TranstubeFex and Nashville 400 ??

Bobby Boggs · Post by **Bobby Boggs** » 1 Oct 2002 11:47 am

I was trying to find a way to use the TranstubeFex for effects only.No pre-amp from the Fex just the effects.I'm using a N 400 for an amp.I followed the instructions in the manual (#4.Using TransTube Fex in the effects loop of a separate preamp). That was the closest match I could find.Still I have the Fex pre-amp.Their must be some way to just use the effects and not the pre-amp???HELP! Thanks--bb

Bobby Boggs · Post by **Bobby Boggs** » 2 Oct 2002 4:45 pm

Come on guys give me a hand here.I know their must be several of you using a Profex for effects only.I would think the hook-up would be pretty much the same.I like a Transtubefex in a rack system. Just don't like it with a Nashville -400. Thanks---------bb

Jeff Peterson · Post by **Jeff Peterson** » 2 Oct 2002 5:39 pm

Just run into it first. No, the preamp section in the 400 is not going to affect the delay/reverb or any effect much at all. Just suck way back on your output and go into the front end of the 400. I pretty much run my main rig this way...except I use a TubeFex using the balanced outs into a VMP-II...but I could just as easily run it straight to a 400, 1000 or anything else. This rig is so quiet, the sound guys are always asking if I'm even on when no one is playing. As with all separate component set-ups, just watch your gain structure on the front end.

Bobby Boggs · Post by **Bobby Boggs** » 2 Oct 2002 6:10 pm

Thanks Jeff.Sounds too easy.

I'll give it a try. Regards ----bb

Bobby Boggs · Post by **Bobby Boggs** » 2 Oct 2002 6:36 pm

Ok First I went from the volume pedal to the fron of the Fex.Then from the Mono Effects Send.To the front of the N-400.I got nothing.
2nd I tried from the volume pedal to the front of the Fex.Then from the mono out-put and got all that hiss Peavey is famous for.I even turned the out-put and input off.No power but almost as much hiss.Where did I go wrong? Thanks -bb

Bobby Boggs · Post by **Bobby Boggs** » 2 Oct 2002 6:46 pm

I guess Jeff meant the Glob out-put.

Thanks man.

Next questions. Why can't you run this thru the pre-EQ patch? If not what good is it? Is the pre-EQ patch anything like an effects loop? When using an amp I always just pluged in the front or used the power amp in when using a Fex.However I was over at Buddy's site and he was giving all these new found reasons for going thru the effects loop.Educate me.I'm not even sure I have an effects loop.

One other thing.I can tell no difference when plugging the Fex into the power amp in and Pre-amp out jacks. What's up with that? Thanks!---bb<[This message was edited by Bobby Boggs on 02 October 2002 at 08:43 PM.]

Mike Brown · Post by **Mike Brown** » 3 Oct 2002 6:25 am

Hello Bobby,
Sounds as if you are becoming a bit frustrated with your rig. First of all, thanks for choosing our products.

The PRE EQ PATCH is an effects loop, insert point or whatever you wish to call it. "Pre" means that it is before the eq controls but after the first gain stage in the circuit.

The Fex will work in either the PRE EQ PATCH or by using the PRE AMP OUT and POWER AMP IN jacks on the rear panel. But, the results may vary depending on which loop that is used because they are at different points in the circuit. The noise that you hear could be due to which effects you have in the effects chain as some effects are "gain" effects and others like reverb aren't. The gain effect types add "gain" to the signal which can increase the noise/hiss. On a live stage situation, I doubt that you would hear any of the hiss/noise. Also, ensure that this is not confused with a ground hum situation.

If you will give me preset specifics, I will recreate it here at the factory. Every amp has a certain amount of hiss(if it has an eq section), this is normal.

Mike Brown
Peavey Electronics Corporation[This message was edited by Mike Brown on 03 October 2002 at 07:26 AM.]

Bobby Boggs · Post by **Bobby Boggs** » 3 Oct 2002 6:41 am

Thanks Mike.I love my rack sound.Just don't love to carry it.

I have just never used the Pre-gain side of the N-400.I was just bored and thought I'd give it a try.Can you tell me how to connect the Transtube to the N-400 using the pre-EQ patch.Just wanted to see if it sounded better.Or different. Thanks again.---bb

Mike Brown · Post by **Mike Brown** » 3 Oct 2002 7:36 am

Yes, I tried it here in the office using a Nashville 1000 and the Transtube Fex, and I thought that the "hiss" was at a very reasonable level.

Here's how I hooked this up; using a shielded cable, connect from the LEFT/MONO output jack on rear panel of the Transtube Fex to the PRE EQ RETURN jack on the front panel of the Nashville. Then, using a second cable, connect from the PRE EQ SEND jack on the Nashville to the INPUT at the far right side of the Transtube Fex. It worked quietly here in the office.

But, please remember that the noise level will depend on what effects are in the audio chain.

Bobby Boggs · Post by **Bobby Boggs** » 3 Oct 2002 7:59 am

Thanks Mike that's what I wanted to know.-----------bb[This message was edited by Bobby Boggs on 03 October 2002 at 09:03 AM.]

Mike Brown · Post by **Mike Brown** » 3 Oct 2002 8:40 am

Let me know if this is acceptable to you, and/or we will try other patches. However, I would like to have the parameters of the presets that you are trying so that I duplicate this here at the factory.

I can be reached toll free at 1-877-732-8391.

Mike Brown
Peavey Electronics Corporation

Bobby Boggs · Post by **Bobby Boggs** » 3 Oct 2002 8:46 am

Ok.Back to square one.

What Mike posted is the way I hooked before ever posting on the forum.The problem.when connected this way the N-400 makes a (fast) clicking) sound.I figured this must be wrong and disconnected.When connected this way I get the same clicking sound with my 500.Is this normal?------bb

Ken Fox · Post by **Ken Fox** » 3 Oct 2002 9:32 am

I duplicated the setup in my shop. With a Nashville 400 and a Transtubefex I heard a small amount of white noise (preamp noise) riding on top of a much larger 60 cycle hum. This was an easy fix! I used a ground lift on the AC cord of the Transtubefex and it is very clean now. The "white noise" that remains is minimal.
The problem is a classic "ground loop hum". Any interconnected equipment that is is using unbalanced inputs and outputs will suffer this problem to some degree. [This message was edited by Ken Fox on 03 October 2002 at 10:33 AM.][This message was edited by Ken Fox on 03 October 2002 at 03:54 PM.]

Bobby Boggs · Post by **Bobby Boggs** » 3 Oct 2002 4:55 pm

Thanks Ken.My problem is a (clicking sound) not a hum.I don't even count the hiss.

.However the clicking noise has nothing to do with the Fex.It clicks without it.The amp is as quiet a mouse.Except when you use the pre-EQ jacks.This 400 is one of the last and has maybe a 100 hours on it.I have an old Session 500 that does the same.

My thanks to all who helped and a special thanks to Mike Brown for the call.--------bb

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 3 Oct 2002 5:35 pm

Bobby, the clicking is when you take the amp off the hanger to put it on

Seriously, it could be the loop jacks have corroded, spray 'em with contact cleaner, that might help. Or get a new amp.

Bobby Boggs · Post by **Bobby Boggs** » 3 Oct 2002 6:19 pm

Sounds like it's got a bum in it.

Might go off and blow cheap wine all over the house.

Ken Fox · Post by **Ken Fox** » 3 Oct 2002 6:30 pm

That sounds bad! I can't imagine what would cause that one. I'd try cleaning the jacks then go for the wine! What the heck, maybe do both!

Mike Brown · Post by **Mike Brown** » 4 Oct 2002 5:31 am

I suggested to Bobby to try a ground lift adaptor on it. I believe that it is related to some other device in his home that is connected to the same circuit. I also duplicated his setup here at Peavey and it worked normal without any side effects.

Bobby Boggs · Post by **Bobby Boggs** » 4 Oct 2002 1:20 pm

Thanks Mike.No not a ground thing.But I took care of the problem.Close-er down Joey.-------bb[This message was edited by Bobby Boggs on 04 October 2002 at 11:43 PM.]

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 4 Oct 2002 3:29 pm

So what was the issue? The answer might help someone else.