Ampeg B2R Louder than SWR 750X?

tpmiller08 · #1 05-30-2010, 10:02 PM

If the Ampeg B2R is rated at 200 watts at 8 Ohms, and the SWR 750x is rather for 350 watts at 8 Ohms...Then how come on the same set up (cab, cables, bass), the Ampeg is CLEARLY louder.

Sup with that?

-Troy

Gearhead17 · #2 05-30-2010, 10:14 PM

Where is the Aural Enhancer knob set to? If it's at 12 noon - that is not the flat setting. Should be all the way to the left for the falt setting.

In this case, it's the built-in EQ and/or how you have the knobs set. Watts don't equal loudness.

Jim Carr · #3 05-30-2010, 10:31 PM

EQ.

and of course "Ampeg watts" are louder...

Bass_Pounder · #4 05-30-2010, 10:33 PM

The difference between 200 and 350 watts is not even +3db.

Additionally, volume knobs are not set up so that "5" is half power. Some amps run out of gas once you hit the half way mark, while others keep giving more the whole travel of the knob. So setting 2 different amps volume knobs to same number means absolutely nothing.

tpmiller08 · #5 05-30-2010, 11:22 PM

Is it +3db at 4 ohms and 8 ohms, out of curiousity?

My EQ is the same on both. Boosted around 400hz, cut slightly at 50hz and 5khz

Now, the Aural Enhancer Boosts some lows, mid-lows, and some treble at different points, no? I keep it on about 12 o'clock, not as flat, just from messing around with it and catching a tone I liked.

I love the SWR tone, but I just feel its not hacking it in a metal band.

Gearhead17 · #6 05-31-2010, 12:45 AM

Aural Enhancer boosts lows at 50hz, cuts around 400hz and boosts 4khz. It's like instant volume kill in a metal band context.

tpmiller08 · #7 05-31-2010, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gearhead17

Aural Enhancer boosts lows at 50hz, cuts around 400hz and boosts 4khz. It's like instant volume kill in a metal band context.

Hmmm, damn good to know! That might be the issue. I'll see how no Aural Enhancer sits in the mix and let ya know how it turned out.

thumpbass1 · #8 05-31-2010, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Carr

EQ.

and of course "Ampeg watts" are louder...

If that were the case, then why does a older Peavey head at 210 watts blow an Ampeg B series amp at a claimed 350 watts into the weeds?

That's been my observation in the real world anyways.

megadan · #9 05-31-2010, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thumpbass1

If that were the case, then why does a older Peavey head at 210 watts blow an Ampeg B series amp at a claimed 350 watts into the weeds?

That's been my observation in the real world anyways.

The older the amp, the louder the watts!

thumpbass1 · #10 05-31-2010, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by megadan

The older the amp, the louder the watts!

My skeptical side that believes in science, would disagree with this claim outright; but my musician side accepts this as indisputable dogma.

Bongolation · #11 05-31-2010, 09:17 AM

I think this is the first time I've ever heard anyone assert that a B2R was louder than ANYTHING.

But, as mentioned, the perceived lack of volume in SWR heads is due to seriously scooped mids. Fiddle with the mids and you'll get your volume.

ihixulu · #12 05-31-2010, 09:34 AM

Make sure you push the gain on the SWR. Without the gain up to just clipping the heads simply don't get going.

The mid cut at 200hz is built into the voicing of the amp, so to "flatten" the head out you'd want to boost 200hz by about 6-9db. I would also suggest that you cut the treble by a couple of clicks

The Aural Enhancer deepens the cut at 200hz, but only after you get it past 2 o'clock. Until that point it increases the gain, so leaving it at noon doesn't affect the voicing significantly.