Amps are an important part of the guitar setup as they make or break the music output, which is why it’s important to invest in the right one. Egnater Renegade remains one of the best amps with four power tubes, which can be connected and controlled through a tube mix knob.
Every channel on this amp is fully independent since it has its own reverb, gain controls, EQ section, and master volume. However, just like other amps, it also has some errors that you need to be aware of!
Most Common Egnater Renegade Problems
- Compatibility Problems
It is an old amp model, which is why compatibility issues are very common. In simpler words, it creates connectivity issues when you connect them to the latest musical instruments, and honestly, there is nothing that you can do other than finding compatible accessories.
- Noise
Noise is another frequent issue with this amp, and solving it is actually pretty easy. The first step is to check all the connections by disconnecting the cables and inspecting for rust. The rust can adversely impact the connectivity, which is why cleaning is essential. You can clean the rust with the help of a contact cleaner.
Once the connectors are clean, reconnect the cables, and it should fix the noise. On the contrary, if cleaning the connector doesn’t work, you must check the cables. That’s because damaged cables can directly influence the signal reception, hence noise issues.
The only solution for a damaged cable is a replacement because cables cannot be repaired. Once the cables are replaced, you should keep the cables organized to prevent sharp bends as they damage internal parts of the cable.
- Knobs Are Not Responding
If you are rotating the knob on the amp, but it’s not changing the respective settings, you have to clean the knob. It’s common for knobs to collect dust, particularly if you use the amp regularly. So, clean the knobs regularly and make sure the dust buildup is properly cleaned (you can opt for a contact cleaner).
Once you are done cleaning the knobs, add a bit of machine oil to the knob and it will improve the knob’s functionality. In case cleaning and oiling the knobs don’t work, you have to hire an authorized technician to get the knobs repaired or replaced, depending on the issue.
- Overheating
Since this is a tube amp, it is likely to generate immense heat. The real problem happens when the heat level exceeds the normal level. In most cases, the amp overheats when you use the amp for a long time.
On the other hand, if you haven’t been using the amp for a long time and it’s still overheating, it’s likely that the tubes are damaged. For this purpose, it’s recommended that you inspect the tubes, and if they seem damaged or burnt, you have to get them replaced but hire an expert technician.
Secondly, the amp has various openings and slots for ventilation as it helps prevent overheating. However, when these slots and openings are blocked and/or covered, it results in overheating. Make sure that these slots have proper airflow and you haven’t placed the amp on the sofa, bed, or rug as it blocks these openings.
Last but not least, these openings must be cleaned properly because dust buildup in these openings prevents airflow, causing overheating.
- Not Turning On
If you are pressing the power button on the amp and it’s not turning on, there are various solutions that can be tried;
- First of all, you must check the ground wires as the amps are connected through ground wires to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. The wires must be connected properly, and make sure the ground wiring has intact shielding
- Secondly, make sure no wires are hanging loose because disconnected and loose wires can keep the amp from turning on
- You must check the remote wire that connects the amp and audio system as it must be tightly connected. In addition to this, the remote wire should have 5V of minimum supply as it’s essential for triggering the amp
- Another solution is to check the power cable/wire that’s supplying power to the amp. You must connect a multimeter to make sure this wire has 14V of power, and if it’s less or more, you need to get the main power supply fixed
- Last but not least, you must check the fuse because voltage issues can result in a blown fuse. The amp’s internal circuit stops working when the fuse is blown, so inspect the fuse and replace it if it’s blown to turn on the amp
- No Sound
In case your amp is turned on, but you cannot hear any sound coming out of it, the first step is to check the input and output of the amp. In particular, you have to check the RCA cable that connects your amp to the guitar.
In case there are multiple RCA outputs, you must check all of them and test them by connecting them to the sound source. The RCA cables are responsible for providing signals to the amp, which is why if they are disconnected or are connected to the wrong port, the amp will turn on, but there won’t be any sound.
The second solution is to check the amp’s power, and you’ve to check the voltage on positive as well as negative terminals on the amp with the help of a voltmeter – the reading must be between 12V to 14V. If the reading is below 12V, the voltage is too low to support the sound.
If that’s the case, you should get the main power cable of the amp replaced because a shortened or damaged power cable won’t be able to supply sufficient current to your amp. The third solution is to check the fuse because if the fuse is blown, it can result in sound issues.
You should inspect the fuse, and brown color is the most common symptom of a blown fuse. If that’s the case, the only solution is to get the fuse replaced but make sure you use the fuse type that’s indicated on the amp’s rear panel.
Another solution is to check the subwoofer connected to the guitar and amp because if it has a short circuit, it won’t be able to produce sound. Honestly, identifying the short circuit is challenging, which is why you should hire an electrician.
- Distorted Sound
When the amp starts making distorted sounds, you should check the audio source and make sure the cable connecting the amp and audio source is working properly. On the other hand, if the cable isn’t the problem, you must check the source. This amp is integrated with various sources, including RCA, 3.5mm audio, and optical audio.
You must select the correct source according to the speakers or guitar. In addition, the cables connected to these source inputs must be working properly. Secondly, you must inspect the wire that’s latched to the small port behind your amp. If this wire is damaged, you must get it replaced.
In addition to this, the port should be cleaned with sandpaper as well because it helps clean the carbon deposits.
- The Plug Not Fitting In
This amp has been integrated with the polarized alternative current line plug. In particular, this plug has one wide blade while the other one is narrow. The plug fits into the power outlet in one way only for safety purposes.
So, if you are unable to fit the plug into the power outlet, it’s recommended that you reverse the plug. If you are still unable to connect the plug to the outlet, you must hire an electrician to replace the outlet.
The Bottom Line
This amp is one of the most trusted amps in the market, but it’s susceptible to some errors. The component repairs and replacements should be done by a professional.
In addition, you should always use a stable stand, bracket, or a tripod for installing the amp to make sure it doesn’t fall – it can lead to internal damage, resulting in performance and sound issues.
I have an Egnater Renegade amp. The issue is I adjusted the Tube Mix knob and the sound quit and won’t come back. Can you help me.