Peavey PVs 12 Sub, Operating Manual

Troubleshooting

No Output at All

First, make sure the unit has AC power and is turned ON.  Make sure the LED on the power amp module is 

illuminated. 

If not, make certain the ON/OFF switch (4) is in the ON position and check the IEC power cord connection (2) 

by ensuring it is fully engaged and seated. Make certain the AC line cord is plugged into a working AC outlet.

Finally, check the fuse (3). (See the Rear Panel: Fuse section, for safety instructions.)

Once assured your unit is getting AC power, check that the PVs 12 Sub is getting a signal. Temporarily discon-

nect the cable running to its inputs and connect it to some other device capable of reproducing the signal (i.e., a 

power amp and speaker). If this produces a signal, make sure that all Gain/Level controls being used have been 

turned up to a satisfactory level (one-third to halfway).

If the PVs 12 Sub has been subjected to direct sunlight or excessive heat, the built-in thermal protection may 

have been triggered.  If so, turn off the PVs 12 Sub and let it cool for a sufficient amount of time.

If there is still no output, contact your authorized Peavey dealer or the Peavey International Service Center.

Hum or Buzz

If the PVs 12 Sub is producing a hum or buzz, this can be AC outlet related. Try plugging the PVs 12 Sub into a 

different AC outlet.  Sometimes, if a different circuit (breaker) is used for the mixer and for the PVs 12 Sub, it can 

cause hum problems.  Unless it is not practical, it is best to use the same wall outlet (breaker) to supply power to 

both the mixer and the powered speaker.

Ensure that shielded cables have been used to route the signal to the PVs 12 Sub’s input. If speaker cables with 

1/4” plugs are used as input cables instead of shielded cables, they will be prone to hum or buzz.

Hum may be ground loop related. It may be helpful to lift the shield ground (Pin #1) on a balanced cable at the 

PVs 12 Sub end.  This is done quite easily by activating the Ground Lift switch (6) built-in to the PVs 12 Sub.  

Check any input changes carefully by first turning down the Gain control, before plugging and unplugging ca-

bles, or lifting the shield ground at the Sub.

Check to make sure light dimmers are not on the same circuit as the PVs 12 Sub, the mixer or any source devic-

es.  If light dimmers are used, then it may be necessary to turn them full ON or full OFF to eliminate or reduce 

hum. This is a typical AC wiring/light dimmer interference problem, not a design flaw of the PVs 12 Sub.

The third wire (ground plug) on the AC plug should NEVER be removed or broken off, as this is a potential 

safety hazard.

Distorted or Fuzzy Sound

First, ensure the mixer (signal source) is not clipping or being overdriven. Make sure the Gain (7) control on the 

PVs 12 Sub has not been set too low.  Check that the input plug is fully seated in the input jack on the rear panel 

of the PVs 12 Sub.  Ensure that a power amp has not been plugged into the input jack of the PVs 12 Sub.  If an 

extension cord is being used to provide the AC power to the unit, insure that it is of sufficient current capacity 

and that it is not also being used to supply power to any other device. 

The PVs 12 Sub has a built-in bass boost to extend and smooth the natural response of the speakers in the sys-