ASHLY SC-40 QUESTIONS

[jnewmark]

Recently picked up an Ashly SC-40 preamp, and, looking through the on line manual, I've got a couple of questions. First, in the manual, it states eq can be pre or post to PA, but on the front panel on mine, it says " in " or " out " , not " pre " or " post ". Is it right to assume that " in " means " post " ?

Second, the manual states to use the " Stage High output to directly drive a power amp ", ( it has High and Low Stage outs ). Since I will be doing this, is that what is normally done? I was going to use the " PA line out " to do this, but now I'm not sure. Is there any difference?

Third , the eq section is a little confusing concerning the mids. The manual states : " The Mid EQ is a " peaking " type, having maximum effect at the mid frequency and less effect on lower and higher frequencies ". Does that mean lower and higher frequencies WITHIN the mid freqs as a whole ? Not really sure what they are getting at here.

Fourth, since the preamp is going on 30 years old ( still in great shape ) I want to have a replacement fuse on hand in case it blows. Next to the little fuse box it says " 1/2 amp ". Anyone know where I can get a replacement fuse, or is this just a commonly used fuse ? I don't think I've ever had to replace a fuse in any piece of music gear I've ever owned, but there is always a first time.

Thanks, and if there are any other comments, tips on this pre, I would love to hear them.

[Passinwind]

Originally Posted by jnewmark

Recently picked up an Ashly SC-40 preamp, and, looking through the on line manual, I've got a couple of questions. First, in the manual, it states eq can be pre or post to PA, but on the front panel on mine, it says " in " or " out " , not " pre " or " post ". Is it right to assume that " in " means " post " ?

EQ in to the DI feed, or out. So yes, in = post. Look at the block diagram in the cut sheet.

Second, the manual states to use the " Stage High output to directly drive a power amp ", ( it has High and Low Stage outs ). Since I will be doing this, is that what is normally done? I was going to use the " PA line out " to do this, but now I'm not sure. Is there any difference?

Yes, the PA out (usually called DI) is switchable for pre- and post EQ. The stage out is always post-EQ. At least on the BP-41, either output can drive a power amp perfectly well though. I'll try to dig up my ancient schematic for the SC-40, which Bill Thompson gave me personally when he gave me a tour of the old factory back when they were still making those things.

Third , the eq section is a little confusing concerning the mids. The manual states : " The Mid EQ is a " peaking " type, having maximum effect at the mid frequency and less effect on lower and higher frequencies ". Does that mean lower and higher frequencies WITHIN the mid freqs as a whole ? Not really sure what they are getting at here.

You're over thinking it, maybe? The number you set for mid freq.is the middle of the bandpass, that's it. That control goes below what many people would consider midrange, so it can be used as a 'bass' control to a certain degree too if wanted.

Fourth, since the preamp is going on 30 years old ( still in great shape ) I want to have a replacement fuse on hand in case it blows. Next to the little fuse box it says " 1/2 amp ". Anyone know where I can get a replacement fuse, or is this just a commonly used fuse ? I don't think I've ever had to replace a fuse in any piece of music gear I've ever owned, but there is always a first time.

All my many Ashly pieces have used standard fuses. Just email tech support if you can't readily find a match. If the fuse ever does blow you almost always will have a bigger problem than just the fuse though, IME.

Have fun, that's a cool old piece.

[jnewmark]

Thanks, Passinwind. So, in = post, out = pre, correct ? Since I will be using this rig with PA support, I will probably go pre eq, and use High stage out to drive the power amp. I remember using someones rig back in the ' 80's with this pre and a BGW power amp that weighed a ton. Wow, things have changed, huh ?

[Passinwind]

Originally Posted by jnewmark

Thanks, Passinwind. So, in = post, out = pre, correct ? Since I will be using this rig with PA support, I will probably go pre eq, and use High stage out to drive the power amp. I remember using someones rig back in the ' 80's with this pre and a BGW power amp that weighed a ton. Wow, things have changed, huh ?

Jah, mon. The old Ashly power amps weighed even more than the BGWs, I think. I'm currently looking at buying an 800 watt plate amp that weighs less than 2.5 pounds.
Just try the in/out settings for yourself to double check. That block diagram I linked seems pretty definitive though.