Too much volume?

JonnyAngle · #1 07-12-2010, 06:22 AM

My MB115 is 45 days old and I just love it! I use a Keeley DS1 for my distorted tones in front of my BDDI. When I hit the DS1 there is a significant volume increase audible when I play solo. When in the mix with the band, I sound the same (as in it blends in great).

Am I in danger of ruining something? How will I know if I am pushing the amp too much? There is no clip light on the amp.

Gain 12:00, low 12:00, Mids 1:00, High 12:00, Boost 9:00, Master 3:00

JonnyAngle · #2 07-12-2010, 05:39 PM

I assume as long as the speaker isn't farting out I'm kosher.

will33 · #3 07-12-2010, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonnyAngle

I assume as long as the speaker isn't farting out I'm kosher.

True, but OD/distortion sounds can help mask or hide the sound of speaker strain. A little gain boost doesn't hurt to bring out your part as long as the amp isn't already getting close to it's limits.

JimmyM · #4 07-12-2010, 06:37 PM

holy crap! yeah, you're in danger with settings like that and then adding a boost. if you're adding distortion, it's very easy to mistake a speaker straining for distortion from your pedal. i'm surprised you haven't blown it already, quite frankly. if you need to crank yourself up that loud to be heard in your band (and at 15w, i can certainly understand it), you need to get something bigger, otherwise you're going to blow a speaker.

silky smoove · #5 07-12-2010, 06:37 PM

Basically yes. Speakers farting out is generally pretty audible. That said, if you're running a distorted tone it can "mask" the sound of the speakers being driven too hard. Having an idea of how hard is too hard with your clean tone and a comparable EQ will give you some idea of how much you have to work with.

rodl2005 · #6 07-12-2010, 07:10 PM

AS Jimmy says- If playing with a band..... U NEED more power & speaker cone area- either multiples of speakers-eg 2x12", 4x10" 2x10" (at least) or at least a 15".

JonnyAngle · #7 07-12-2010, 07:22 PM

Sorry, I mean MB115! ...The GK MB115

According to the manual, the Master is supposed to remain at 3:00

http://www.gallien.com/productmanuals/160-0520-B0.pdf

jelwood · #8 07-12-2010, 07:57 PM

If the boost is only at 9:00, I think you will be fine.

The settings on my 2000rb, while probably not the best comparison, are like-a-this:

Passive bass, no input pad.
Gain, 1:00
Contour: 3:00
Presence and treble, little over 12:00
High mids, 12:00
low mids, 3:00
Bass, 12:00
Boost: 3:00 (yes, that's right).
Master: 10:30

Absolutely love this sound.

That's about where the amp runs out of headroom. If I lower the boost down to 9:00, indeed, I do run out of headroom with the master around three, maybe a bit farther.
But of course, this assumes the signals going in to our amps are the same level, which they are not. It's just an approximation.
Also, the high gain channel on this amp (more distortion) is louder than the regular channel. This is because adding more distortion presents more mids into your sound, which are of course louder to our ears. So, if you throw in some distortion and sound a bit louder, I wouldn't worry about it.

JonnyAngle · #9 07-12-2010, 08:30 PM

Jelwood: Thanks. I think as long as I am watching the boost I'll be OK. How do you know when you run out of headroom?

Jimmy: Thanks, but I'll let you take another stab now that I posted the correct amp.

jelwood · #10 07-12-2010, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonnyAngle

Jelwood: Thanks. I think as long as I am watching the boost I'll be OK. How do you know when you run out of headroom?

The 2000rb is one of GK's few amps that has a clip LED for the power amp

But you can usually just tell if you're out of headroom by listening for distortion. It'll be a nasty, unpleasant distortion, if you're out of juice.

JimmyM · #11 07-12-2010, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonnyAngle

Jelwood: Thanks. I think as long as I am watching the boost I'll be OK. How do you know when you run out of headroom?

Jimmy: Thanks, but I'll let you take another stab now that I posted the correct amp.

lol! yeah, i thought you posted about the marshall mb15, which is a 15 watter. i'm thinking how the hell does he play in a band with that? even i need at least 25w and a 115

anyway, it still seems a little overworked, but if you're not having troubles and it sounds good, i guess it will be ok.

btw, i'm the exact opposite with the master and gain. i like to get the gain pretty hot, even in an all-ss amp. but if you get the sound you like, it's all good.

tallboybass · #12 07-12-2010, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonnyAngle

According to the manual, the Master is supposed to remain at 3:00

http://www.gallien.com/productmanuals/160-0520-B0.pdf

Jonny, that's just a starting point. IMO these combos sound better run with a hotter front end signal. I'm running my MB212 with gain & boost at 12:00, master at about 9-10:00.