Ampeg PF350/500 Part VI - Page 15

Srirachaglo · #**281** 02-22-2013, 07:56 AM

Hi all, haven't posted here in a while. I was hoping y'all could help me kill 2 birds here regarding my PF500/PF115HE; I got a theoretical question and a troubleshooting question. Issue first:

I'm trying to kill a strange new sympathetic vibration that sounds like it's coming from the mounted 500 amp chassis. The buzz is most prominent on low G, but also occurs on other notes with a lot of low-mids. I've tightened every screw I could find. The lid seal seems good. No luck. My hand won't dampen the buzz either. Only way I can eliminate the buzz is by literally sitting on the amp. Any similar issues and/or ideas?

My other question is whether or not anyone has ever tried to mod a quick-release mounting system for their flip-top. I wish there was a way to easily remove my PF500 for a gig where I just want to take the amp. Screwing that head back in is a PITA! I don't even know what kind of hardware to consider for this project... anyone have similar thoughts?

Thanks!

mazdah · #**282** 02-22-2013, 08:07 AM

Hi there!

The buzz is from internal radiators - I have the same problem with my PF-350 when it's cold. After a 15-minutes warm up it's dead silent.

When the head is disattached - just sitting on top of the cab - it's dead silent.
When I attach it - it starts to buzz. I got used to this, but at first I was really mad, because I let go my rattling B-200R to buy PF and be finally buzz-free

Newbie-Doo · #**283** 02-22-2013, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mazdah

Hi there!

The buzz is from internal radiators - I have the same problem with my PF-350 when it's cold. After a 15-minutes warm up it's dead silent.

When the head is disattached - just sitting on top of the cab - it's dead silent.
When I attach it - it starts to buzz. I got used to this, but at first I was really mad, because I let go my rattling B-200R to buy PF and be finally buzz-free

That sounds reasonable. But If it went away when you sat on it, I would think it was something external to the amp.

If warming it up doesn't do the trick you could try popping off the casters or putting some thin weather stripping on the surfaces between the cabinet and the removable lid.

Srirachaglo · #**284** 02-22-2013, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie-Doo

That sounds reasonable. But If it went away when you sat on it, I would think it was something external to the amp.

If warming it up doesn't do the trick you could try popping off the casters or putting some thin weather stripping on the surfaces between the cabinet and the removable lid.

This problem came about after pulling the amp out of "storage mode" in a poorly heated apartment in the dead of Winter in NYC. This radiator thing makes sense. I'm at work now, but I'll fire her up for more time (was only noodling before) and report back. Me sitting on it doesn't mean it has to be an external issue ...my butt/body probably has enough mass to absorb any vibrations before they reach the amp. I'm basically a human bass trap - LOL

mazdah · #**285** 02-22-2013, 03:57 PM

Just tap the amp with your fingers, with mine I can easily hear some buzz.

I took of the top cover and realised that radiators are buzzing - by tapping my fingers on side cover of the amp. The screws are properly tightened, but it won't help.

When amp is not attached to the cab, just sitting on it, the amp "feet" are isolating it pretty well. But with four screws all vibrations are getting into head.

I got used to it. When I play at home I just turn on the amp, tune bass, check talkbass, make some tea and when I finally sit down to play the amp is buzz free

MrCool84 · #**286** 02-22-2013, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrCool84

I talk to tech support at loud and asked about running two pf115's with the pf500 and he advised me not too saying it would over heat the amp and put it in default mode. Are asked " are u kidding me"?. You.buy an amp rated for 500watts and cant run it with the cabs that were designed for it to see its full potential? Wth? This turns me off. I know a lot of u are doing just this. So what's up?

Theres a video on youtube (Ampeg series overview 2012) that recommends adding the LF ext cabs to "build the bass rig of your dreams". Ok so another thing...Is anybody running a pf500, pf115he and pf115LF all together? I know the LF and HE are different cabs but Ampeg recommends it. I know its a no no on talkbass but this set up seems perfect. one sealed one ported. one fliptop one not. one w/ tweeter one w/o. whats up?

JimmyM · #**287** 02-22-2013, 07:19 PM

Your second question is the main reason why I never mounted my PF350 to the cab, and your first question is the other reason. Maybe you could try rubber washers on the mounting screws. I don't know if anyone ever made a quick-release for the head, but it's a good idea IMHO.

MrCool84 · #**288** 02-22-2013, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Your second question is the main reason why I never mounted my PF350 to the cab, and your first question is the other reason. Maybe you could try rubber washers on the mounting screws. I don't know if anyone ever made a quick-release for the head, but it's a good idea IMHO.

was this post a response to my last post? sorry jim but im not following if so. my questions were about mixing LF and HE cabs not mounting the head to cab.

MrCool84 · #**289** 02-22-2013, 07:48 PM

on another note im guessing u use ur DI on ur 350 right jimmy? is the pf500's DI superior to the 350's because of the bells and whistles or....?

MrCool84 · #**290** 02-22-2013, 08:12 PM

Well Im gonna go ahead and pull it. ... 115HE AND 115LF together in harmony. Just need to decide on the pf350 or 500....

60bass · #**291** 02-22-2013, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrCool84

Well Im gonna go ahead and pull it. ... 115HE AND 115LF together in harmony. Just need to decide on the pf350 or 500....

My vote is for the 500!

JimmyM · #**292** 02-22-2013, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrCool84

on another note im guessing u use ur DI on ur 350 right jimmy? is the pf500's DI superior to the 350's because of the bells and whistles or....?

Actually, my post was responding to Srirachaglo

And no, I don't use the DI on any of my amps...I have a REDDI

I have plugged it up and it sounds pretty good as far as built-in SS DI's in inexpensive amps go, but I've never tried the DI in the PF500. The feature set makes it better, though.

PrietoBass · #**293** 02-23-2013, 05:28 AM

Jimmy, you have 2 PF-115HEs that you use with your PF-350. Do you connect both cabs in series or do you use both PF-350 outputs, one for each cab?

I don't know if you use any effects, but if you do, where do you place your DI/REDDI? At the beginning or end (before the PF-350) of your signal chain?

What's your overall experience with your PF-350 and both 15" cabs so far? Do you trust it or do you always carry a backup?

Srirachaglo · #**294** 02-23-2013, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Your second question is the main reason why I never mounted my PF350 to the cab, and your first question is the other reason. Maybe you could try rubber washers on the mounting screws. I don't know if anyone ever made a quick-release for the head, but it's a good idea IMHO.

Still buzzing even after letting it warm up. I'm gonna try some rubber weather stripping around the seal. We'll see what happens.

What I go through to maintain the killer tone I get from this rig is unbelievable. The sound I get from my P Bass with 9050CLs and my PF-500 dialed in right IS the sound in my head. I love it... not many bassists can say that.

I can't wait to really crank my Ric through this Rig once it's done being set up!

JimmyM · #**295** 02-23-2013, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrietoBass

Jimmy, you have 2 PF-115HEs that you use with your PF-350. Do you connect both cabs in series or do you use both PF-350 outputs, one for each cab?

I don't know if you use any effects, but if you do, where do you place your DI/REDDI? At the beginning or end (before the PF-350) of your signal chain?

What's your overall experience with your PF-350 and both 15" cabs so far? Do you trust it or do you always carry a backup?

1. Usually both cabs through each speaker out on the head, but it really doesn't matter as you get the same result either way.

2. REDDI goes before the amp, after the effects.

3. Head has been a total tank. I've even dropped it a couple times and it still works. And usually I don't bring a backup for it, though I will bring the Micro VR sometimes. Haven't used the cabs for a while, though. They sound great, but they're tuned a little too low for my tastes. I ended up preferring the 810e style low end, rolled off a bit and not so deep, so I usually use two 210av's instead.

96tbird · #**296** 02-23-2013, 11:06 AM

Daisy chaining cabs is not series, Prietobass. It's all parallel unless the cabs have been re-wired in their lifetime by someone. If it were series, you'd have 16 ohms out of two 8 cabs. But it's parallel so daisy or straight into the amp you get 4 ohms. Full power!

PrietoBass · #**297** 02-23-2013, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96tbird

Daisy chaining cabs is not series, Prietobass. It's all parallel unless the cabs have been re-wired in their lifetime by someone. If it were series, you'd have 16 ohms out of two 8 cabs. But it's parallel so daisy or straight into the amp you get 4 ohms. Full power!

Ah, ok! Thx for clarifying that for me.

PrietoBass · #**298** 02-23-2013, 11:46 AM

'nother question for all... is anyone pluggin' their signal chain into the effects return of their PF-350? Anyone that was/is doing that that has experienced any problems/clippings/failures?

johnpbass · #**299** 02-25-2013, 07:26 AM

Question for those who have played both the PF350 and PF500: Are the preamps, sound wise, very different in their basic tone? From what I've been reading here, it seems like the 350 is more B15 like, while the 500 leans more toward a clean SVTish tone. I've been contemplating picking up a PF800 when it comes out but I've decided that the 500 is plenty of power for what I'm doing.
Loving my 350, btw!

Srirachaglo · #**300** 02-25-2013, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnpbass

Question for those who have played both the PF350 and PF500: Are the preamps, sound wise, very different in their basic tone? From what I've been reading here, it seems like the 350 is more B15 like, while the 500 leans more toward a clean SVTish tone. I've been contemplating picking up a PF800 when it comes out but I've decided that the 500 is plenty of power for what I'm doing.
Loving my 350, btw!

Jimmy is the expert here and he can correct me if I mess this up... the 350/500/800 are the exact same "flat" voicing, but the 350's mids are fixed at "3" as in the "1-5" sweepable mid selector in the 500/800. Same voicing, but less mid customization.