Spark amp HUM
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HUM HUM HUM - bought new earthed power supply, amp still hums until I touch the strings, and even then the note is distorted. WTF is going on? I waited 6 months for an amp that is unusable! PG has shit after sales communication, help is rarer than rocking horse droppings. Anyone out there have a solution?
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@hamilton-mackenzie Some people have mentioned that using a wireless connection between guitar and amp works. Have you tried a different guitar cable? It might be that the one you're using isn't properly shielded.
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Well I have used every cable I have, that gives me zero problems with my other amps. My Reverb Pro makes less noise, and that was built 40 years ago with valves. How in gods name does a company release crap like this, and expect a future?
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@hamilton-mackenzie Try Spark.Zone for a support option. It's new
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@hamilton-mackenzie said in Spark amp HUM:
and that was built 40 years
old school ?
Are you using the application (Adroid - Ios) ? There's a noise reducer. In the app you have to set the Noise-Gate... -
Just got mine last week in OZ almost unplayable due to the hum, swapped for the power supply from my laptop works perfectly now no noise at all, must be shit / cheap power supplies
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@glenn said in Spark amp HUM:
Just got mine last week in OZ almost unplayable due to the hum,
what state mate?
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@crystalpit @glenn
I'm in Melbourne AUS. Got mine today. Hum was awful, but updating the firmware seems to have fixed it. Still think the power cable is crap, but the noise gate seems to quieten the amp with the latest firmware. It's almost silent (there's a hiss rather than a buzz), even when turned up on the high gain channel. -
Actually. I take that back. I still had the amp plugged into my computer, which was obviously doing the earth part....still buzzy as hell
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🤣 ok.. I'm in qld, no hum whatsoever.
QLD uses a neutral to earth bonding system.
And.. like everything else from A to Z in Oz, differs from state to state.
Electrically, areas that are old may have a different type of earthing system.
Australia used to have 3 different types, The most common nowdays is the MEN system.
I've lived in different countries that use that system, and have never had a hum problem in my life on any of the abundant equipment that has passed my hands.
Could be a reason why each state has a different electrical licensing system for the sparkies. -
Loud, persistent hum from the amp. I have the latest firmware. The hum does not go away if I touch the strings on the guitar. However, it does go away if I plug in the USB cable into my computer. The problem with that is a Quick Jam or Spotify song cannot be heard from the Spark amp. However I have found a "fix" for this issue too. If I only partially plug in the USB cable into my computer, it works and there is no hum and I can hear a Jam or a Spotify song.
Happy that this works for me, but not happy that it's a problem that needs fixing.
What does this "fix" indicate? I'd like to know how to remove the problem without my workarounds...
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I received my Spark last week after "patiently" waiting for almost 6 months. Unfortunately, I am also experiencing a loud hum that's unbearable. It's very pronounced once plugging in a cable or instrument. It appears to be a grounding issue as the noise is minimized when you touch anything metal on the either the amp or guitar (power switch, usb port, metal cable ends, etc. I submitted a case this morning. I'm so disappointed after such a long wait.
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Seems like there are 2 types of hum. 1 which goes when you touch the strings, but the notes distort when played. 2. Persistent loud hum that does not go when strings touched. I got a grounded power supply, no difference whatsoever. PG have not responded to my ticket. I’m done with them, bias FX was glitchy and way to much like hard work to get useable, this amp is unusable. Shame to wait so long for something that I can’t even sell on eBay with a clear conscience
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@dean-miniken - Update! As well as posting in this forum, I raised a case and overnight received this update: "We will be sending out a replacement adapter for you which will solve the issue."
So very happy with the response time and offer of a new adaptor - I'll update again when I get the replacement, I hope this is indeed a quick and easy fix.
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@dean-miniken That was the response I received yesterday. I hope it doesn't take months to get the new power supply as I want to use my amp.
"Please note that due to the impact COVID-19 is having on global supply chains, the shipping of the power supply may take longer than anticipated. We’ll keep you updated on its status."
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I turned off EVERYTHING else in the house, the background hum (goes when touching grounded elements like strings) reduced a lot. BUT the infuriating distortion that comes when you play a note, bit like a rattle of a snare drum, remains unchanged. Did PG do any beta testing with this amp?
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@dean-miniken said in Spark amp HUM:
However I have found a "fix" for this issue too. If I only partially plug in the USB cable into my computer, it works and there is no hum and I can hear a Jam or a Spotify song.
At first I didn't see the problem, because I don't use a lot of hi-gain settings.
Thx it works for me too. So = There's a grounding fault.
Waiting for official announcement...Alternative fix :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WagRglBuMFQ
DIY : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cERqYXIG82c -
@sev said in Spark amp HUM:
Waiting for official announcement...
Don't wait around for an official announcement..
Report the issue using the Contact Support link at the top of the page. They will send you a replacement power supply.
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@hamilton-mackenzie said in Spark amp HUM:
I turned off EVERYTHING else in the house, the background hum (goes when touching grounded elements like strings) reduced a lot. BUT the infuriating distortion that comes when you play a note, bit like a rattle of a snare drum, remains unchanged. Did PG do any beta testing with this amp?
Hmmm. This seems more a problem of your electricity network in the house, like that there's some mistake in wring or dispersions. When you turn the light on or off, does it make the amp "click" or change anything? You should maybe go through a "test", turn everything else off and UNPLUG them. Then try connecting your amp to different plugs, to see if you find any differences. Then you try the "turn on-off the light" thing. If it clicks, there could be something wrong with your electricity lines... If not, try plugging in the other appliances ONE AT A TIME, and see if there's one of them "making the difference".
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Just received. Plugged into my living room outlet where I had had my Mesa and pedalboard all set up before. My home entertainment also is on this circuit but was NOT on. Using the included power supply, "MOSO", two prong with a 3 prong from an old laptop on standby.
Tele with single coils
No hum, no buzz. Very quiet even on the high gain settings. This just using the amp not connect to app yet. Now this Tele has never been a noisy one it is shielded inside. Will try later with some of the other things on that circuit turned on. I know the TV if on will cause some buzzing if I face it the right way as with other amps and guitars.