Harry at Copper Studios came to us, looking for a solution to add some extra production value to their show by adding some low lying fog and a snow machine. They weren’t sure what was appropriate and would give the best effect for their particular size of stage.
The Solution:
After running through the options of a Pea Souper Machine with some dry ice, a small chilled low lying fog machine, and the full sized ZR22 Martin Jem combined with Antari DNG100 Low Smoke Chiller.
We decided to go for the Chiller + Smoke Machine combo because the stage was quite large and it was budget friendly.
We had a perfect snow machine for the occasion, the QTX Snow Machine. Does exactly what it says on the tin.
Everything had DMX that the techs needed and it was confirmed and ready to go
We brought the items over and communicated directly with the tech team at Bonigton Theatre, making sure they had everything they needed and signed off, well before curtains went up at the venue.
The Result:
As you can see from the photos, the production went down a storm with some fantastic visuals.
”Dave and team were extremely helpful and knowledgable on their equipment. They delivered and collected when arranged and gave us a full brief on the items we hired. We will be using again. Thank you
Amp repair can be a daunting and dangerous process. While some repairs require the expertise of a professional, many common problems have quick, often free, solutions that can save you a trip to a specialist and some money.
A Word of Caution:
Always prioritise safety when dealing with amp repair and electrical equipment. Any maintenance should be performed under controlled conditions with appropriate health and safety measures in place. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult a specialist rather than attempt a repair yourself. Even after unplugging a device, power can remain stored within the unit, posing a potentially fatal shock risk. DO NOT PUT YOURSELF AT RISK.
When testing your equipment, make sure that you are away from other sources of electronic interference, as this may cause issue. This includes, but not limited too; WiFi routers, dimmers, florescent lights, and computers.
1. Read the Amp Repair Manual
This might seem obvious, but the best resource for troubleshooting any issue with your amplifier – whether it’s related to power, sound, or anything else – is almost always the amp’s manual. It provides the most direct, efficient, safe, and cost-effective solutions. Sometimes a “fault” is simply a setting designed for a specific purpose, like recording, or a feature added as an afterthought. You might even find that a simple firmware update is all that’s needed to address a known issue.
Often, the fix is something surprisingly simple. Remember the common engineering adage: R.T.F.M. (Read The Flipping Manual!).
2. Be Methodical with Your Signal Chain
When diagnosing any problem, from power failure to buzzing, always follow a systematic and repeatable approach. The goal is to isolate the problem within your “signal chain” (e.g., amp – pedals – patch cables – guitar).
Start by simplifying:
Test the amp directly: Plug your Instrument directly into the amp, bypassing all pedals and other devices. If the problem disappears, you know the issue lies somewhere in your pedal board or with the cables connecting them.
Swap cables: Try different instrument cables and IEC power cables. Faulty cables are a very common cause of buzzing, intermittent sound, or complete signal loss.
Test with another guitar: If possible, try a different Instrument with your amp. While this article focuses on the amp, it’s a quick way to rule out the Instrument itself as the source of the problem.
By methodically swapping out components, you might discover that a simple, inexpensive cable is the culprit, saving you the expense and time of a full amp repair.
3. Check Pedal Power & Batteries
While this isn’t strictly an “amp” issue, many sound problems attributed to an amp actually originate from pedals. Many pedals can pick up hum or create noise from a cheap, unisolated power supply. Try using good quality 9-volt batteries (if your pedals support them) to power your pedals. If this reduces the noise, a better, isolated power supply might be your solution. Ensure your power supply provides the correct voltage and current for all your pedals.
If these suggestions have not resolved this issue with your equipment, it’s now advisable to seek professional assistance. We at EES Showhire are always happy to take a look and get to the bottom of any problems plaguing your amplifier and ultimately; your sound.
We offer a specalist diagnosis and repair service for all your electronics needs, with a specialisation in Amps, guitar electronics, lighting, power, and mixer repair. Click here or come into the store to get your gear repaired and sounding great again.
