GB Shuttle 9.0 and GB ShuttleMax 6.0

brutalron · #1 10-22-2010, 07:16 PM

I am in the market for a new head. I just sold my Eden Wt405. Which i liked but i didn't love. Aside from the most obvious differences; power, EQ, size, does anyone have any experience with either of these great amps?

From what i have read, they have a different "deeper" voicing than the shuttle 6.0. This is great.

Like I said, I know the differences in the specs. I am wondering if anyone had any real experience with either.

For now, I would be plugging the amp into a 8 ohm Aguilar GS212. I play funk, jazz, and rock.

Thanks for any and all help.

**JxBass** · #2 10-22-2010, 07:32 PM

Did you look at the Shuttle 9.0 appreciation thread?

SteveC · #3 10-22-2010, 07:34 PM

9.0 will be my new head - along with an Uber Quad cab - assuming the cab sounds as good as I hope.

brutalron · #4 10-22-2010, 07:36 PM

I did a week or so ago, I don't seem to remember any comparisons. I will give it another look but i would still be open for any input from TB members

**JxBass** · #5 10-22-2010, 07:53 PM

The feedback is that the 9.0 is voiced deeper, perhaps to accommodate the larger cabs that Genz Benz anticipates will be matched to it. I owned the 6.0 (not Max series) and now own the 9.0. I agree with the deeper voicing comment - the Shuttle 9.0 is great!

faulknersj · #6 10-22-2010, 08:14 PM

I own a Shuttlemax 6.0 and gig it about 5 times a week. It is a great head for Funk, Jazz, R n B, Soul, etc. You can honestly EQ any tone imaginable with the Max heads...EQ and voicing options galore. While the 9.0 has more power, the Shuttle max has both a 'tube' and 'Fet' pre amp sections. This allows you to dial in and switch between 2 different EQ's with the push of a button (on the footswitch or on the head). I dial in my tube section for fingerstyle, and the Fet section for slap tone. Considering the styles of music you play, I'm not sure you need 900 watts. However, I would suggest selling the Aggie for a nice 4. Ohm cab because on a SM 6.0, you will only get 375 watts @ 8ohms. You will get the full 600 at 4 ohms. My head is paired with a Genz Benz Neox 212T, a 4 ohm 2 x 12 cab. It produces WAY more power that I will ever need, even in large outdoor venues. A a Shuttlemax, a 'deeper voicing' is a push of the Low end boost' filter and a bit od EQing away. I hope this helps. Feel free to ask my any questions you want to know. Cheers.

**JxBass** · #7 10-22-2010, 08:19 PM

I do wish that the Signal Shape section on the 9.0 had variable controls, like the Max Series, instead of just pre-set on/off.

brutalron · #8 10-22-2010, 08:35 PM

Thanks for the input so far fellas. The issues I am really wrestling with is the extra EQ versatility of the Max 6 vs the extra power I would get from the Shuttle 9. Amazing that both of these are under 6lbs.
For the time being, I plan on adding a Aguilar GS112 to the GS212 when I play a larger venue. I can get one cheap.

--faulknersj
Regardless of the cabs, do you find yourself using the extra EQ and tone capabilities of the Max 6?

faulknersj · #9 10-22-2010, 09:16 PM

I do use the EQ section, particularly on the Fet section for slap. I scoop mids and to variable degrees and cut at different frequencies depending on the bass I am using. On the Tube section, I start flat and then dial the room. The most useful design feature that the Max has, and the 9.0 does not is the freedom to dial in 2 completely different tones using the Fet and Tube sections. Unless you are competing with a Marshall or Boogie stack on 11, I just can't imagine the need for more than 600 watts. I set my master volume at 25% max at gigs and my pre gains and volumes at about 60%. However, I can't offer a direct comparison because I have not used the 9.
0. I hope this helps

chuck3 · #10 10-22-2010, 10:16 PM

Interesting question. For my "louder" gigs my main head is a Shuttle 6.0, and to upgrade it (which I hope to) I would be facing the decision you are. I think Faulkner sums it up about right based on what I understand. Don't know what size gigs you play, but kicking 600 watts through 4 ohms is enough for me for now, so do you trade up to 900 or try for additional versatility through the Max?

**JxBass** · #11 10-23-2010, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faulknersj

Unless you are competing with a Marshall or Boogie stack on 11, I just can't imagine the need for more than 600 watts.

Agreed. The only advantage I see to the extra watts is the ability to turn the tube way down when using a 4 ohm cab for the cleanest possible tone (not having the FET option).

chicago_mike · #12 10-23-2010, 04:54 AM

Although its not the best answer, you could always get an eq pedal to fake a second channel.

I have a DIY Bass RC Booster and the new ews tri-logic II to do such stuff as I have the Shuttle 9.0. I love this amp.

DrBone · #13 10-27-2010, 07:37 AM

It's possible to blend the two channels on the MAX 6.0 right? How does that work exactly, I don't see a 'blend' knob or anything like that on the amp, is it just a combination of the volume controls on the pre-amps?

redrider · #14 10-27-2010, 12:50 PM

You blend by selecting both channels on the head or through the footswitch.

brutalron · #15 10-28-2010, 06:18 AM

Thanks for the help fellas. I think I am leaning towards the ShuttleMax 6. The 9.0 is still a contender, though. I wish i could really just play them side by side and be done with it.

If anyone else has any input, thanks ahead of time.

wengr · #16 10-28-2010, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brutalron

I wish i could really just play them side by side and be done with it.

If anyone else has any input, thanks ahead of time.

same here. I know that I have no real need for the power of the nine. The only reason I have hesitated to buy a 6 or a 12 (which is a 6 x 2), is that the power output module on the 9 is different. Not just bigger but different brand maybe? It makes me wonder if that is in large part responsible for all the 9 fans here.