I'm not using my GB Shuttle 6.0 properly

Lublin · #1 09-08-2010, 08:18 AM

I picked up a Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 to power my Avatar B410 Neo and Trace Elliot 1084 8x10 cabs. The amp sounds seriously great. Since then I also picked up a Sansamp programmable Bass Driver DI and was seriously blown away by it. It's a pedal that'll never leave my pedalboard as it adds so much "ass" to my sound.

Since I started using the Sansamp pedal, I've left my GB Shuttle's EQ totally flat and worked the EQ on the Sansamp to tailor my sound. I'm thinking I may be better off running my pedals directly into a power amp as opposed to another preamp on the Shuttle 6.0.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to a small, portable power amp around the size of the Shuttle 6.0 that will power my Avatar B410 Neo (1000 watts) and Trace Elliot 1084 8x10 (640 watts)?

bigfatbass · #2 09-08-2010, 08:21 AM

Even though it says it will do it, the sansamp can come up short when it comes to driving the input of a power amp.

I prefer the tube break-up from the shuttle's pre amp over the drive on my sansamp pedal.

Eublet · #3 09-08-2010, 08:29 AM

Run the Sansamp into the FX return on the back of the Shuttle. You'll be bypassing the Shuttle preamp by doing this and putting the signal directly into the poweramp. See if you like that better or not.

Lublin · #4 09-08-2010, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eublet

Run the Sansamp into the FX return on the back of the Shuttle. You'll be bypassing the Shuttle preamp by doing this and putting the signal directly into the poweramp. See if you like that better or not.

DUH!

I can't believe I didn't think of that!

I wouldn't need to put anything into the FX send, right?

RColie · #5 09-08-2010, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lublin

DUH!

I can't believe I didn't think of that!

I wouldn't need to put anything into the FX send, right?

Right.

agedhorse · #6 09-08-2010, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eublet

Run the Sansamp into the FX return on the back of the Shuttle. You'll be bypassing the Shuttle preamp by doing this and putting the signal directly into the poweramp. See if you like that better or not.

Correct, this is what this feature was designed for.

GeoffByrne · #7 09-08-2010, 09:09 AM

Would an MXR-80+ have enough grunt to push the output stage properly, do you think?

I use one in front of the amp to give a little more bottom, but the para mids is invaluable - going through the FX loop would lose this.

agedhorse · #8 09-08-2010, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeoffByrne

Would an MXR-80+ have enough grunt to push the output stage properly, do you think?

I use one in front of the amp to give a little more bottom, but the para mids is invaluable - going through the FX loop would lose this.

I tried to find technical information and specs. on that unit but was unable to find anything maningful, therefore I do not know what the operating levels are.

You can always give it a try and see how it works going into the effects return/power amp in jack.

You can also use the Aux In jack, the sensitivity is exactly the same as the effects return on the Shuttle 6.0 and 9.0.

tech21nyc · #9 09-08-2010, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigfatbass

Even though it says it will do it, the sansamp can come up short when it comes to driving the input of a power amp.

I prefer the tube break-up from the shuttle's pre amp over the drive on my sansamp pedal.

Our Sansamp Bass Driver products are designed to drive a power amp. There are a number of reasons that people think they can't. On the original version 1 BD the XLR output had a 20db pad as it was designed to go to a microphone input on a board. Unfortunately some power amps only accept XLR connections so people would hook up the padded output to a power amp and get low output. By the way there is a mod to change this if desired on older units. Our newer units have switches for different levels. -20,-10 and 0dB on both the XLR and 1/4 outputs.

TONYTHOMAS1956 · #10 09-08-2010, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tech21nyc

Our Sansamp Bass Driver products are designed to drive a power amp. There are a number of reasons that people think they can't. On the original version 1 BD the XLR output had a 20db pad as it was designed to go to a microphone input on a board. Unfortunately some power amps only accept XLR connections so people would hook up the padded output to a power amp and get low output. By the way there is a mod to change this if desired on older units. Our newer units have switches for different levels. -20,-10 and 0dB on both the XLR and 1/4 outputs.

By all means. Let us know what it is!

Eublet · #11 09-08-2010, 12:27 PM

FWIW, I've never had a problem pushing a power amp with any Tech21 product.

Jumbotron · #12 09-08-2010, 02:07 PM

I actually run my setup as the SAPBDDI into the front Shuttle 6.0 as well, with the Shuttle EQ'ed nearly flat. I think this is a good thing, and not something I want to change. I wouldn't want to replace the Shuttle, personally, because I think the preamp adds something nice to the tone. Plus, using the Shuttle instead of a power amp lets me gig without my pedalboard if I want to. I can run straight into the Shuttle if I don't need fx, but use the Sansamp if I do (it does thicken the sound of the shuttle in ways I like, but I can get around that a bit with the eq on my bass).

silky smoove · #13 09-08-2010, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eublet

FWIW, I've never had a problem pushing a power amp with any Tech21 product.

+1

Bardley · #14 09-08-2010, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eublet

Run the Sansamp into the FX return on the back of the Shuttle. You'll be bypassing the Shuttle preamp by doing this and putting the signal directly into the poweramp. See if you like that better or not.

Bingo. This is what I would do and you don't even need to spend any money. I have done the same with my VT Bass and my Shuttle.

Good luck finding a 4lb 600 watt power amp that is the size or price of the Shuttle.

Just think of yours as a power amp with an extra preamp there in case you need it.

I sure love mine.

JimmyM · #15 09-08-2010, 02:13 PM

i don't get why people think it's an either/or thing with separate preamps, especially with sansamps. i think stacking pres can be very cool if you do it well.

Eublet · #16 09-08-2010, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

i don't get why people think it's an either/or thing with separate preamps, especially with sansamps. i think stacking pres can be very cool if you do it well.

+1, and that's what I typically do with the BDDI. I run it at instrument level output into the preamp on my head. The EQ controls are much more powerful there compared to the BDDI, and with a tube front-end like the Shuttle you can add some extra warmth by pushing things just a bit without having to rely as much on the simulated warmth of the BDDI.

tech21nyc · #17 09-09-2010, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TONYTHOMAS1956

By all means. Let us know what it is!

On the version 1 Bass Driver if you take off the bottom plate you will see a large black rectangular box. Hold the unit so the XLR jack is to your right. Towards the bottom of the right hand side of the black rectangle there is a very small resistor between these two symbols on the circuit board. >[] <. This is the 20dB pad and you need to remove this small resistor. Take care as it is really tiny and you don't want to use force. You need to use either a solder sucker or solder braid and carefully remove it. If you are not sure you can do it then either find someone locally who is capable or you can send it to us. We charge a $25 flat bench fee for the job.

Lublin · #18 09-09-2010, 08:43 AM

Awesome points, everyone. I'm going to try out some of the things suggested in this thread. Awesomeness all around!

stflbn · #19 09-09-2010, 08:51 AM

If you like the sound you're getting out of it, there's no problem running it as you are.

The end sound is what matters.

PSPookie · #20 09-09-2010, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agedhorse

Correct, this is what this feature was designed for.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tech21nyc

Our Sansamp Bass Driver products are designed to drive a power amp. There are a number of reasons that people think they can't. On the original version 1 BD the XLR output had a 20db pad as it was designed to go to a microphone input on a board. Unfortunately some power amps only accept XLR connections so people would hook up the padded output to a power amp and get low output. By the way there is a mod to change this if desired on older units. Our newer units have switches for different levels. -20,-10 and 0dB on both the XLR and 1/4 outputs.

This kind of stuff (direct responses from the companies involved) is just one of the many reasons TB is awesome.