Rehearsal: Having trouble with an amp? Rehearsal: Having trouble with an amp?
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Rehearsal: Having trouble with an amp?

Guitar amp isn't making sound.

  1. Ensure all dials are set to zero and power is on. 

  2. Bypass your pedalboard and connect your guitar directly to the amp.

  3. Make sure the distortion channel is off and the amp set to ‘clean’. Check this on the external footswitch, too (when applicable).

  4. Turn up the (Input) Gain and the (Output) Volume/Master knobs halfway through. You should now have sound.

  5. If no luck, it is possible that the amp head at the back isn't fully connected to the cab. Follow along the speaker cable - from the cabinet, it should connect to the Speaker port of the amp head.

Is the amp crackling when turning the knobs up or down? 

This may just be some dust buildup. Hit us up on live chat at support.pirate.com so we can report this to our site tech, who’ll be able to clean up the dials when on site.

Is the speaker making a rattling or feedback noise? 

Try a different guitar cable or check it’s properly attached to both your guitar and amp. Do the same with the speaker cable at the amp and cabinet’s back (when applicable). Make sure that the Input Gain and Master output knobs are set to reasonable levels. 


Is the amp still silent? 

  • Check that the Mute button is off. On some amps, it's a switch in the back. Also labeled as 'Standby.'

  • Make sure that both the speaker or speakon cable are fully inserted into the back of the head and cabinet - they look chunkier than a standard jack cable
    Guitar head and Cab rear view.jpg.     Bass Head and Cab Rear view.jpg

  • Make sure that the speaker cable is plugged into the ‘Speaker/Loudspeakers’ output ports on the amp, not send/return. If there is a second Speaker port, try that one instead.

  • If you are using your pedalboard, ensure that all your pedals are interconnected and powered correctly.

No Sound from Bass Amp? 

  • Be sure to check the Headphones In/Out button at the back of the bass head. When engaged, it puts the amp into 'headphone mode' and no sound will come through the speaker. It is sometimes labeled as 'Standby.'
  • Make sure that the Mute button at the front is disengaged, and the EQ and Line Mix knobs are all set to the middle.

Do you need more help with this?

  • You can contact us via WhatsApp or via Live chat, just tap the chat icon to connect. 
  • Our support team is available 24/7.

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