This is a guitar combo amp that has been integrated with multi-watt power and improved clean mode. In addition, it has a five-band equalizer and solo control to optimize the music.
This combo amp has been designed with exceptional tonal dexterity, which makes it suitable for recording as well as live performances. However, it still has some issues that musicians must know!
Mesa Boogie Express 5 50 Problems To Know About
1. Noise
If there is noise coming out of the amp, it can interfere with the music, resulting in low-quality music. The noise issue is caused by internal component damage and ground loop.
The ground loop is created when there is variation in the power supply between different audio equipment. In addition, the noise can also be caused when amp input picks up AC power from the surroundings.
Lastly, a bad power supply is also a possible reason behind the noise. The first step is to isolate the reason behind the noise. For this purpose, you must run the input source of the amp through the settings to identify the component that’s making noise.
In case all the components are making noise, there is something wrong with the power supply. To fix this problem, you must check the ground connections or hire an electrician to fix the damaged wires that are resulting in a ground loop.
It is recommended that you keep the amp away from fluorescent and cellular devices because these devices introduce noise to the amp, particularly when they are placed too close.
Lastly, it’s better that you install a power conditioner as it keeps extra noise at bay; these conditioners are designed with noise filtering technology to make sure the power supply has no noise.
2. The Amp Is Not Turning On
An amp is an important part of the audio gear as it helps add effects and edit the music. However, if the amp is not turning on, you won’t be able to edit the music.
In the majority of cases, the issue is caused by a damaged turn-on wire or if the wire is not connected properly. In addition, the issue could be caused by a loose or broken power cable.
To fix this issue, you need to ensure that the amp is properly connected to the power outlet and the connection is not loose.
In addition, the power cable’s other end must be securely plugged into the back of the amp. If the connections are loose, you have to tighten the cables.
Secondly, make sure that the power outlet is working – you can connect the amp to another power outlet to see if it turns on. If the amp turns on when you connect it to a different power outlet, the previous outlet was damaged and must be fixed.
If changing the power outlet doesn’t work, the internal wiring of the amp is damaged and needs to be rewired (you can hire an electrician for rewiring).
3. Distorted Sound
The amp makes a distorted sound when the amp is damaged but clipping is another reason. Clipping incurs when there is a fluctuation between the amp and power supply’s voltage. In simpler words, the voltage could be higher than what the amp can handle.
The second possible reason behind distortion is loud music because every amp has its limit. So, try to reduce the volume, and if it works, you must consult the manual to determine the maximum volume support.
On the other hand, if reducing the volume doesn’t work, you have to hire an electrician to fix the voltage fluctuations in the power supply.
4. Humming Coming From Speakers
Humming can have adverse impacts on the music and is mostly caused by voltage fluctuations.
The first solution is to connect the audio source and amp to the same power outlet but make sure you don’t connect a surge protector (it can cause voltage interference and increase the humming).
In addition, it’s recommended that you change the audio source; if you are using the stereo, connect to the TV or computer.
Secondly, you must check the cables and wires connected to the amp and make sure that they are tightly connected to the respective jacks. If the cables are damaged, replacement is the only solution.
However, you must hire an electrician to replace the wires/cable to make sure the connections are on point.
5. Amp Is Turned On But Has No Sound
If your amp is turning on but you cannot hear any sound, there are various reasons behind it.
For instance, it could be caused by a signal issue in the ground wire, an insufficient voltage in the power source, or damaged or disconnected power cables and RCA cords.
The solution is pretty simple as you have to inspect all the connections and cables and make sure they aren’t damaged. If the cables are damaged, replacement is the only reliable solution.
Moreover, make sure that the cables are connected to the respective jacks tightly.
6. Surround Sound Feature Is Not Working
This combo app has been designed with the surround sound feature but if the sound is coming from the incorrect direction, you must check the speakers.
This is because the improper placement of speakers can adversely impact the sound direction. In addition to this, you might have connected the speaker cables incorrectly.
On the other hand, if the surround sound feature is causing bad audio quality, it indicates a compatibility issue.
The solution is to trace the wires to the sources and make sure you’ve connected the wires to the correct ports. If the cable connections are incorrect, just swap the cables and connect them to the right ports.
On the other hand, if you are concerned about the bad audio quality, you must check the audio source to ensure it’s compatible with the amp – you can read the manual to determine the compatible audio source and recommended cables.
7. Amp Is Stuck In Protect Mode
Mesa/Boogie combo amp has been integrated with the protect mode that automatically switches off the amp when there are some hardware damages.
When the amp goes into the protect mode, it won’t turn on unless you fix the hardware errors. To begin with, you must inspect all the cables and make sure they are tightly connected to ports.
Secondly, you must clean the jacks and ports because dust buildup can also damage the parts and enable the protect mode.
In addition to this, you must mount the amp where there is sufficient space around the unit to ensure seamless airflow and ventilation. Last but not least, the amp must not be installed under direct sunlight.
8. Inadequate Bass
The bass issues are caused by incorrect equalizer settings but they can also be caused by poor placement of the speakers. To fix this issue, it’s better that you check the audio source device and amp settings to tweak the equalizer settings.
On the other hand, if equalizer settings are already correct, you need to change the speaker’s location and make sure they aren’t installed in a congested place (insufficient space around the speakers and subwoofers can reduce the bass throughput).
So, place the speakers in an open area.
9. Extremely Loud Volume
If your amp has started producing extremely loud music, it is likely to be because of the automatic volume control feature.
This feature automatically raises and lowers the volume according to the surroundings (it raises the volume when there is a crowd).
So, it’s recommended that you disable the automatic volume control feature and adjust the volume manually.
10. Sputtering
The sputtering is caused by faulty and loose wires as well as extremely loud volume on the audio source.
So, start by reducing the volume and see if the eliminates the sputtering. However, if the sputtering is still there, you must replace the faulty cables and tighten up the loose wires.
The Bottom Line
Mesa/Boogie is one of the best brands for people who want amps and this combo app is one of the best in the market.
As far as these problems are concerned, they are quite easy to fix. In case you need to get the internal components or wires replaced, hire an electrician for a long-term solution.
I’ve had my 5/50 for about 4 years and it will randomly cut out for a millisecond, just enough to make me nervous on stage. Why?