ADA Depot - A Forum To Support Users of ADA Amplification Gear

Let's Get Technical => Troubleshooting Problems => Topic started by: Mxzx on January 23, 2014, 09:48:22 AM

Title: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: Mxzx on January 23, 2014, 09:48:22 AM
I just bought a MP-1, and know very little about it.  I did download the owners manual and have read that.

I don't have a power amp, so just running into front of a Marshall SuperLead.  I do have the switch on top set to the forward position.  When I plug the amp into A output, it is very weak and thin, when swap to B output it is very loud and full?  I have not tried running both outputs together.

i did swap the tubes around, and that didn't make any difference.

Any ideas?

Also noticed this, is this stock or a mod?

(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w29/Mxzx440s/Mobile%20Uploads/7D945EBE-71B2-41EB-9261-306141665071_zpsrhjoyahe.jpg) (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/Mxzx440s/media/Mobile%20Uploads/7D945EBE-71B2-41EB-9261-306141665071_zpsrhjoyahe.jpg.html)

Thanks!
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: hal2000 on January 23, 2014, 10:25:00 AM
I only can say something about that orange capacitor (you mean that?). As far as i know, my mp1 was not modded and this section in your photo looks exactly the same as mine.
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: MarshallJMP on January 23, 2014, 12:54:01 PM
yes this cap is standard.

Try to plug in a headphone in the headphone out and listen,are both outs (L and R) the same through the headphone?Let me know.
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: Mxzx on January 23, 2014, 07:50:51 PM
Thanks for the info.

When I first fired unit up, I tried the headphone jack with a set of headphones.  They were the same except one side was cutting in and out, like a dirty pot.  I cleaned but haven't retried it, I'll do it tomorrow and report back.

Also, what exactly does the switch on top do?   I just read the warnings about having it forward for guitar amps, but they don't say what i does.

Thanks
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: rnolan on January 23, 2014, 08:26:01 PM
The switch changes the MP1 A and B outs to instrument level (millivolts) to plug into your guitar amp (clean) input OR line level (~1 volt(s)) to plug into a power amp (which is designed to be driven by a separate pre-amp/mixer etc at line level).  Your guitar amp has a pre-amp and power amp and it's pre-amp is designed to take guitar (instrument) level signal.  If you send it line level, you'll overload the input (badly and may cause damage).  If you plug the ADA set to instrument level into a power amp, it won't have enough herbs to drive it and it will sound week, thin, yuk, noise etc.
The new(ish) ADA site (http://www.adaamps.com/index.htm) has suggested pre-amp eq settings in the ADA APP-1 user manual for a bunch of guitar amps (Marshall included) to provide the cleanest flatest response (no add colour) for people who want to run their ADA APP-1 into a guitar amp.  These are just as valid for MP-1 into guitar amp.  They are on page 15 of the APP-1 user manual (attached), it also includes some other good advice regarding using a guitar amp with these pre-amps.
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: MarshallJMP on January 24, 2014, 02:44:45 PM
Thanks for the info.

When I first fired unit up, I tried the headphone jack with a set of headphones.  They were the same except one side was cutting in and out, like a dirty pot.  I cleaned but haven't retried it, I'll do it tomorrow and report back.


Ok keep me updated.
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: Mxzx on January 24, 2014, 05:34:16 PM
Just tried with headphones and it sounds perfect, even the knob isn't scratchy after the cleaning!

The A side is still very quiet and B side normal with headphones plugged in..

Thanks
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: MarshallJMP on January 25, 2014, 02:54:07 PM
Ok,that narrows it down to a couple of components.Possible culprits are;
-The front vol pot ==>is it scratchy when you turn it?
-Opamp U10 ==>NE5532 opamp,it's located just behind the vol pot.
-The top switch==> you can try to rock it up and down a few and see if that helps.Altough i doubt this switch would case a problem but you never know.
-Caps C56 or C49==>What you can try is set the master volume on 8.0 or 9.0 and set the front vol pot CW (clockwise,fully open).If suddenly the sound comes trough it's usually one of these 2 caps.Now this doesn't work always but you can try it out.
-Output jack.
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: Mxzx on January 25, 2014, 03:43:45 PM
Okay, thanks.  In order of questions:

1. Vol pot was scratchy, but contact cleaner in pot took care of that!
2.  Let me know what I need to check for the opamp
3.  I have moved the switch, doesn't make any difference.
4.   I will try that
5.  Let me know what I can do on output check, guessing check solder connections.

Thanks
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: MarshallJMP on January 25, 2014, 05:25:54 PM
2. Best would be a scoope,or just replace it,it's not an expensive thing,just a few $
5. Don't know if this is going to work but try it.Locate connector B.It's just above the vol pot.It's a small red connector,and in your case the middle wire has been cut and wrapped around the other two.Disconnect it and turn 180° and try to put it in that way.Normally this won't go but try it anyway.This way you will reverse channel A and B.If the jack is fine A should work and B doesn't.

keep me updated.
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: Mxzx on January 26, 2014, 07:06:25 AM
Ok, I'll just replace the opamp. where would one buy such part?

I will give connector B a try and report back the results.

Thanks!
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: Mxzx on January 26, 2014, 12:30:14 PM
Just pulled the plug and switched, and yes the A output was loud and B quiet when switched.

Now what?

Thanks again for all the help!
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: MarshallJMP on January 26, 2014, 12:37:49 PM
Ok so we can rule out the jack.Did you try the volume thing i mentioned?
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: Mxzx on January 26, 2014, 01:26:10 PM
Yes the vol pot was scratchy at first, put some contact cleaner in it, now quire when turned up and down.

Thanks
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: MarshallJMP on January 26, 2014, 04:26:33 PM
Try this first;

Caps C56 or C49==>What you can try is set the master volume on 8.0 or 9.0 and set the front vol pot CW (clockwise,fully open).If suddenly the sound comes trough it's usually one of these 2 caps.Now this doesn't work always but you can try it out.

Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: Mxzx on January 26, 2014, 05:20:53 PM
Thanks, I'm guessing by master volume you mean master gain?

I did put that on 9 with with output level full open, and it still is quiet.

Thanks
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: MarshallJMP on January 26, 2014, 06:59:28 PM
Try replacing U10,it's a NE5532,very common opamp.Maybe a tip,when you replace put a ic socket first.
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: Mxzx on January 26, 2014, 07:00:44 PM
Will do, where exactly is it and where would I get a new one?

Thanks
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: MarshallJMP on January 26, 2014, 07:04:09 PM
U10 is just behind the vol pot,it's a 8 pin ic,there is NE5532 printed on the top.Normally you can get it in any electronics store.
Where are you from?
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: Mxzx on January 26, 2014, 07:05:53 PM
Thanks I'll check it out.

I live just outside of Louisville KY.
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: MarshallJMP on January 27, 2014, 08:56:25 AM
Well in your case mouser does carry these.Or check out the local electronics store if there is one in your neighborhood.
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: Mxzx on January 27, 2014, 09:39:15 AM
I called electronics store and no one seems to have it.  I don't mind ordering one, but Mouser lists a bunch of them.  Is there one in particular I should get?  Also if you could recommend a IC socket too that would be great.

Just so I am sure, is this the correct opamp?

(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w29/Mxzx440s/Mobile%20Uploads/17E64600-CC9E-4178-B607-34A65058E265_zpsvh660yay.jpg) (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/Mxzx440s/media/Mobile%20Uploads/17E64600-CC9E-4178-B607-34A65058E265_zpsvh660yay.jpg.html)

Thanks again!
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: MarshallJMP on January 27, 2014, 10:02:08 AM
NE5532   http://mouser.com/ProductDetail/Texas-Instruments/NE5532P/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMtCHixnSjNA6Araa3jp4DVBKprmLw7OjBo%3d

socket  http://mouser.com/ProductDetail/3M-Electronic-Solutions-Division/4808-3000-CP/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMs%2fSh%2fkjph1tvt1%2fmEPT%2fXoueZQAPgo6HQ%3d
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: Mxzx on January 27, 2014, 10:54:34 AM
Got it, thanks!

Just ordered them. 

I'll let you know how the install goes.
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: MarshallJMP on January 27, 2014, 01:48:27 PM
BTW that's the correct opamp,so lets hope this is the problem.
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: Mxzx on February 03, 2014, 01:39:04 PM
Update:

Just replaced the opamp with new socket and opamp, no difference.  One side still much quieter, when I swap the red plug around, it switches sides like before.

Any other ideas?
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: MarshallJMP on February 04, 2014, 08:14:44 AM
-The top switch.
-Caps C56 or C49
-The front pot.
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: Mxzx on February 04, 2014, 10:43:53 AM
Okay, thanks.

What do I need to do to test these?  The front volume knob works correctly when the red plug is switched back and forth, so would that eliminate it as a potential problem?

Do I need to replace the switch or is there a way to test.

Where are the caps on the board and can I test them installed with a meter?

Thanks again for your help on this.
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: Sparker on February 04, 2014, 11:10:14 AM
You could try shorting C56 (connecting both pins together) then C49 and see if any difference to the volume.
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: Mxzx on February 04, 2014, 11:33:15 AM
It was the switch!!  Started jiggling it around when plugged into a little practice amp and the volume came up.  Sprayed it with contact cleaner and worked switch back and forth, seems okay now.

Guess I'll be doing the switch mod to get it out of there and replace switch!!

Thanks all who helped!!
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: MarshallJMP on February 04, 2014, 01:38:50 PM
Glad you got it solved. :thumb-up:
Title: Re: MP-1 A channel much quieter than B
Post by: El Chiguete on February 12, 2014, 06:32:21 PM
This forum rocks!!!