Studio Pre: Controlling Hiss On The Lead Channel.

[CudBucket]

Do other Studio Pre owners find the Lead Channel a bit hissy with the gain up? I have an RKII and Carvin Legacy head that I don't need to use gates on when playing with high-gain. I feel now I need to get one for the Studio. I've got a new set of JJs in it. Is this normal or should I just play with other preamp tubes to control some of the hiss?

Thanks.

Dave

 

[4nkam]

It might be normal in the sense that it's an older unit and probably could use a checkup/new components from Mesa. Mine is pretty hissy too so I have to use a gate with it and while it's not fixing the problem, it makes it fine to play.

 

[reo73]

My Studio Pre is maybe a bit noisier on the lead channel than other amps I have owned and tubes can play a part in that but it is nothing that I find to be a problem. Plus, I come to expect some noise when the gain is up on a 15 yr old amp. I have a volume pedal that I ride a lot while playing that helps with noise.

I would give it a fresh set of tubes and if it is really still a problem you could have it looked at by a tech. They may be able to clean it up a bit.

 

[CudBucket]

Thanks guys. It's really not what I'd call "abnormal", it's just noisier than the two other amps I have. I think I'll just try some different tubes and maybe a gate.