Follow Up on VH4 Noise Issue

  • Thread starter Thread starter FourT6and2
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FourT6and2

FourT6and2

Well-known member
I had some microphonic preamp tubes, so it was hard to diagnose any or all of the issues I was previously having. But, after replacing all the tubes with Ruby 12AX7AC5 HG+ for V1 and V2 and HG's for the rest, I am still having some slight noise issues. I am running three guitars: 1979 Les Paul Custom, PRS Singlecut, Jackson Dinky with EMG 85/81 though a Mogami Platinum cable direct into the amp. Nothing in the loops. I am also using a power conditioner which checks to make sure the ground is good and is supposed to isolate and stop any noise from the mains.

With OR without a guitar plugged in (both with a cable plugged into the input of amp and without cable plugged in): Channel 1 - picking up radio interference, Channel 2 - picking up radio interference but not as loud, channel 3 and 4 have no noise (slight hiss from amp, which is normal).

With guitar plugged in and guitar volume up all the way: Channel 4 - instant feedback when not playing a note. This when I am muting the strings with both hands, regardless of where I stand and with all three guitars.

On all three guitars I am also getting a weird "click" or "popping" noise when I transition from guitar volume off to when the pot starts to add output signal.

I have checked all the tubes, including power tubes, and they are fine.

Any advice?
 
Could you record a mp3 or a vid please? Makes diagnosing easier.
Don't get me wrong, Timo (a forumite) had some Einstein noise issues, which were caused by the pickups of his guitar.
Ch4 has tons of gain, so with microphonic pickups you'll easily get feedback. The radio frequ. thing can be cured by adding a small capacitor either into your guitars, your (main) cable or the amp (I think Peter already told you this).
 
duesentrieb":8mkqc2g8 said:
Could you record a mp3 or a vid please? Makes diagnosing easier.
Don't get me wrong, Timo (a forumite) had some Einstein noise issues, which were caused by the pickups of his guitar.
Ch4 has tons of gain, so with microphonic pickups you'll easily get feedback. The radio frequ. thing can be cured by adding a small capacitor either into your guitars, your (main) cable or the amp (I think Peter already told you this).
Click to expand...

What are the chances of three different guitars, all having both pickups microphonic? That would mean all six pickups in my guitars are microphonic...

Peter also told me it is impossible for the amp, itself, to pick up RFI. However, the noise is present with or without a guitar or cable plugged into the amp and the amp's input cuts the signal when no cable is plugged in, correct? I think Peter mentioned the cap. solution. But, I'd like to first find out if there is a larger problem before attempting to cure a symptom, rather than the source. Does that make sense? Besides the RFI and CH.4 feedback, the amp sounds great. I still need to install the new MIDI chip that Peter sent me, though.

I will record a video and post it when I have the time.
 
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=58849

It is unfortunately in german - he tried three guitars, Suhr and Duncan pickups. Too much gain, too close, sub-optimal pickups for this application.

I do use a VH4 with my band, we do play loud and I also get feedback when I'm too close to the cab with a "bad" angle, you know. It is the gain, it is "normal" (or your vid will show its not).

Against the RFI I'd try a cap.
 
duesentrieb":3cn9viip said:
https://www.rig-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=58849

It is unfortunately in german - he tried three guitars, Suhr and Duncan pickups. Too much gain, too close, sub-optimal pickups for this application.

I do use a VH4 with my band, we do play loud and I also get feedback when I'm too close to the cab with a "bad" angle, you know. It is the gain, it is "normal" (or your vid will show its not).

Against the RFI I'd try a cap.
Click to expand...

Would a cap across the input help, though? RFI is there even when nothing is plugged into the amp.

EDIT: I just discovered that the Gain control on Channel 4 does not work. It's stuck at whatever setting it's at. Turning the gain knob does not do anything. That could be why I'm getting feedback.
 
Yikes man, sorry to hear about all your problems... bummer, I hope you get it worked out though man, luckily you have that other head at Guitar Center waiting!!!
 
Mizati20":ogxryp1f said:
Yikes man, sorry to hear about all your problems... bummer, I hope you get it worked out though man, luckily you have that other head at Guitar Center waiting!!!
Click to expand...

GC actually gave me (for free) their x-number of years-warranty on the VH4. I don't really know how they go about repairing an amp like the VH4, though. Do they ship it out to someone? Can I choose to bring it somewhere (like Jeff Andrews) and they cover the costs? I need to go down there and find out.

I'm sure it will work out, though. I still have like a month to swap it out for a Herbert, if I want to go that route. :)
 
Please let me know, if GC covers the warranty.

Thanks
 
GC Warranty center does not have Diezel listed in their "system" yet. So, I have to wait 10 days and they will contact me. I asked if I can bring it to Andrews Amp Lab or if I have to let GC man-handle the amp. They said they don't know yet and I can either foot the bill and they will reimburse me or they will see if they can add Andrews to their service center list.

I'll know in 10 days, I guess.
 
mraajr":5587jll5 said:
Just get the Herbert....its better
Click to expand...

I actually played it again, today. I wasn't thrilled to tell you the truth. Although, it was through a crappy Marshall 1960A cabinet and some shitty Ibanez with those V7 pickups or whatever? I know the amp sounds good, but after playing it today, and then playing my VH4 again, I'm glad I got the VH4.

If someone buys my acoustic guitar, I might go pick up the Herbert and keep both! :)
 
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