M80 active mode issue

[whybi]

Hi,

Suddenly from last week, I'm having an issue on my M80 that it did not sound for a while then it worked for about half an hour and it didn't again. I've change the setting to passive mode and it was working fine, so I thought it is the time to replace the battery, though the indicator says otherwise.

I changed the battery today but am having the same issue. So I experimented with the line jack (small stereo jack) connected to the pickup body and noticed that the pickup turns on/sounds, when the jack is not fully inserted/engaged (to the pickup itself), but once the jack fully/completely inserted, the pick up doesn't sound. In passive mode, it doesn't matter when the jack is completely inserted. I find this very odd.

I suppose I can play in passive mode for now, but how can I fix this? Is this the jack/line issue that I need replace the cable/endjack pin, or is this more of a fundamental problem to the pickup?

Also, what am I losing in playing passive than active? I'm playing through active DI to the desk.

Lastly, if this needs to be professionally looked/repaired, what are my options in London?

Regards,

Boris

[Caleb_Elling]

Hi Boris,
Thanks for posting.

The M80's stereo mini-jack connection is what turns the pickup on and off when an instrument cable is plugged into the 1/4" jack on the guitar. In passive mode, it will work no matter how it is connected. So that is a normal response. As far as the pickup cutting out in active mode, it could be one of a few things.

-The output jack could be failing- which wouldn't allow the pickup to turn on correctly.

-The cable you're using might not work with active mode- you should make sure that you're using a mono or unbalanced instrument cable.

-Or, there could actually be an issue within the pickup itself.

Can you tell me roughly how old your M80 is?

[whybi]

Hi,

Thank you for your response, mine is about 3 years old, is there any known issue found on the earlier model? Having said that, I think I resolve the issue for now, it appears the issue was with the stereo mini jack cable. I replaced the stereo jack cable/endpin with stereo jack to 1/4" jack cable for quick test and I no longer have an issue. So, if I keep this cable in, will it drain the battery out, given that the other end of the cable is 1/4" unbalanced jack?

[Caleb_Elling]

Hi,

Thank you for your response, mine is about 3 years old, is there any known issue found on the earlier model? Having said that, I think I resolve the issue for now, it appears the issue was with the stereo mini jack cable. I replaced the stereo jack cable/endpin with stereo jack to 1/4" jack cable for quick test and I no longer have an issue. So, if I keep this cable in, will it drain the battery out, given that the other end of the cable is 1/4" unbalanced jack?

If either end is unbalanced, it will drain the battery. You'll want to replace that with a balanced cable on both ends for long-term use. If you Google "LR Baggs M1C2" you should be able to buy the correct replacement part.