Fender FR-12 preamp mod : The Hissterectomy

[skolacki]

But moving past the FR-12.. there is the potential for another similar preamp that would work with an aftermarket power amp module like the IcePower stuff and a co-axial speaker, for a great sounding and affordable DIY FR solution.

There’s a need for a preamp like that because when I looked for a DIY solution it was just passive eq. Maybe not a huge market but no one else seems to make a good preamp with eq to work with amps like the Icepower.

 

[normanaj]

There’s a need for a preamp like that because when I looked for a DIY solution it was just passive eq. Maybe not a huge market but no one else seems to make a good preamp with eq to work with amps like the Icepower.

This would be my use case.

 

[WallyG3]

But moving past the FR-12.. there is the potential for another similar preamp that would work with an aftermarket power amp module like the IcePower stuff and a co-axial speaker, for a great sounding and affordable DIY FR solution.

I always thought it would be cool to have a 1U Power Amp that would slide into a cab with a 1U rack slot on top. Different cab sizes and BYO speakers.
But the FR12 has really put that rest for me, for now anyway.

 

[WKSmith]

I found some inexpensive spdif input modules. I really want to get my mitts on one of those soon.

 

[warlockII]

I always thought it would be cool to have a 1U Power Amp that would slide into a cab with a 1U rack slot on top. Different cab sizes and BYO speakers.
But the FR12 has really put that rest for me, for now anyway.

Back when I was running a Chameleon preamp with a 1 space H&K poweramp I took the amp section out of a Peavey 2x12 combo and mounted them in it for times I didn't want to bring my full stack.

 

[MicroMort]

I always thought it would be cool to have a 1U Power Amp that would slide into a cab with a 1U rack slot on top. Different cab sizes and BYO speakers.
But the FR12 has really put that rest for me, for now anyway.

Same - but maybe 2U so I could have a 1U power strip included

 

[WallyG3]

Same - but maybe 2U so I could have a 1U power strip included

Good idea!

 

[visualsuplex]

Found a hiss free FR10 in a local store near me today - sounds pretty good - ableit with a Fender Tonemaster and not a Fractal. I'm planning to drop this mod in either way.

Really want a FR12 though... well at least I think I do rofl (I think I have something against 10s - always owned 12s)

Anyone have both and have any insight after a couple months use? I'm like 80/20 clean/funky/jazz & Overdrive type tones - think I'll miss anything with a 10 over a 12?

 

[Fotm704]

Found a hiss free FR10 in a local store near me today - sounds pretty good - ableit with a Fender Tonemaster and not a Fractal. I'm planning to drop this mod in either way.

Really want a FR12 though... well at least I think I do rofl (I think I have something against 10s - always owned 12s)

Anyone have both and have any insight after a couple months use? I'm like 80/20 clean/funky/jazz & Overdrive type tones - think I'll miss anything with a 10 over a 12?

I have not compared my FR-10 to an FR-12, but I struggle to think the 12 would be much better. More than enough bass from the 10, more immediate response (in theory). Are you exclusively using 1x12 IRs? If not, a mismatch exists between your actual speaker and the IR.

 

[visualsuplex]

I have not compared my FR-10 to an FR-12, but I struggle to think the 12 would be much better. More than enough bass from the 10, more immediate response (in theory). Are you exclusively using 1x12 IRs? If not, a mismatch exists between your actual speaker and the IR.

hmm - yeah pretty much 12s in IRs & amps (coming from a Deluxe Reverb) - never really thought about that coming out of a 10" FRFR though...

 

[Fotm704]

hmm - yeah pretty much 12s in IRs & amps (coming from a Deluxe Reverb) - never really thought about that coming out of a 10" FRFR though...

Would be interesting to hear first hand experience as to whether a 1x12 IR sounds better through a 1x12 FRFR, or whether it's a wash. Same for a 1x10 IR thru a 1x10 FRFR. I'm new to the FRFR world.

 

[visualsuplex]

From my understanding (and after a deep ~5 minute google search), the FRFR is meant to reproduce accurately no matter the size of speaker (just like FOH or Stage Monitors) so it shouldn't really matter like it would on a guitar cab, a bigger speaker might have a wider throw and some more low end.

*I guess I I pretty much answered my own Q there rofl

 

[LolainNB]

Soon. Goodbye hiss.

 

[200man]

Would be interesting to hear first hand experience as to whether a 1x12 IR sounds better through a 1x12 FRFR, or whether it's a wash. Same for a 1x10 IR thru a 1x10 FRFR. I'm new to the FRFR world.

That’s not exactly a bad question. The HF is extended by tweeter and the crossover point is lower which plays into the ”use your IR” argument. If they used a 12” guitar speaker and you could turn off the EQ on the speaker and the crossover…it may very well. But at that point you may as well buy a 1x12 guitar cab.

 

[martyanov]

If somebody interested I've recently got Fender FR-10 from Thomann and it hises. I don't have any precise measurement tools, but it is quite audible and two Android SPL measurement apps show that the noise floor is around 40 db, the difference from quiet room is around 13 db, I hear the hiss from 2-3 meters away.

I've contacted their support and they are not willing to acknolwdge this as an issue. "within the manufacturer's specifications" was their answer.

What options do I have guys, except resoldering? Maybe completely disable preamp somehow. The stock is empty now so return is not an option.

The hiss drives me crazy, cut helps a bit, but doesn't eliminate the issue completely and alters the tone.

 

[Rex]

he stock is empty now so return is not an option.

I don't understand. Why can't you return it?

 

[martyanov]

I don't understand. Why can't you return it?

Out of stock on Thomann. And I really like it, except the hiss.

 

[Deleted member 99513]

Out of stock on Thomann. And I really like it, except the hiss.

But that doesn't prevent you from returning it! New stock is coming soon and the new ones have the 'hiss' mod (although Fender wont admit it).

 

[martyanov]

But that doesn't prevent you from returning it! New stock is coming soon and the new ones have the 'hiss' mod (although Fender wont admit it).

It is at least 7-9 weeks, according to Thomann and I don't have many options because of place where I live, the thing weights around 15 kilos, half the price of an amp itself or more just for shipping, probably. Also, there is no guarantee the fix will be applied, as nobody willing to acknolwdge it, people still get different variants. So even resoldering is much better option for me or complete preamp replacement.

 

[Lysander]

Also, there is no guarantee the fix will be applied, as nobody willing to acknolwdge it, people still get different variants.

^^^^ This, very much. There's no way whatsoever to know which "version" you're getting unless you open up the amp and visually check the preamp board.

I'd return it to Thomann and buy a FR-10/12 somewhere where i can test it myself. The only other alternatives are my hiss reduction mod (which involves soldering), or @WKSmith 's replacement preamp, once he finalizes work on it.