Author Topic: Clicking noise in F-1X (Read 180 times)

1bassm · « **on:** October 29, 2008, 05:42:00 AM »

My F-1X has been sitting in a rack case for the past year, and only came out when my main rig was getting repaired. I recently took the F-1X out to test as a pre for an Berg IP set up and it sounded so good that I am going to purchase the IP's and get rid of my other rigs. Having not used the F-1X for a while I noticed a massive subharmonic coming from the valve so I promptly replaced it with a brand new one and now it has gone, however when I play at high volume with the pre-amp on top of the cabs I am getting some unusual clicks when I hold and sustain a note. This becomes more noticable when the bright switch is flicked up. When I lift the unit off the cab it reduces slightly but I can still hear it. I absolutely love the tone through the F-1X into the Berg IP's and am looking forward to owning the combination, but am a bit worried about the clicking noise. Is there any advice as to what I should check, or get checked? Thanks...

funkyjazzjunky · « **Reply #1 on:** October 29, 2008, 11:54:26 AM »

Welcome to the forum

1bassm · « **Reply #2 on:** October 29, 2008, 03:01:33 PM »

Thanks Funkyjazzjunky, very happy to be an Alembic Club member!!

mica · « **Reply #3 on:** October 29, 2008, 04:42:00 PM »

Since you mentioned the unit was stored for an extended period of time, plug a jumper cable form the effects send to the return and see if the noise is still there. If it goes away, you need to clean the effects return connector as described here. Do not use spray-on contact cleaners as they are not effective for the mechanical cleaning required.

To make sure I understand , you have the F-1X rackmounted and sitting on top of the cabinets?

1bassm · « **Reply #4 on:** October 29, 2008, 04:58:12 PM »

Thanks mica, I will try patching the effects send / return tonight. I found your post on excercising the inputs/outputs, so I did that last night and had no issues when outputing to the (small) studio monitors. I do suspect however that it may have something to do with the vibration from the speaker cabinet.
Currently the unit is out of the rack and was sitting free on top of the speakers when the clicking occured. As well as lifting the unit off the speakers we also tried 3 inch foam pads under the F-1X to see if that would dampen the vibrations - it did work a little. I am wondering if there might be a dry solder somewhere? I have to say that this little pre sounds awesome!! I cant believe I have had it away for so long...

1bassm · « **Reply #5 on:** October 30, 2008, 04:12:22 PM »

I excercised the inputs and tried again. I put the unit on top of my SWR 6x10 and ran the full range into my BAEZ amp and pushed the volume up and no more clicking. This cab did not move as much as the Berg did so until I try it with ther IP's I will not know for sure but so far so good!! Thanks again for your help mica.