Line 6 Vetta maintenance

 This is the mighty Line 6 Vetta mk1 2X12" combo amplifier! It has been updated to the latest firmware and we wanted to make sure every component works fine. So, a quick check-up was the best thing to start with.
 The amp worked okay but there was a weird boomy noise coming from the speakers at high volumes, especially when the "Fat Bottom" amp model was selected. At first we thought that this is not normal but then realized that these high SPL Celestions paired with the Vetta power amp tend to do that.

  It's a phenomenon based on the "damping factor" of the speakers and their combination with the particular power amp. "In loudspeaker systems, the value of the damping factor between a particular loudspeaker and a particular amplifier describes the ability of the amplifier to control undesirable movement of the speaker cone near the resonant frequency of the speaker system. It is usually used in the context of low-frequency driver behavior, and especially so in the case of electrodynamic drivers, which use a magnetic motor to generate the forces which move the diaphragm." Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damping_factor
 There are ways to control the damping factor of your system but we didn't want to alter the tone of this amp. Therefore, reducing the level of bass through the EQ at high volumes and adjusting the amp for live use is the way to go.


 Once we got this straight, I opened the amp and cleaned everything using compressed air and a contact cleaner spray can. Be careful NOT to use contact cleaners with oil. Oil-free contact cleaners work best on electronics, digital or analog. The usual suspects that need to be cleaned up are the Potentiometers, the in/out Jacks and the switches. I also looked for bad/leaky capacitors, discolored/burned resistors and any signs of electronic components wear. Everything checked out just fine which means this is a good quality unit that's been taking good care of. Not to mention that it's a guitar-tone powerhouse! For more info, click here: http://www.vettaville.nl
 This amp is unfortunately discontinued now but there are many new line6 amp models you can find on the marked (used or new). Be sure to check out the new Line6 AMPLIFi  amp series and the more affordable Spider IV ones.
 Merry Christmas and happy holidays everyone! If you want to treat yourself with a present, check out the latest "Blow out" music gear offers by Thomann here:  www.thomann.de/gb/blowouts_GF_guitars_and_basses_HL_blowout.html?partner_id=73786

Cheers,

Thanos