TC electronics classic 450 low output?

Garmik · #1 05-05-2011, 07:27 AM

Hey, i've just bought a barely used TC electronics classic 450 to upgrade my rig, since i've been hearing a lot of good stuff about TC´s amps. I made an A - B test yesterday comparing it to my hartke HA 3500 and was surprised to find out that the 450 (450 watts) got nowhere close to the loudness of the 3500 (350 watts). (The cabinet used is a Ampeg SVT-410HLF)

What am i missing here, is the 3500 really that loud of an amp? Is the 450 known for having low output?

Chasarms · #2 05-05-2011, 07:36 AM

I don't know if there are significant differences in the models, but I have the RH450. It's output seems to be perfectly on par with others amps rated similarly. For example, it's no more or less loud than my F1.

Garmik · #3 05-05-2011, 07:42 AM

Could i be doing something wrong then? I cranked it to the max but still managed to stand in front of it without earplugs.

Rick Auricchio · #4 05-05-2011, 11:03 AM

There's a good chance someone stored some a few wacky presets. Turn it off. Press and HOLD all three preset buttons. Turn on power. Let go of the buttons after a few seconds.

Now you're back to the factory's standard flat setting. Betcha that'll make a difference.

EDIT: You said the Classic, not the RH450. Never mind; there are no presets in the Classic.

GrowlerBox · #5 05-05-2011, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Auricchio

There's a good chance someone stored some a few wacky presets. Turn it off. Press and HOLD all three preset buttons. Turn on power. Let go of the buttons after a few seconds.

Now you're back to the factory's standard flat setting. Betcha that'll make a difference.

EDIT: You said the Classic, not the RH450. Never mind; there are no presets in the Classic.

You're right, no presets, but it would still be helpful to know what the OP's settings (gain staging, EQ, compression) are in order to give useful advice. If that's all in order, you (OP) may have a defective head -- there is certainly no lack of power from the TCE offerings.

If we're unable to help here, asking a question through the TCE website will result in a pretty quick response, IME.

Garmik · #6 05-05-2011, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrowlerBox

You're right, no presets, but it would still be helpful to know what the OP's settings (gain staging, EQ, compression) are in order to give useful advice. If that's all in order, you (OP) may have a defective head -- there is certainly no lack of power from the TCE offerings.

If we're unable to help here, asking a question through the TCE website will result in a pretty quick response, IME.

I've tried to turn the compression on/off, tried with no gain and full gain, i still don't get that much output out of it. Maybe TCE can help me, the head should be all new.

Rick Auricchio · #7 05-05-2011, 08:45 PM

Have you tried another cabinet?

Garmik · #8 05-06-2011, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Auricchio

Have you tried another cabinet?

I just have one available right now, maybe can get to play on a friends cab next week. But could there be a difference based on the cab? My (not in any way based in knowledge on the subject) instinctive feeling is that the cab should have an equal effect on both the amps i've tested. If it saps output from the 450 it should sap output from the 3500 too?

Anyway, we're rehearsing tonight so im gonna try it out one more time, but maybe it's just defective as another poster said. Then i'll have to get in touch with TCE

jumbodbassman · #9 05-06-2011, 08:08 AM

the hartke 3500 is really loud. way louder than anything in same watt class