TC Electronic BG250 Club

[fenderhutz]

Originally Posted by drpepper

I'll be interested to hear your impression of the amp.

I get it Wednesday. I will update.

[stepswork4me]

Does anyone know if the older G-Switch will do the trick? On the TCE site it is listed as the same product and GC only has access to the G-Switch.

[drpepper]

Originally Posted by stepswork4me

Does anyone know if the older G-Switch will do the trick? On the TCE site it is listed as the same product and GC only has access to the G-Switch.

The Switch 3 isn't made for the BG250...it wasn't even in the same division

"Convenient Remote Control of TC-Helicon Products - Works with VoiceWorksPlus, VoiceWorks, VoiceLive® Rack, VoiceLive Touch, VoiceLive Play and VoiceLive Play GTX"

It seems possible another product is the same.

Maybe ask support if you're worried about just trying it.

I guess I should edit to say that I don't know what the G-Switch is...

[stepswork4me]

I'm pretty sure they are the same thing. The G Switch runs the same stuff.

[fenderhutz]

So I got the amp and spent the last hour with it.

Let's start with the short list first:

Cons: I hate the TonePrint upload interface. I wish it was more like Line 6 with an actual interface I can go in and noodle with instead of just accepting the predefined print. Seems like I am updating my cell phone more than tweaking an amp. USB cables are cheap, put a 6ft in with it instead of the skimpy 3ft where I have to put a magnet close to my computer, might cost them an extra 25 cents. If the USB connection truly is two way let me test out the patch on the fly and give me an interface to switch between quickly instead running an installer every time.

Pros: Meat. This combo has got a ton of volume and rear end for it's size. I was using my Warwick 5 Corvette Standard I just got with the Classic Rock recommended EQ setting and it was heavenly. Nice, loud, clear, grindy tube tone. I played with the chorus and uploaded the Spectracomp. I haven't decided if I like that compressor. A good thing is it really reminds me of the Trace Elliot higher end SMX series amps with the tube pre. It doesn't sound like a SVT at all, but that isn't a bad thing. Just voiced different.

I hooked up my Sterling Ray 34 next and made it about 10 minutes before I grabbed the Warwick again lol. It sounded good, but the tube overdrive with the Warwick growl is incredible.

I need to give it couple days to see if it is truly a great find. I paid 339 shipped for it new, it is worth every penny of that so far. If they fix the interface and the ability to use the tuner for flat settings I will be a very happy person.

[fenderhutz]

Update:

I have to admit the whole beam from my Android phone is pretty darn cool, I would still like some editing functionality like the Line 6 stated above.

So I am digging this amp. The is the first time in a long time I would beam a setting and just sit around and noodle with chords instead of just the ho hum of learning 4 chord cover tunes for gigs. I actually played for fun, and it's been a while.

I do not like that the amps character changes with the MASTER volume. I understand it is supposed to with the Gain due to the tube emulation but if you have the master set at 4-5 or below the amp seems muffled (or at least not as defined). You get up past 5 and it really opens up tonally and sounds fantastic, below 4-5 it's just ok.

Your bass will define this amp. I have played amps that sounded similar or colored the tone a certain way so it has a similar sound regardless of bass. This amp seems to let the bass breathe. My Ray 34 and Warwick Corvette 5 sound like 2 way different monsters, and they should. However the past couple amps I have were not that way. Call it transparent? I don't know. It doesn't seem to overly color the tone, unless you are running it a low volume.

Edit: I am sticking with my original thoughts with a little add on. This amp sounds to me like an Eden or a Trace Elliot depending on grit setting and Toneprint. It can get a nice slap tone you get with the Eden Enhance button or get that middy, thick, yet clear drive like a Trace without using the scoop.

I am going to gig with it Saturday bringing an Eden WTDI as a backup to run to the PA. For 339 bucks, this amp is worth every penny. You have to treat it like a throwaway amp though. Being a technology amp like a Line6 the resale will be awful a few years down the line and TC Electronic might drop support for it. Meaning you could get an iOS or Android update and then you have no Beam functions. I hope this never happens but you never know.

Even if support drowns out for it you will still have a light, low cost, great sounding amp.

I know this sounds like a review, but there aren't many threads on this amp on here and I wanted someone to see it if they wanted it. If you fellow amp owners think this is solid I might post as a review.

[Jamie_Funk]

Originally Posted by fenderhutz

Update:

I have to admit the whole beam from my Android phone is pretty darn cool, I would still like some editing functionality like the Line 6 stated above.

So I am digging this amp. The is the first time in a long time I would beam a setting and just sit around and noodle with chords instead of just the ho hum of learning 4 chord cover tunes for gigs. I actually played for fun, and it's been a while.

I do not like that the amps character changes with the MASTER volume. I understand it is supposed to with the Gain due to the tube emulation but if you have the master set at 4-5 or below the amp seems muffled (or at least not as defined). You get up past 5 and it really opens up tonally and sounds fantastic, below 4-5 it's just ok.

Your bass will define this amp. I have played amps that sounded similar or colored the tone a certain way so it has a similar sound regardless of bass. This amp seems to let the bass breathe. My Ray 34 and Warwick Corvette 5 sound like 2 way different monsters, and they should. However the past couple amps I have were not that way. Call it transparent? I don't know. It doesn't seem to overly color the tone, unless you are running it a low volume.

Edit: I am sticking with my original thoughts with a little add on. This amp sounds to me like an Eden or a Trace Elliot depending on grit setting and Toneprint. It can get a nice slap tone you get with the Eden Enhance button or get that middy, thick, yet clear drive like a Trace without using the scoop.

I am going to gig with it Saturday bringing an Eden WTDI as a backup to run to the PA. For 339 bucks, this amp is worth every penny. You have to treat it like a throwaway amp though. Being a technology amp like a Line6 the resale will be awful a few years down the line and TC Electronic might drop support for it. Meaning you could get an iOS or Android update and then you have no Beam functions. I hope this never happens but you never know.

Even if support drowns out for it you will still have a light, low cost, great sounding amp.

I know this sounds like a review, but there aren't many threads on this amp on here and I wanted someone to see it if they wanted it. If you fellow amp owners think this is solid I might post as a review.

Post as a review - I think you've nailed it. For me, it rocks and if the TonePrint and tuner died down the road, I wouldn't realy care - would have bought it without those features, though I do enjoy the TonePrints I've downloaded and as a plug and play guy, really like that they sound good and don't (for me) need tweaking which can't be done anyways

Plus this combo handles the sub-lowE notes better than any other in it's class (i.e. GK)

J

[drpepper]

Originally Posted by fenderhutz

Update:

I have to admit the whole beam from my Android phone is pretty darn cool, I would still like some editing functionality like the Line 6 stated above.

So I am digging this amp. The is the first time in a long time I would beam a setting and just sit around and noodle with chords instead of just the ho hum of learning 4 chord cover tunes for gigs. I actually played for fun, and it's been a while.

I do not like that the amps character changes with the MASTER volume. I understand it is supposed to with the Gain due to the tube emulation but if you have the master set at 4-5 or below the amp seems muffled (or at least not as defined). You get up past 5 and it really opens up tonally and sounds fantastic, below 4-5 it's just ok.

Your bass will define this amp. I have played amps that sounded similar or colored the tone a certain way so it has a similar sound regardless of bass. This amp seems to let the bass breathe. My Ray 34 and Warwick Corvette 5 sound like 2 way different monsters, and they should. However the past couple amps I have were not that way. Call it transparent? I don't know. It doesn't seem to overly color the tone, unless you are running it a low volume.

Edit: I am sticking with my original thoughts with a little add on. This amp sounds to me like an Eden or a Trace Elliot depending on grit setting and Toneprint. It can get a nice slap tone you get with the Eden Enhance button or get that middy, thick, yet clear drive like a Trace without using the scoop.

I am going to gig with it Saturday bringing an Eden WTDI as a backup to run to the PA. For 339 bucks, this amp is worth every penny. You have to treat it like a throwaway amp though. Being a technology amp like a Line6 the resale will be awful a few years down the line and TC Electronic might drop support for it. Meaning you could get an iOS or Android update and then you have no Beam functions. I hope this never happens but you never know.

Even if support drowns out for it you will still have a light, low cost, great sounding amp.

I know this sounds like a review, but there aren't many threads on this amp on here and I wanted someone to see it if they wanted it. If you fellow amp owners think this is solid I might post as a review.

Sounds like you're good with it, overall and so far.

I think your initial reaction to the way TonePrint works is going to be an ongoing issue for some buyers who either come in with a misconception about how it works or come in with an previous experience and preference for the way some other product works - I don't know what could be done though, other than information getting out to the interested over time.

Personally, I'm not doing any beaming (I use my MacBook) and I felt fully aware of the TonePrint concept of set parameters, and I'm not accustomed to some other effects scheme. So for me, the whole implementation is cool and completely satisfactory. I don't know that I'll ever have any real-world use for any of the effect prints, so I'm admittedly not a very demanding user in this area.

As far as tuning flat is concerned, I have to believe that a firmware upload that changes the reference frequency is possible and most likely simple. I think people who are interested in this should contact TCE and make the feature request/suggestion. If enough people do that, hopefully they'll look at it.

[fenderhutz]

Edited my post slighty and posted a review.

http://www.talkbass.com/reviews/show...p?product=1815

[RichardCranium]

Thanks to an unexpected windfall (birthday cash!) I ordered the Switch 3 today off the 'bay for under $50 shipped.

Great review FH just wanted to add something from my experience is that the amp is by far IMHO the best bang for the buck in the price range. For example the GK MB115 for the same price lacks a tuner, tube sim and onboard EFX.

I fully admit that price was one of the factors in my decision in getting the BG250. I really wanted to get the Ampeg PF500 but I didn't feel it was worth twice the price. Same with some other combos from Markbass and Mesa they cost 3 times as much but are you really getting 3 times your money's worth? I didn't feel that I was also if I could drop a grand on a head it'd be a nice vintage SVT or something similar.

I was a bit apprehensive about it being able to keep up with a full band but so far so good. I've owned a Polytune pedal for a while and am impressed with TC's quality and attention to detail so I had no qualms about that. I did test drive it a couple of times before I got it so I knew what to expect.

Also I'm really getting good use out of the headphone and aux in jacks to practice with really handy features. I'm digging it more all the time no regrets at all!

[Jamie_Funk]

Originally Posted by RichardCranium

Thanks to an unexpected windfall (birthday cash!) I ordered the Switch 3 today off the 'bay for under $50 shipped.

Great review FH just wanted to add something from my experience is that the amp is by far IMHO the best bang for the buck in the price range. For example the GK MB115 for the same price lacks a tuner, tube sim and onboard EFX.

I fully admit that price was one of the factors in my decision in getting the BG250. I really wanted to get the Ampeg PF500 but I didn't feel it was worth twice the price. Same with some other combos from Markbass and Mesa they cost 3 times as much but are you really getting 3 times your money's worth? I didn't feel that I was also if I could drop a grand on a head it'd be a nice vintage SVT or something similar.

I was a bit apprehensive about it being able to keep up with a full band but so far so good. I've owned a Polytune pedal for a while and am impressed with TC's quality and attention to detail so I had to qualms about that. I did test drive it a couple of times before I got it so I knew what to expect.

Also I'm really getting good use out of the headphone and aux in jacks to practice with really handy features. I'm digging it more all the time no regrets at all!

I find the headphone tone to be fantastic and use it a lot, along with the Aux in for late night jamming

J

[Joedog]

Sorry If I missed it (I kind of sped through the thread), but has anyone done a side by side test with a GK 115? I'm not really into effects, but mainly interested in tone and volume. I'd love to do a shootout between the 2 myself, but no opportunity yet! One other question, can you chain (slave) 2 together which the GK apparently cannot???

[drpepper]

Originally Posted by Joedog

Sorry If I missed it (I kind of sped through the thread), but has anyone done a side by side test with a GK 115? I'm not really into effects, but mainly interested in tone and volume. I'd love to do a shootout between the 2 myself, but no opportunity yet! One other question, can you chain (slave) 2 together which the GK apparently cannot???

I haven't personally compared, but a friend tried mine out, and while he hadn't made a side by side comparison, he came away preferring the tone of the GK.

I think you're just going to have some people who are going to prefer one or the other on personal taste.

He did want to try it again because he tried the BG250 in my warehouse, and that could have impacted what he was hearing. Also, he was doing a LOT of EQ fiddling, really searching for some particular sound. Without any understanding of the dynamic EQ, he might have unknowingly been hitting hurdles to what he was trying to do.

I say he "did" want to try it again, but when he heard about mine dying, I think he decided to pass. He's taking from that anecdote that it's not reliable.

[guli]

I sold my Ampeg BA115HP today, so I ordered a BG250 directly afterwards, looking forward to it when it comes home.

But I do have a question: DOES the Switch-3 come with the combo or not?

[fenderhutz]

Originally Posted by guli

I sold my Ampeg BA115HP today, so I ordered a BG250 directly afterwards, looking forward to it when it comes home.

But I do have a question: DOES the Switch-3 come with the combo or not?

No. It's around 50 bucks. TC-Helicon Switch-3

[fenderhutz]

Gig report. 3 hour gig at a local Moose club and I brought an Eden WTDI just in case as a backup.

I don't know what magic they put into this amp but even with my tilted back Ampeg PF500 and the PF115HE cab this thing puts out more usable volume without even pushing it hard. It was a huge room and we had PA support, but with a live drummer, a guitarist with a twin reverb (lower volume) and another guitarist with a 65 watt amp it was loud and clear on stage. I was using tube drive about 4, one of the spectracomp presets, bass and mids about half, tweeter about 40%. I was using an active Warwick Corvette 5 and the gain was about 4-5 and the master about 4.5. If I turned it up louder I was too loud on stage, but could be heard fine on the dance floor which the PA doesn't always cover.

Handled the 5 string with no issues, the band complemented the sound. This is hands down the best sub $400 combo on the market (I have tried a bunch). Sounded better to me than my Ampeg setup and half the cost (and 20lbs lighter). They really got something going on with this amp.

I am going to change my review a little bit.

[Jamie_Funk]

It really does rock - shockingly loud and punchy/warm. Nothing touches it in its price range IMO. And SO easy to lug around

Jamie

[stepswork4me]

Completely agree... this little guy is loud and sounds great!

[drpepper]

Originally Posted by fenderhutz

Gig report. 3 hour gig at a local Moose club and I brought an Eden WTDI just in case as a backup.

I don't know what magic they put into this amp but even with my tilted back Ampeg PF500 and the PF115HE cab this thing puts out more usable volume without even pushing it hard. It was a huge room and we had PA support, but with a live drummer, a guitarist with a twin reverb (lower volume) and another guitarist with a 65 watt amp it was loud and clear on stage. I was using tube drive about 4, one of the spectracomp presets, bass and mids about half, tweeter about 40%. I was using an active Warwick Corvette 5 and the gain was about 4-5 and the master about 4.5. If I turned it up louder I was too loud on stage, but could be heard fine on the dance floor which the PA doesn't always cover.

Handled the 5 string with no issues, the band complemented the sound. This is hands down the best sub $400 combo on the market (I have tried a bunch). Sounded better to me than my Ampeg setup and half the cost (and 20lbs lighter). They really got something going on with this amp.

I am going to change my review a little bit.

Good stuff

[RichardCranium]

Originally Posted by fenderhutz

Gig report. 3 hour gig at a local Moose club and I brought an Eden WTDI just in case as a backup.

I don't know what magic they put into this amp but even with my tilted back Ampeg PF500 and the PF115HE cab this thing puts out more usable volume without even pushing it hard. It was a huge room and we had PA support, but with a live drummer, a guitarist with a twin reverb (lower volume) and another guitarist with a 65 watt amp it was loud and clear on stage. I was using tube drive about 4, one of the spectracomp presets, bass and mids about half, tweeter about 40%. I was using an active Warwick Corvette 5 and the gain was about 4-5 and the master about 4.5. If I turned it up louder I was too loud on stage, but could be heard fine on the dance floor which the PA doesn't always cover.

Handled the 5 string with no issues, the band complemented the sound. This is hands down the best sub $400 combo on the market (I have tried a bunch). Sounded better to me than my Ampeg setup and half the cost (and 20lbs lighter). They really got something going on with this amp.

I am going to change my review a little bit.

What's in your case on top FH? I see the Switch3 and a tuner can't make out the rest.