How to Troubleshoot an Amplifier with NO SOUND (Signal Tracing in 4 Minutes!)

In this video we discuss signal tracing in brief. Signal tracing is a technique used to find out where a problem is in the signal path of an amplifier. One must know the basics of how tube amplifiers function and how to read schematics. I am a beginner and I was able to build a simple probe that allowed me to use this great technique.

What you need:

1 Amplifier that Needs Repair (for troubleshooting)
1 Bench Amplifier (for signal tracing)
Gator Clips
A pencil
Wire (Gauge 18 or thicker preferred)
Duct Tape

[billdemoise]

Good tutorial with a very important caution at the end.

[Marshtubeamps]

I think you need a Blocking Cap maybe .1uf/600VDC to do this safley in ANY AMP.

[bushpilotdude]

You should probably add that this is for TUBE AMP troubleshooting and explain what could happen if you try this on a non-tube amp :)

[barbsblogs]

On the plate of those valves there is going to be very high voltage.. you’re definitely going to need a dc blocking capacitor in series with the prob 👌

[barneycarparts]

I have a driver transistor on a power amp that distorts the the sine wave signal into a sorta noisy stair step pyramid. I have changed all the caps. What could cause this. The following transistor driver is a lot worse. The output to the speaker Looks like its only amplifying the negative swing of the signal. Bad bias resistor? Bad transistor?