ART TubePac Preamp/Compressor

[jlt5x]

Would I be better off running straight into it, and from there into my Ampeg B2RE head

Or

Running the Tubepac through the effects loop?

Anybody else use this? how do you do it?

Thanks

MIM Fender P
Ampeg B2RE
Ampeg SVT410HLF

[bongomania]

Both methods can work, if you are very careful with how you set the input and output gain on both units. It's a standalaone preamp though, so IMO you'd get the best results by going:

bass --> ART --> effects return jack on the amp

That way you bypass the preamp of the Ampeg, for cleaner sound.

[4Mal]

I would run into the front end of the B2Re, using the input pad on the Ampeg. I tink you'll find the noise floor is lower that way. I'm not sure about the block diagram of the Ampeg, but I expect that the effects loop is post tone controls - that would mean no tone controls if you ran straight into the effects return. I'm not 100% that the Ampeg works that way but I'm fairly sure that it does... as always - your best bet is some experimentation keep your volumes low to start, be sure Power up the ART before your power up the Ampeg to avoid any nasty transients!

[bongomania]

Good point, the way I described it you'd probably have no EQ controls. I forgot about that.

[jlt5x]

So would it better to run from output of Art into front of amp, or use the effects loop - out and then back in? ie not bypassing Ampeg preamp

THanks

[Puru]

As already stated either way will work, see what sounds better to you, but watch your gain levels.

[Stinsok]

Originally Posted by bongomania

Good point, the way I described it you'd probably have no EQ controls. I forgot about that.

When using with a bass head I run it through the effects loop. There is no eq like that, but I prefer that. I can hear what my bass really sounds like and I don't fiddle with it as much.