Is it the ampeg or bass?

[April Ethereal]

ok, yesterday I purchased a wonderful ampeg b200r from guitar center, Its in great condition and I loved the tone I got from it [I was playing a PASSIVE squier modified jbass] So I take it home plug in my ACTIVE spector legend 5, and feel like Im fighting to get power? :/ when I get the amp to a decent volume, the clipping noise happens and its terrible. Im no where even near the 220 wts, probably not even 100wts....So is my Spector being active to hot of a signal? Its even on the input on the ampeg for active basses, so I called GC to troubleshoot and they said first I should try replacing the battery in the bass and go from there [doesnt seem like Ive had the current 9v in long though?] So I have to go out tomorrow and get a new one. But bottom line, does i sound like the amp is the problem, or my bass?

Ill appreciate any feedback, Thanks so much Jacob.

[bwv1013]

plug the instrument into the passive input and see what happens. a lot of people here will tell you not to bother with active inputs or the "-15db" active switch on amps unless it's seriously overloading.

the passive input won't kill the output of your bass and the amp should put out better power. i have a ba115 combo, i routinely plug my active stingrays into the passive input and juice the gain/volume without any problems. i've even used my VT bass pedal to send an even hotter signal and it handles it fine.

hope this helps!

[thudstaff23]

^

I agree. I have a B100r and experienced a similar situation when I tried to use the -15db. Use the Odb input, and lower the volume. From there, adjust your volume to liking, and just below clip and I'm pretty sure you'll get the result you're looking for.

[anderbass]

Yeah check your battery but If your active bass has a high output level try lowering your gain knob with higher master knob settings and/or try plugging into the amps -15db input.

[April Ethereal]

Thanks I tried the the 0db and it helps more, but still certain levels clip, My bass knob settings can almost control my amp [very powerful and sensitive] So perhaps with some fine adjustment I could get the levels right. I just didnt want the amp its self to have a problem.

[Alex1984]

My SVT has no trouble handling my Sterling, but also, as a practice, I tend to keep my volume on my bass to 5~6, so that I have some room for tweaking either up or down. I've also heard that high levels on the lowest frequency band is pretty bad, so I'd moderate it a bit too.

[MIJ-VI]

OP, how are your amp's controls set?