Load?

[FenderB]

While reading another post about a problem a member was having with his amp it was brought up not to turn the amp on or off without a load on it. Does that simply mean having your bass plugged into the amp or is there more to it?

Thanks,

Jack

 

[Bass_Pounder]

Load = having proper resistance cab connected.

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

While reading another post about a problem a member was having with his amp it was brought up not to turn the amp on or off without a load on it. Does that simply mean having your bass plugged into the amp or is there more to it?

Thanks,

Jack

That was my post.
The discussion referred to speakers plugged into the amp's output.
It was only brought up because it was the manufacturer's recommendation for that particular amp.

It won't hurt the amp either way, if the bass is plugged in or not when you turn the amp on or off.
However, plugging your bass in/out while the amp is on can cause a loud pop/other loud noise, which may stress your speakers.

So best practices would be to have everything plugged in first before powering up a SS amp or bringing a tube amp out of standby.

 

[two fingers]

For the purposes of that discussion a load is a speaker cab.

 

[FenderB]

That was my post.
The discussion referred to speakers plugged into the amp's output.
It was only brought up because it was the manufacturer's recommendation for that particular amp.

It won't hurt the amp either way, if the bass is plugged in or not when you turn the amp on or off.
However, plugging your bass in/out while the amp is on can cause a loud pop/other loud noise, which may stress your speakers.

So best practices would be to have everything plugged in first before powering up a SS amp or bringing a tube amp out of standby.

Yes that is the post I was referring to, thanks for the response. I have a Fender 200 and have mistakenly plugged my bass into it while it was on and got the loud pop. I make sure I don't to that anymore.

 

[BadExample]

Yes that is the post I was referring to, thanks for the response. I have a Fender 200 and have mistakenly plugged my bass into it while it was on and got the loud pop. I make sure I don't to that anymore.

Usually not good, annoying, but mostly harmless unless the volume is cranked up. Lotsa power in my bass amp, so I am very careful to mute before making any connections and before power on or off. Generally, connections and controls on the back are not good to fiddle with while powered up. Not always the case and not all front connections/controls are perfectly safe.

A note on load, most SS/class D should be OK powered up no load, no cab, but do follow the manuals advice.

Tube amps need a load at all times when powered. Some have an internal dummy load. You definitely want to read the book on any tube amp and make sure you understand it before first use.