Sad to say I’m experiencing issues with my PS100. I powered up my ZMACS and Power Station rig today to do some reamping and immediately noticed something was wrong.
When the unit is engaged, it barely passes any audio and what does come through is heavily distorted. It’s not just low output. It’s clearly not functioning properly. When I bypass it on the unit, everything sounds completely normal.
It was working perfectly on Friday. I powered it up again today (Tuesday) and that’s when the issue started. My setup hasn’t changed at all. Same amps, same Stream Deck MIDI patches, same cabling and routing. It has been totally solid until now, so I’m unsure what could have failed on the unit.
The PS100 is only about 6 weeks old and came directly from Fryette.
Has anyone experienced this before? What’s the best way to move forward with getting it resolved?
Can you post the serial number and if you can open the unit can you see if the internal fuses are blow. A photo filling the frame of the inside of the PS-100 would be useful too whilst you have it open (unplug any power cabling before opening the unit, and give it a few minutes to drain the filter caps before opening).
You could go through the NO SOUND checklist also are you using the top speaker out jack? Anything broken in your FX path? It’s a series loop so can cause this issue.
Thanks for the quick reply. We’ve gone through everything on the NO SOUND checklist.
We’ve tried a new IEC, new speaker cables, different cabinets, and confirmed the issue still occurs when the unit is activated. Same result each time.
Attached are photos of the inside of the unit along with a video demonstrating the issue. Let me know what you think or if there’s anything else I should check.
Quickest thing to do is send it here. Don’t even bother trying to troubleshoot it.
We can flip it back to you the same day it arrives.
We already have the info we need to create a service ticket. Write RMA # 13784 on the box.
Just one thing. Disconnect the amp entirely and plug your guitar cable directly into the FX return and play that into the cab. Let me know what happens or make a clip of it.
I’m sad to report that the issue with my PS100 has returned. I was reamping guitars using the ZMACS to switch between both channels of the PS100, each connected to different amps. Mid-session, the volume suddenly dropped to almost nothing.
Please let me know what the next steps are in troubleshooting and potentially solving this.
Totally understand. First thing I’m trying to figure out is, how do I actually “reset it” so it functions correctly again? Right now it’s plugged into a cab and head with brand new cables bypassing the ZMACS and it’s still doing the same thing as before.
I have the same issue with a new PS100 that I just purchased from Guitar Center. It powers up fine and passes signal in bypass, but goes quiet when switched to engage. Guitar center directed me to this forum, but to be honest, the unit is brand new. Should I file for a return, or is there something I can try?
There is a troubleshooting guide linked in this page. I would recommend you start there and we’ll get you up and running. It’s in the second post in this topic. You can follow along with the steps taken within the topic if you’d like as well.
Open top cover
Check the fuses
Take a photo filling the frame of the inside of the PS-100 would be useful too whilst you have it open (unplug any power cabling before opening the unit, and give it a few minutes to drain the filter caps before opening)
Post Serial Number
If needed we can escalate it further.
Ya, already went through the trouble shooting guide. Fuses are good. Put a jumper in the effects loop… didn’t solve the problem… I’ll post pics this evening. I guess I don’t get having to do all this to a newly purchased unit that didn’t work from the start…
I’d like to take a moment to clearly outline where things currently stand:
The PS100 arrived brand new, directly from Fryette.
It was used successfully in my ZMACS setup before suddenly stopping functioning correctly.
I posted video and audio examples on this forum, and David responded by suggesting I send it in for repair.
The unit was returned with a note that the issue was “possibly a dirty impedance selector.”
After the repair, the PS100 worked flawlessly for a full day of reamping in the same setup.
A few weeks later, the unit began failing again in the exact same way.
David responded that the unit should be fine, and suggested starting over with basic troubleshooting, implying a possible user error.
I replied that the issue persists despite thorough troubleshooting and brand-new cabling. Both David and Terry then contacted me to send the unit back in for another inspection.
For additional context: I used a 50-watt Power Station for years without issue, including several weeks of successful use in the exact same ZMACS setup just before implementing the PS100 as a replacement. Nothing in my signal flow or usage process has changed in a way that would explain the inconsistent results I’m now experiencing.
At this point, I’m not sure how to proceed. I understand that user error is often the root cause of technical issues, and I’m more than open to that being the case here. If I’m doing something wrong, I’d genuinely like to understand what it is so I can avoid this happening again.
That said, the process has been frustrating. I’ve committed to using the PS100 in critical album sessions, only to have it fail mid-project. It’s becoming difficult to rely on, even though I’m told the unit is functioning as expected.
I’d really appreciate any clarity or guidance you can offer to help get this resolved for good.
Also, hello and welcome to Keith. I’m sorry to hear you’re having issues with your unit as well, but I’ll admit I’m thankful it’s not just me.
Sam, did you happen to check the internal fuse on the board? Even though the troubleshooting guide didn’t say anything about it, I checked mine and it’s blown. I have now been waiting since last night for an email reply about what size this fuse should be. I can’t find anything in the owners manual or troubleshooting guide about it’s size, or even about it or what it does. I’ve had my PS100 for a total of 4 days, and it was defective out of the box. Seems like a lot to have to do for a new unit that doesn’t function…
I wanted to follow up with some information from my amp tech, who’s the one that took a look at the PS100 before I sent it back to you last time. This is based on what he observed then, and what he shared again when I asked him for his thoughts this morning after the issue reappeared.
He believes the problem is in the screen supply switching circuit, specifically that the solid-state relay (SSR) tied to Speaker Jack 1 is not allowing power through to pin 4 of the power tubes when the unit is engaged. The screen voltage drops below 15v when the issue occurs, but the unit functions normally in bypass mode.
His understanding of the circuit:
When no speaker cable is plugged into Jack 1, the SSR cuts screen voltage as a protection feature.
When a cable is plugged in, the jack switch is supposed to activate the relay and restore screen voltage to the power tubes.
He noted two things worth checking:
The switch in the Speaker 1 jack (which seemed to be functioning properly).
The SSR itself, which might not be switching correctly or getting the signal it needs.
He mentioned that simply replacing that relay might resolve the issue, assuming that’s where the failure is occurring. If you’re able to provide the schematic for that section of the circuit, he’d be happy to point out exactly where the fault may be.
Let me know what you guys think. Thanks again for all your help!
Yeah, we checked the internal fuse on mine and it was fine, but I really appreciate you pointing that out. Hopefully you’re able to get things squared away soon. It’s definitely frustrating to deal with, but for me, this has been a life-changing piece of gear, so the hassle feels worth it in the end.
What are you using your PS100 with, and what kind of setup are you running? I’d love to hear how you’re planning to use it.
If you get a chance, I’d be stoked if you checked out my ZMACS thread. The PS100 is a key part of that rig, and I’m hoping you’re able to get yours dialed in and enjoy it as much as I do when it’s working right! Cheers!
I’ve used several different things over the years to attenuate volume on my tube amps (Ultimate, Alex, Aracom, isolation cabs, ect…) For the past several years I have giged with a Fractal. First an AxeFX II, now an FM9. Using the fractals have taught me to really appreciate the time based effects like multi-delays and many different reverbs, which has led me away from my tube amps. I bought the PS100 so that I can rekindle my love for them. I have a couple of /13’s, a Dumble clone, and a Heritage Victory 112 that have awesome tone, but haven’t been played because of not being able to use the time based effects the way they should be. When I read about the Fryette Power Stations I knew I needed one.
