What's up with the 'Gain' on the SL2? Help requested!

[rlord1974]

So I have a stock SL2 module for my M4, and I love the tone - let's get these facts out of the way first off.

However, I have some real "squealing" feedback issues with Channel B whenever I play a guitar with humbuckers through it. Doesn't matter which guitar either - I've tried it with numerous Les Paul's (some with stock Gibson pickups, some with modern Duncan JB's, etc.), a custom Tele (Duncan JB bridge and Jazz neck) and some shredders (i.e., Charvel). Also, it happens irregardless of the volume I'm playing at, be it noodling in my house or blasting it out live. If I run the gain on Channel B above 12 noon on the dial, I get squealing. It doesn't happen when the guitar volume is off, but as I increase the volume on the guitar, the squealing starts and gets progressively louder. It's not background noise either - it's loud and in your face annoying. It is really limiting the usefulness of Channel B for me. I should note as well that the same guitars do not "squeal" when I play them through my Marshalls, my Mesa Tremoverb, or my Bogners (the latter 2 of which arguably have more gain than the SL2!). It's only on the SL2.

Does anyone else have this problem? Is there anyway to remedy it? I would like to be able to access a little more of the gain the module has on tap, but I just can't get the Gain knob past noon!

Your help is appreciated!

 

[Buckeyedog]

did you swap out the pre amp tubes? That's the first place I'd try. Gotta eliminate that first.

 

[3 Mile Stone]

Dude, I have had the same problem. It's beginning to really get on my nerves. Like you it is only humbuckers that do this. I can crank up some cheap Mexican Fender single coils with nary a problemo. I have known others (Ned) who have had the same issue. Not sure what is going on there. I ahve been through some excellent high dollar pickups and some seriosly wax potted models with no luck.

 

[jasco]

I pretty much play nothing but humbuckers through it, with gain above noon, and never had a problem. Did you change the tubes? As poster above mentioned, I'd start there . . .

 

[rlord1974]

Did you change the tubes? As poster above mentioned, I'd start there . . .

I did. I replaced them with Mesa 12AX7's. The squealing is still there.

I pretty much play nothing but humbuckers through it, with gain above noon, and never had a problem.

What tubes are the rest of you using that are not experiencing this problem?.....

 

[rlord1974]

Dude, I have had the same problem. Like you it is only humbuckers that do this. I can crank up some cheap Mexican Fender single coils with nary a problemo.

Glad to hear I'm not the only one, but it sucks for you too.....

Yeah, it's not an issue with my other, single coil Strats. Even a Strat of mine with EMG singles works fine - it's just the damn humbuckers!

 

[muudrock]

Probably a dumb question, but...Are you sure the module is seated properly in the slot? Thumb screws are all the way tight?

 

[3 Mile Stone]

Probably a dumb question, but...Are you sure the module is seated properly in the slot? Thumb screws are all the way tight?

Yea, as for me, yes. Various tubes I get the same thing. I sometimes wonder if it's just me.

My EG3/4 isn't even as high gain as the SL2 either. I get by but it is perplexing and just something I have learned to deal with.

 

[fuzzyguitars]

i have no problems with my sl2

i run channel b gain at around 2 o clock


that was how i recorded that quick clip i did below.

no squealies there

 

[muudrock]

Probably a dumb question, but...Are you sure the module is seated properly in the slot? Thumb screws are all the way tight?

Yea, as for me, yes. Various tubes I get the same thing. I sometimes wonder if it's just me.

My EG3/4 isn't even as high gain as the SL2 either. I get by but it is perplexing and just something I have learned to deal with.

Only time I've ever had that noise is if the module isn't in the slot all the way or the screws aren't tight. That being said, I would disconnect anything from the loop, run guitar straight in to the amp and see if you can duplicate it. Connect one item back at a time till you find the cause.
I would also check the input tube to the amp and the FX loop tubes.

 

[rlord1974]

Probably a dumb question, but...Are you sure the module is seated properly in the slot? Thumb screws are all the way tight?

Yeah, tight as tight can be.....

I would disconnect anything from the loop, run guitar straight in to the amp and see if you can duplicate it. Connect one item back at a time till you find the cause.

For troubleshooting, my signal has been: Guitar -> M4 -> Power amp -> Speaker cabinet

Still squealing like a pig!

I would also check the input tube to the amp and the FX loop tubes.

I guess that's my next step, but I don't have any issues with my BMAN or SL modules.....

 

[Doubleneck]

Using a Tung Sol For V1, V2 (effects) & V3 (phase inverter) in the amp, Module wise I'm using a Penta 12AX7B (sino/chinese) for V1 & Tung Sol for V2 for the SL2x.

Don't have any issues with mine?

 

[bruce egnater]

This is the first I've heard of this. Can one of you guys record it? Does the sqealing or frequency change as you move around?

 

[rlord1974]

This is the first I've heard of this. Can one of you guys record it? Does the sqealing or frequency change as you move around?

Hey Bruce:

Very cool of you to follow this up.

I unfortunately have no ability to record. Hey "3 Mile Stone": Are you able to post up a clip for Bruce?

 

[gtr31]

one thing I read that may or may not be helpful.

Where is it in the M4?

i remember reading that the hi gain mods should be on the right side .the hottest bottom right as that is a further distance away from the source that can amplify noise

 

[rlord1974]

Where is it in the M4? i remember reading that the hi gain mods should be on the right side .the hottest bottom right as that is a further distance away from the source that can amplify noise

My SL2 is on the bottom right and she squeals like a pig!!!

 

[Mailman1971]

Its been a while since I owned my Mod 100 but I had the same problem with the SL2 and the EG5.

Couldnt get the gain past noon.

Tried EVERYTHING.......and the squeal was still there.
Hope you can figure it out.

 

[jmgman69]

Its been a while since I owned my Mod 100 but I had the same problem with the SL2 and the EG5.

Couldnt get the gain past noon.

Tried EVERYTHING.......and the squeal was still there.
Hope you can figure it out.

I've got the gain on the EG 5 on channel A set to 3 and no squealy

 

[Mailman1971]

Its been a while since I owned my Mod 100 but I had the same problem with the SL2 and the EG5.

Couldnt get the gain past noon.

Tried EVERYTHING.......and the squeal was still there.
Hope you can figure it out.

I've got the gain on the EG 5 on channel A set to 3 and no squealy

Man....it used to drive me nuts!

But I still got good tones out of it.

 

[jmgman69]

Its been a while since I owned my Mod 100 but I had the same problem with the SL2 and the EG5.

Couldnt get the gain past noon.

Tried EVERYTHING.......and the squeal was still there.
Hope you can figure it out.

I've got the gain on the EG 5 on channel A set to 3 and no squealy

Man....it used to drive me nuts!

But I still got good tones out of it.

I do think they sound better with the gain around noon tho!!