Community: FBV Express Problem - a 'metronomic' click?

Up to Discussions in Spider IV/Spider Online

2182 Views 10 Replies Latest reply: Mar 17, 2010 2:10 PM by Ken_Campbell

Ken_Campbell

7 posts since
May 6, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

Mar 11, 2010 2:50 PM

FBV Express Problem - a 'metronomic' click?

I have an FBV Express that I use with my Spider III 30W. After very nearly 3 years of sterling service with the only issue being a slight squeak on the vol/wah pedal, I now have a metronomic clicking noise, which is definitely coming from the FBV Express - it is clearly heard via the amp speaker, you don't hear it when anymore when turning the master volume down to zero and if the pedal is disconnected from the amp you hear it no longer either. I haven't tried the obvious thing yet (but will) of trying another cable but if it is not as simple as that and is a fault with the FBV Express as anyone encountered this problem and if so, is it repairable? Thanks.

Like (0)

Tags: fbv, express

lcurrell
226 posts since
Sep 12, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

Mar 11, 2010 6:11 PM (in response to Ken_Campbell)
Re: FBV Express Problem - a 'metronomic' click?

Hi,

I know it sounds a bit naive, but make sure the watch on your wrist is not near your guitar pick-up. My arm tends to drape over the guitar while adjusting the amp or FBV, and yours may too while sitting with your guitar in your lap wondering where this clicking is coming from.

I once spent about half-an hour wondering why my guitar was "clicking" off and on, and then realized it was the proximity of my watch to the pickup.

Just a thought!...I hope you figure the problem out.

Report Abuse

Like (0)
- Ken_Campbell
  7 posts since
  May 6, 2007
  
  Currently Being Moderated
  
  Mar 12, 2010 12:57 PM (in response to lcurrell)
  Re: FBV Express Problem - a 'metronomic' click?
  
  Hi. Nice bit of lateral thinking there! I don't think that explains it for me though as my watch wasn't on the arm that would cause the problem. Thanks for taking the time to reply though.
  
  Report Abuse
  
  Like (0)
Nick_Mattocks
9,066 posts since
Mar 26, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

Mar 12, 2010 12:51 AM (in response to Ken_Campbell)
Re: FBV Express Problem - a 'metronomic' click?

Hi

Things like this can often be traced to electro-magnetic-interference from some external source and where you have long unscreened cables with things like an FBV Express plugged into them you sometimes get a crudely tuned circuit (read: receiver) with a nice antenna being formed by the cable. Have you recently installed Wi-Fi for computer Internet access or has the wireless access point been moved at all or even just turned slightly. My wireless ADSL router for instance can cause interference with a regular metronomic click when I also use a wireless satellite TV sender if it;s in slightly the wrong position/wrong orientation. Do you have cordless phones?

Can you try your guitar rig at another location to see if it might be something external to the amp at your normal location? Do you know anyone else with an FBV Express that you could borrow to compare with yours?

Just a few more thoughts

Hope you resolve it

Nick

Report Abuse

Like (0)
- Ken_Campbell
  7 posts since
  May 6, 2007
  
  Currently Being Moderated
  
  Mar 12, 2010 1:04 PM (in response to Nick_Mattocks)
  Re: FBV Express Problem - a 'metronomic' click?
  
  Thanks for those suggestions. Thinking about it, on that particular ocassion it was a very quick set up for a band rehearsal and I had the amp on the floor and the FBV right next to it with the net result that the connecting cable didn't have to stretch very far and was basically still coiled up ..... potentially a nice antenna. I'll test out this hypothesis! Thanks for your time.
  
  Report Abuse
  
  Like (0)
  - Ken_Campbell
    7 posts since
    May 6, 2007
    
    Currently Being Moderated
    
    Mar 17, 2010 2:07 PM (in response to Ken_Campbell)
    Re: FBV Express Problem - a 'metronomic' click?
    
    I tested the 'coiled cable' hypothesis - that didn't fix it unfortunately. I'll try another cable next and if that doesn't do it I guess it is an internaly problem to the FBV Express. Thanks.
    
    Report Abuse
    
    Like (0)
Line6Hugo
6,556 posts since
Apr 8, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

Mar 12, 2010 4:15 PM (in response to Ken_Campbell)
RE: FBV Express Problem - a 'metronomic' click?

Let us know if it was just that last setup of a coiled cable. But if the problem persists, I would recommend taking both to a service center to observe the problem then fix or offer their advice:

http://line6.com/support/serviceCenters/

Regards,

Line6Hugo

Report Abuse

Like (0)
- Ken_Campbell
  7 posts since
  May 6, 2007
  
  Currently Being Moderated
  
  Mar 13, 2010 5:45 AM (in response to Line6Hugo)
  Re: RE: FBV Express Problem - a 'metronomic' click?
  
  Thanks for the reply. I will definitely post with an answer on the coiled cable when I test it out early next week.
  
  Report Abuse
  
  Like (0)
- Ken_Campbell
  7 posts since
  May 6, 2007
  
  Currently Being Moderated
  
  Mar 17, 2010 2:10 PM (in response to Line6Hugo)
  Re: RE: FBV Express Problem - a 'metronomic' click?
  
  I tested the 'coiled cable' hypothesis - that didn't fix it unfortunately. I'll try another cable next and if that doesn't do it I guess it is an internaly problem to the FBV Express and a visit to a service centre. Thanks.
  
  Report Abuse
  
  Like (0)
ricksox
11,641 posts since
Mar 28, 2006

Currently Being Moderated

Mar 12, 2010 4:16 PM (in response to Ken_Campbell)
RE: FBV Express Problem - a 'metronomic' click?

Hello,

You may also want to try a new CAT 5 cable just to rule out the possibility of it being a bad cable.

Line6Miller

Report Abuse

Like (0)
- Ken_Campbell
  7 posts since
  May 6, 2007
  
  Currently Being Moderated
  
  Mar 13, 2010 5:48 AM (in response to ricksox)
  Re: RE: FBV Express Problem - a 'metronomic' click?
  
  Thanks for replying. If the coiled cable theory doesn't do it, that will be my next step. Will keep the forum updated.
  
  Report Abuse
  
  Like (0)

Go to original post

Legend

Correct Answers - 5 points
Helpful Answers - 3 points

About
- Line 6 Story
- News
- Press
- Jobs
- Support
- Contact Us
Follow

Stay in the mix and in the know.
Subscribe

Latest offers, special deals and insider updates.

Mar 11, 2010 2:50 PM

FBV Express Problem - a 'metronomic' click?

Actions

More Like This

Bookmarked By (0)

Legend

About

Follow

Subscribe