Which Power Amp to go with Sansamp RBI

[mysticalcracker]

So I have been recording direct with the RBI, but now I think we are heading towards playing out, so I am trying to figure out the most economical way to amplify the sansamp. I doubt I'll need more than 400 watts, and I'd like to spend around $300. Also, If any has some suggestions on what kind of cab would work well with the setup, that would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[NKBassman]

Last I checked (about 2 minutes ago) you could get a 1000W Carvin poweramp for around $300 new, even less used. I used the DCM1000 with my RBI for a while and it was pretty great.

[Ronny49]

Originally Posted by NKBassman

Last I checked (about 2 minutes ago) you could get a 1000W Carvin poweramp for around $300 new, even less used. I used the DCM1000 with my RBI for a while and it was pretty great.

Ok, so what do you use now that you stopped using the Carvin?

[JackTheRipper]

I also use Carvin power amps. I have a SansAmp RPM and RBI and use a Carvin DCM3000L as my main amp and a DCM2000L as a backup. Their website shows that the HD1500 is currently listed at $329, the DCM1000L is $349.

Another reason I like Carvin is that they are just 2 miles from where I work.

--jack

[bal704]

I have the Sansamp RPM, and I use a Carvin DCM1500.

[Mcrelly]

I would use at least 500w at 4ohms into a 212 8ohm cab, maybe even a 4 ohm 212 if you don't want more cabs later...

[Downunderwonder]

How loud do you really need to be?

If you are playing with a proper PA the answer is "not very loud at all", only just enough to monitor yourself.

Basically any power amp with the grunt to meet your needs will sound fine. Your choice of speaker cabinet(s) will seal the deal.

[wcriley]

Originally Posted by Downunderwonder

Basically any power amp with the grunt to meet your needs will sound fine.

This^^^^^^^^^^^^

[NKBassman]

Originally Posted by Ronny49

Ok, so what do you use now that you stopped using the Carvin?

I sold all my Tech 21 gear and the Carvin poweramp to fund a tube amp, but I also used the RBI with a SVT 3-PRO as the poweramp for many years, which sounded great as well.

The RBI and RPM are also great for going direct to the board, both for live sound and recording.

[pablomigraine]

From having used an RBI + PA Power AMP and RBI + RPM + Power amp rig live for many years, I can say that (to my ears) the best results were achieved with sealed cabinets. I used both the Bergantino NV610 and the Ampeg SVT-810. The Ampeg towers can be found pretty easily used for $600 and under.

The Sansamps tend to sound pretty awful with a tweeter, and since there is the speaker emulation portion of the circuit, it can sound really flabby throuh ported cabs. Sealed is the way to go IMHO.

As far as power amps, I have always loved the Carvins. I used a Carvin DCM1000 on over 350 gigs and it never gave me one ounce of trouble. I also used one of the new DCM1000L lightweight amps and, althought it was ever so slightly lacking in terms of raw power compared to the regular DCM, was still far superior to say, the Peavey IP series. They are a great value, and are very inexpensive. I Also liked that Carvins have a very short rack depth, allowing me the use of a short effects rack, instead of a longer 16" rack depth case hanging off the back of the cabinet!!

[scottbass]

I ran my RBI with an old Crown CE1000. Big, heavy, but rock-solid reliability. I have recently switched over to a Crown XLS1500. Smaller, lighter, and I have had no reliability issues yet. I use a variety of cabinets alone and in combination: Carvin 1x15, Carvin 2x10 w/horn, Schroeder 1212. But that will all change in a week or so when I complete the build of my fEARful 15/6.

Always buy more amp than you think you need. Headroom is a wonderful thing. You should be able to find many used 1,000 (or more) watt power amps for $300 or less.

[wcriley]

Originally Posted by pablomigraine

...the new DCM1000L lightweight amps ... was still far superior to say, the Peavey IP series.

I assume you meant the Peavey IPR series.
I thought about the Carvin lightweights before I bought my IPR. In your opinion, what makes the Carvin superior?