Sunn Beta Lead hum/buzz/noise floor inquiry

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proceedeth
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Sunn Beta Lead hum/buzz/noise floor inquiry

Post by proceedeth »

Sunn Beta Lead owners and fans, I'm seeking experiences and advise about this amplifier. I own one but have played no others so I'm not quite sure what to expect.

Is it possible to have a cranked gain and level without the noise floor rising with the master volume to a point the amp becomes unplayable? With a cranked gain, I can lower the level to a point the amp hum diminishes to a quiet level but it will slowly creep back up with the master volume. With a maxed gain/level combo, can't get the MV past one before the noise is an issue. This amp is absurdly loud, I know, just would like to know what's normal for the amp in general. Would like to record it at some point. I know the preamp gain will introduce a ton of noise into the signal but what can be expected from the level control?

Just seeking general experiences and knowledge about this amp. Thank you!
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Re: Sunn Beta Lead hum/buzz/noise floor inquiry

Post by lordgalvar »

Mine is kind of noisy. Depends on the power that day. Good grounding helps a lot and keep it off circuits with stuff like computers and applicances. Also, sometimes plugging in a lamp will help (or make it worse).

I find it has a lower noise floor than a lot of Randall rg's I've used. Or my sovtek.

With the gain cranked, you are going to amplify any line noise around. Maybe try a gate in the effects loop or on your pedal board?

My thing with that amp is there is no middle volume: like 1-2 on master is cool for the house, but after 2 it gets crazy loud but kinda stalls out (like it's either loud or louder. It isn't a linear curve toward loud, just a jump at 2).

(Ahhh! Typo!)
Last edited by lordgalvar on Wed Jan 16, 2019 4:42 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Sunn Beta Lead hum/buzz/noise floor inquiry

Post by Benn Roe »

lordgalvar wrote:Also, sometimes plugging in a lamb will help (or make it worse).
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Re: Sunn Beta Lead hum/buzz/noise floor inquiry

Post by proceedeth »

Looking at purchasing the Furman Pst-8 to help with the power for mine and taking it from there. Thanks for the reply. Love the gnarly gain sound on mine but yeah cranked is going to cause some issues to work out!
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Re: Sunn Beta Lead hum/buzz/noise floor inquiry

Post by proceedeth »

Benn Roe wrote:
lordgalvar wrote:Also, sometimes plugging in a lamb will help (or make it worse).
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also - got a kick out of this image this morning!
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