power amp pre amp help

t1mmyk · #1 08-10-2010, 07:52 AM

Hey guys I've recently have been trying to build the perfect rig and need help with the power amp pre amp thing. I just purchased an ampeg b4r and am not really happy with it. The power is good but the tone sounds the same when pshing it. I just can't get the right sound with it. I am running a genz benz xb 6x10 and 1x18. I've tried to read into getting a seperate pre and power amp but can't find a lot of info. Any one have any suggestions? Is there away to adjust volume and bass treble mids etc seperately to each cab? Anyone know if I would need 2 power amps to do that? I really have no clue where to begin. Any helps would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

t1mmyk · #2 08-10-2010, 07:56 AM

Also I play a lot of reggae so I really want power and warmth and punch. My budget is somewhat flexible. Like everyone less expensive is better but if there is a big quality difference I would be willing to wait and save

t1mmyk · #3 08-11-2010, 06:25 AM

Noone?

PSPookie · #4 08-11-2010, 06:36 AM

There are several great preamps out there and most will pair nicely with a solid power amp. IME, the Alembic F-1X is fantastic and will give you a very smooth yet defined sound. Choose a power amp that will provide the wattage you're looking for at the impedance you plan on using.

As far as the bi-amping goes, you will probably be better off using the 6x10 by itself and leaving the 1x18 at home (unless you prefer the tone of the 18). Thos two cabs should be significantly mismatched in terms of power handling and sensitivity.

Other well-regarded preamps:
Demeter HBP-1
Aguilar DB659, DB680
Peavey T-Max
BBE BMAX. BMAX-T

BassoProf · #5 08-11-2010, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSPookie

As far as the bi-amping goes, you will probably be better off using the 6x10 by itself and leaving the 1x18 at home (unless you prefer the tone of the 18). Thos two cabs should be significantly mismatched in terms of power handling and sensitivity.

If the cabs are mis-matched, then surely bi-amping makes even more sense? Give each cabinet what it needs in terms of power and impedance just make sure each power amp has a volume control.

How many people do you have to help you lift this stuff? I've just got a T-E 4x10, and I had to cut that in half so I could get it in and out of the car on my own...

Son of Bovril · #6 08-11-2010, 06:45 AM

It doesn't sound like you actually plan on bi-amping but rather just want to run them both full range but be able to eq each cab separately, is that correct?

most common poweramps are stereo, meaning they have two separate amps, which means each amp would run one of your cabs. The trick is being able to eq each side separately... you would either have to run 2 preamps (one into each amp) or run one preamp with a separate eq on each send.

Bi-amping seems like a viable option, but to be honest having a 610 just for running the highs seems absurd! IMO you are better off just running the 610 fullrange by itself

Zooberwerx · #7 08-11-2010, 06:52 AM

Multiple issues going on here. Dump the 18" as Pookie suggested (how ya doin', stranger?) and stick with the 6 X 10. Any way you can return the Ampeg and buy something your really like in an integrated head? I'd imagine you're looking for something in the 500-800 watt range which transitions into a nice growl when driven. Can't help you there but a lot of TBer's can. This would be simpler than going the pre / power amp route which can be a crapshoot, as well. I use 2 pre / power racks but, then again, I need the extra power for my cabs plus I can shuffle stuff around with my PA if necessary.

Riis

john m · #8 08-11-2010, 06:57 AM

Think of a biamped rig as a PA system.
Once the cross over point is set, the whole thing is eq'ed as one amp. However- due to the drastically different power needs of the 2 cabs, separate volume to the highs and lows is mandatory. That's easily achieved at the cross over.
One stereo amp will give you what you need.

That being said, I prefer a full range system with the same size drivers. 4-10's or 2-12's give me enough stage volume.
Our pa has 18"subs for big rooms and outdoor gigs only.

John

rpsands · #9 08-11-2010, 09:49 AM

The B4R should do a good reggae sound no problem. Stick with it and work with the eq.

If nothing else, get a pedal. The BBE pedal with the contour seemed really good for that Sublimey reggae sound to me. The Markbass superbooster might work with the VPF/VLE combo.

t1mmyk · #10 08-11-2010, 01:50 PM

I should drop the 18? I love the way when that thing rings it knocks the wind out of you. Will I get a better sound without it? Would biamping help or would it not be worth it? I am a noob about this stuff.

RickenBoogie · #11 08-11-2010, 01:56 PM

Biamping is complicated, and unnecessary in this situation. What I'd do in your shoes, is play with that Ampeg head and 610, and probably put a good o/d pedal in front of it.

kosmicwizard · #12 11-14-2010, 11:30 PM

Tim I am not saying that anyone on these forms would ever intentionally give another TB'er bad advice, but sometimes responses don't have enough familiarity with the equipment that you are using and it seems to me personally that far too often people will suggest getting rid of something that is not needed. I don't know enough about the Omhs on your cabs or power handling ability of the 18, but your B4r head is 2 power amps in one, you can mono-bridge it for 1000 Watts then daisy chain one cab to the other, or true stereo for highs in the 6X10 and lows in the 18, or use the crossover frequency control and set it to your liking. Your 6X10 can already go way down in frequency, but then again more cone surface will increase you Db. The amp you have is very diverse, you can do a lot of different things with it. Let your ears tell you what others can't and if you really aren't happy with the tone, sometimes a pedal in front of the Preamp can make a huge difference. Cheers.