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Post subject: Tubes Crackling?
Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2013 9:22 pm
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Hi guys, new member here!

I've had my X2 since March and it's been a great amp. Lately though I've been getting a crackling sound when playing. When I stop playing the cracking goes away. It's more noticeable with higher volumes. It only appears once the tubes have fully warmed up after about 5-6 minutes or so. Could this just be a tube that needs replacing? Could it possibly be a bigger issue?

Thanks for any help!


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Post subject: Re: Tubes Crackling?
Posted: Thu Oct 31, 2013 1:16 am
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Chance the output tubes are defective or / and bias is too hot . Or a bad solder on the printed circuit .

You have to check bias first ,and adjust if needed. If no more craking , it is fixed .

If you replace outputs tube you need to adjust bias too.

Did you know how ? Or go to see a qualified tech , be carefull , not anybody , ask your friends ...

Be carefull , lethal voltage in tube amps.

Don't use amp until is fix ot at very ;ow volume if you want to save your tubes.

Schematic and layout here ;


support.fender.com/schematics/guitar_amplifiers/Super-Champ_XD_schematic.pdf


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Post subject: Re: Tubes Crackling?
Posted: Thu Oct 31, 2013 4:29 am
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I've heard about the bias needing to be changed when changing output tubes. I've never done it nor do I want to attempt it. You're from Quebec do you know of any good tech's in the Montreal area? The amp is still under warranty so a warranty center would be great!


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Post subject: Re: Tubes Crackling?
Posted: Thu Oct 31, 2013 4:38 am
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It's not a big loudly cracking sound either, it's almost not even noticeable at first. When I play individual notes there's a bit of background noise/crackle and it's like the notes aren't "clean" but slightly distorted. Not distortion in a good way anyways lol.


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Post subject: Re: Tubes Crackling?
Posted: Thu Oct 31, 2013 7:57 am
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kevintataryn wrote:
It's not a big loudly cracking sound either, it's almost not even noticeable at first. When I play individual notes there's a bit of background noise/crackle and it's like the notes aren't "clean" but slightly distorted. Not distortion in a good way anyways lol.

You also want to be sure the subtle crackling noise isn't caused by static discharge from your pickguard. Turn up your guitar/amp volume and drag your hand or fingers across the guard without playing notes; if you hear the crackling, it's static electricity, which can be temporarily (sometimes permanently) defeated by using guitar polish or by rubbing a dryer sheet on the pickguard. Try this before you go changing tubes or going to the trouble and expense of installing copper shielding underneath the guard.

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Post subject: Re: Tubes Crackling?
Posted: Thu Oct 31, 2013 8:11 am
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kevintataryn wrote:
I've heard about the bias needing to be changed when changing output tubes. I've never done it nor do I want to attempt it. You're from Quebec do you know of any good tech's in the Montreal area? The amp is still under warranty so a warranty center would be great!


Bias don't need to be changed but need a check ad adjust if needed .

Fender service in Montreal , yes it must have some . Those one sell Fender . Are they service center ? Phone them . Archambault musique . Diplomate Musique , Italmelodie.

But I don't know how they work I fix amps myself

Google ; Fender music store , montreal


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Post subject: Re: Tubes Crackling?
Posted: Thu Oct 31, 2013 3:25 pm
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Thanks guys, I'm going to try and see if it's a static charge I just recently cleaned up my guitar, it could be from that! If not there's a Fender dealer nearby worst case I'll take it to them and see what they say.


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Post subject: Re: Tubes Crackling?
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2013 10:15 am
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Dear kevintataryn,

Thanks for your post. sorry to hear you're having problems with your amp. As you can tell the information you've received from our forum members is great. But if you are not comfortable with some of the troubleshooting steps recommended here. We do suggest you take it to an authorized service center.

Best Regards,

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Post subject: Re: Tubes Crackling?
Posted: Sun Nov 10, 2013 3:49 pm
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Sounds like dust in the pots to me

OR

The tubes arent seated properly perhaps

OR

You got a flakey cable


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Post subject: Re: Tubes Crackling?
Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 3:17 pm
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So I changed a suspect cable and it seems to have helped a bit. I also noticed one of the 6V6's is loose where the glass tube meets the base. I've ordered a new set of tubes and I'll give that a shot when they get here!

Thanks everyone for all the great input!


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Post subject: Re: Tubes Crackling?
Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2013 3:29 pm
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So I swapped out the 6V6's today, rebiased, amp is like new again! Sounds even better than before in my opinion!


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Post subject: Re: Tubes Crackling?
Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2013 5:01 pm
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Great,enjoy it.


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Post subject: Re: Tubes Crackling?
Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2013 5:54 pm
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kevintataryn wrote:
So I swapped out the 6V6's today, rebiased, amp is like new again! Sounds even better than before in my opinion!



If you just swapped the 6L6's and got rid off the crackling its likely the sockets and/or tube contacts were dirty ..

Great outcome anyway. :D


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Post subject: Re: Tubes Crackling?
Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2013 7:14 am
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Nikola Tesla wrote:
kevintataryn wrote:
So I swapped out the 6V6's today, rebiased, amp is like new again! Sounds even better than before in my opinion!



If you just swapped the 6L6's and got rid off the crackling its likely the sockets and/or tube contacts were dirty ..

Great outcome anyway. :D



Actually one of the old 6V6's was finished. Where the glass of the tube meets the base was very loose almost like it was ready to come apart. I'm just glad it was just a tube and not something more serious!


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