Verb, so I can't offer an independent observation of whether this is unique to your gear or not.) Awesome information. Thank you so much for taking the time to add that about the Metro loop. Mine definitely does NOT have the Metropoulos loop board , and sounds like maybe it was added to the model to remedy similar issues. I shot an email to the folks over at Dr. Z so hopefully we can figure it out.
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Post by doctorice on Oct 23, 2019 5:39:40 GMT -7
Awesome information. Thank you so much for taking the time to add that about the Metro loop. Mine definitely does NOT have the Metropoulos loop board , and sounds like maybe it was added to the model to remedy similar issues. I shot an email to the folks over at Dr. Z so hopefully we can figure it out. My Nova did not have the Metro either originally. I sent it back for a retrofit. Let us know what happens.
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Post by baltimonster on Feb 19, 2020 13:16:31 GMT -7
Update: After some back and forth with the Z tech, he requested that I send in the amp. I didn't get too many details on what was actually wrong, but after inquiring I was told "The actual problem in your Nova was caused by a design issue not a component failure, once the fix was implemented, the amp was fine." Since he already had the amp in for service, he asked me if I wanted him to upgrade my amp/loop with the metropoulos loop which I agreed to pay for and had installed. Since I haven't had luck finding a matching amp jewel for the z-verb, I asked and was able to purchase one of those too, so now verb and nova match a little better. I think I like the non-matching Z badge at least for now Pics show before internals, after internals, and metro loop install mods to the chassis which I can live with because they are in the back. Took a while, but we're back in business!
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Post by Chilly Gibbons (Todd T.) on Feb 19, 2020 14:18:14 GMT -7
Gorgeous amp/layout! Glad you got the Metro loop. That Verb looks great with the Nova too, rock out!
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Post by simpleton on Feb 19, 2020 15:48:36 GMT -7
That combo of ZVerb and Nova look amazing together. Jewel lights are a very nice touch.
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