GK MB200 gain structure question

jumblemind · #1 03-04-2013, 09:08 AM

The MB200 has a single volume control (labeled gain). I assume this means the preamp gain and poweramp volume are together in a single control. If so, how concerned should I be about pushing this thing too hard? At a recent gig I was running on about 9 (or 4 o'clock), and it was nice and snarly through a double stack of 210s, seemed to be keeping up fine. But I just want to be sure I'm not going to be in a zone where I'm burning up speakers. I haven't found any info on how the gain stages work on this little beast and was wondering if anyone can share some knowledge.

dougjwray · #2 03-04-2013, 11:22 AM

I'm not the most technical guy, but my guess is that you can simply use your ears to determine whether you've got too much power going to the cabinets. But I'm pretty sure that two 2x10 cabs can handle 200 watts, anyway.

Steve Dallman · #3 03-04-2013, 11:34 AM

Here's the block diagram.
http://www.manualslib.com/manual/358...0.html?page=10

The gain is a volume control after the initial preamp, before the tone circuitry. The tone circuitry goes into the power amp without an adjustable attenuator.

Turn it up to where you need it. If it gets too distorted or shuts down due to pushing it too hard, it's time for a bigger amp.

fdeck · #4 03-04-2013, 11:42 AM

The mb200 has a built in compressor limiter. You will be hard pressed to make the power amp break up.

jumblemind · #5 03-04-2013, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdeck

The mb200 has a built in compressor limiter. You will be hard pressed to make the power amp break up.

This gig was actually my first one with my new HPF Pre 3

. Since the amp has a built in comp limiter, should I leave the filter out of my chain? I read on one of the threads that taking out the low frequencies with the filter can increase the wattage hitting the drivers and make the thermal something or other go up.

The cabs were an Avatar B210 neo (500w) and an Ampeg 210AV (200w). Maybe not the best mix, I was just worried two AVs wouldn't give me enough low end on stage.

jumblemind · #6 03-04-2013, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dougjwray

I'm not the most technical guy, but my guess is that you can simply use your ears to determine whether you've got too much power going to the cabinets. But I'm pretty sure that two 2x10 cabs can handle 200 watts, anyway.

True, but I have fried a 600w speaker with a 350w amp before.