Is it ok to run preamp into GK full output?

[mindflow]

I have an Ashdown preamp and I have been running it into the input of my GK 1001 but keeping the output of the Ashdown low. I now think I want to run the Ashdown into the effects return of the GK and use the GK as a power amp, is it ok to use the full output of the Ashdown this way? Or am I asking for trouble?

[schecter5string]

im no pro on this but i would say you would be better off going through the effect loop. I do run my sansamp into the front of my head but it is a stomp box. I am sure someone with more know how will give you a better answer with a reason why.

[IvanMike]

this should work fine.

I'm not sure if the GK's effects loop is pre or post EQ (most are post EQ). As long as it's post EQ then essentially what you are doing is bypassing the GK preamp entirely. The master volume control on the GK should still work, so you would use the gain (and master if it has one) control(s) on the ashdown as well as the GK master volume as volume controls. The main volume control you would be using to adjust volume during a gig would be the GK master volume, as you'll want to set the gain (and possibly master) volumes on the ashdown just as you would if you were running it into a power amp. If there is a blend or mix control knob for the effects loop, make sure it is set all the way to "effects" or "wet" to get the full signal from the ashdown preamp.

Some effects loops are pre EQ, in which case the gain on the GK won't do anything, but the EQ still will. Unfortunately much of the tone of a preamp comes from the EQ section in many cases, so it won't sound much different than just plugging the ashdown straight into the main input of the GK. More than likely the GK effects loop will be post EQ though.

Edit: Just out of curiosity, what do you mean when you say "full output" of the ashdown? Generally you should set the gain on any preamp/amp to just under clipping and then use the master volume for a volume control. If your ashdown has both a gain and a master volume you don't have to crank the master volume all the way up, even when using a poweramp. In most cases people using a preamp and a poweramp setup set the poweramp's input gain control where they want and then use the master volume on the preamp as the volume control. There is a chance that if you turn the master volume of the ashdown all the way up that you may clip the effects return on the GK.

[mindflow]

Yeah when I meant full output on the Ashdown I meant the master volume, the knob is labeled "output".
So I shouldn't have the master on the preamp that high then, is 12 ok? I ask because when running the preamp into the effects return I lose a lot of volume compared with running it straight into the GK input

[lowendfriend]

Just be careful not to overdrive the power amp I'd say.

One nice thing about the GK front-end is that is has plenty of headroom, warns you of clipping and has a 14dB pad to help setup up the early stage amplification and a great set of EQ options.

You surely can use it as a power amp, but I recommend a lot of pre-experimenting to be sure you've got levels right.....not something to do for first time at sound check at a gig.

[IvanMike]

Originally Posted by mindflow

Yeah when I meant full output on the Ashdown I meant the master volume, the knob is labeled "output".
So I shouldn't have the master on the preamp that high then, is 12 ok? I ask because when running the preamp into the effects return I lose a lot of volume compared with running it straight into the GK input

You can have it as high as you want till it starts to be too much for the effects return input (or regular instrument input, depending upon which you use). You'll know as it will start to distort. I bet you lost volume, you were amplifying the signal twice by plugging the ashdown into the front input of the GK! Nothing wrong with that although "stacking" preamps can increase noise levels.

The best thing to do is go slow and see how much you can turn it up. Do that and you should be fine.

Do you notice a big difference/improvement in tone by bypassing the GK preamp by plugging into the effects return? Use it the way it sounds best to you and you should be happy.

[mindflow]

I haven't played with it enough to decide. Into the input was nice for me because it was a good mix of the punch of the GK with a little bit of tube sound from the GK. Ashdown into effects return is closer to a tube sound but doesn't have the same punch but I still have to play with some settings.
I actually was trying to use the GK as a power amp because we were playing at a club with a million dollar soundsystem and a buzz was coming from me somewhere. I normally have this but in small clubs it didnt matter. It was an issue in this club though especially for the sound guy. I kind of figured it was my amp an thought maybe this will help, I'll have to play with it more to see it that was it
Thanks for the help!

[IvanMike]

does it only buzz when you use the ashdown? How about if you use the ashdown into a poweramp?

You need to do some troubleshooting to find out what's up. sounds like some kind of ground problem.

Where was the buzz coming from? your speakers, or a DI out from the ashdown, from the GK di out, or from both your di out and the speakers?

[deeptubes]

If you are typically buzzing from somewhere, odds are it's 1 of 2 things: 1) a grounding issue, either your bass or equipment. 2) a bad cord somewhere.

My first thought is ground problem. I would start at my bass and work my way back until I found it.

[IvanMike]

Originally Posted by deeptubes

If you are typically buzzing from somewhere, odds are it's 1 of 2 things: 1) a grounding issue, either your bass or equipment. 2) a bad cord somewhere.

My first thought is ground problem. I would start at my bass and work my way back until I found it.

good call - I was thinking amp just from all the rest of the discussion. Definitely troubleshoot the entire signal chain from bass to amp.