Peavey Mark IV Question

**Lazarus.Bird** · #1 10-12-2010, 01:52 PM

Been looking around for this amp and found one but it's referred to as a Peavey Mark IV BH400. Does the BH400 mean it is any different than what is normally referred to as the Mark IV? In other words, is it the same amp as this: http://reviews.harmony-central.com/r...Bass+Head/10/1

Sorry if this is a silly question, but I know little about the Peavey lines and searching for BH400 didn't turn up much. My only concern is that the Mark IV is only 300W and I would assume BH400 would stand for something like Bass Head 400 Watts, meaning it might not be the same amp.

MNAirHead · #2 10-12-2010, 01:59 PM

BH is the exact revision.

I'd pass for a later one with chorus, 2 ohm capacity, graphic EQ and compressor.

They do last forever.

**Lazarus.Bird** · #3 10-12-2010, 02:02 PM

So one marked BH400 does not support a 2 ohm load? That is the primary reason I am looking at them lol.

hrgiger · #4 10-12-2010, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazarus.Bird

So one marked BH400 does not support a 2 ohm load? That is the primary reason I am looking at them lol.

I never heard that one before. It does 2 ohms just fine.

From the manual: "The 400BH power module will work well with a wide range of speaker impedances, but is designed for optimum performance and maximum power output into either a 4 ohm or a 2 ohm load."

http://www.peavey.com/assets/literat...s/80370383.pdf

jefwho · #5 10-12-2010, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNAirHead

BH is the exact revision.

I'd pass for a later one with chorus, 2 ohm capacity, graphic EQ and compressor.

They do last forever.

I'm currently gigging with a mark VI that has the features listed above by MN. It is the bees knees (really tough to beat that 9 band graphic eq) and yes they last forever.

sorry i couldn't help on the mark IV. My buddy Jim uses one I'll see him tonight and ask for you.

MNAirHead · #6 10-12-2010, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazarus.Bird

So one marked BH400 does not support a 2 ohm load? That is the primary reason I am looking at them lol.

I never said it wounldn't..

I did note the later marks have more features and the same guts vibe.

Heck.. I toured the world with a Century and never had a complaint .. never knew chorus, DDT and compressors were an option.

**Lazarus.Bird** · #7 10-12-2010, 03:27 PM

Oh the BH400 is just the power module! That makes sense. Thanks for the info guys. I wasn't necessarily looking for a Mark IV, just one of the heads in the Mark series and it seems like just IVs are popping up near me.

KramerBassFan · #8 10-12-2010, 04:13 PM

Peavey Really cranked these out.

They must of been a very good seller.... they work for a long time.

St Drogo · #9 10-12-2010, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrgiger

Cool. Apparently Peavey's are so hardcore, they have on/on switches instead of on/off.

MNAirHead · #10 10-12-2010, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by St Drogo

Cool. Apparently Peavey's are so hardcore, they have on/on switches instead of on/off.

Phase if I remeber right .. I've never needed to use one

JazzbassArt · #11 10-12-2010, 05:16 PM

Polarity switch. The preamp section is actually pretty good.

Sartori · #12 10-12-2010, 05:23 PM

My band has one as a sort of all-purpose backup head. It sounds pretty good, and is built like a tank. I'm fairly certain it will still be around when I'm long gone.

bassplayerbob · #13 10-12-2010, 05:49 PM

The older Mark IV heads are LOUD too! I owned one 20 years ago with the 1820(18 and 2 10's in 1 cab) and sold it to a friend of mine who still has it in his basement for jams. I went over one day and played through it and i couldnt believe how loud it was. i believe the cab is 4 ohms so it was only running 210 watts and the master was on 3!! You can score those for 150 bucks or less sometime. I think Peavey rated watts much better back then. My Ampeg B5R is rated around 350 @ 4 ohms and wasnt nearly as loud.

Oren Hudson · #14 10-12-2010, 08:04 PM

I have a 1982 Mark IV with matching 2-15 BW cab. Great sound and as stated above, built like a tank and loud. Lots of tone with the dual channels and the footswitch adds even more dimension. I've found the Peavey Company to be helpful with information and parts.

hrgiger · #15 10-12-2010, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNAirHead

Heck.. I toured the world with a Century and never had a complaint .. never knew chorus, DDT and compressors were an option.

*GAS pains; grimacing*

Oh man you did have to bring that up didn't you? My first real amp was a Century 120 - 60w version. It was stolen (along w/ my 115 bw cab) and I'm still missing that thing...

MNAirHead · #16 10-13-2010, 04:31 AM

Mine went though a fire..

We should have taken pix.. smoldering bus.. melted plastic everywhere..

The CS800s and Century fired right up.. stunk really bad (like fire/smoke)

MNAirHead · #17 10-13-2010, 04:32 AM

Also..(side note)

The mixer/amps of this era are VERY close cousins.

You can commonly find one that has graphic EQ and multiple channels... I've seen them go for dirt cheap.