Matching a pwr amp for my MXR M-80

[gregoire1]

I know this has been covered before but I can't find it. How do I pick a Power amp that can be driven directly by the line out of my M-80? I can't find any output specs on this preamp either, like volts or impedence.

[bassman1185]

The M-80 isn't really designed to push a power amp. The output on the M-80 is still instrument level, which means it's about 20db (give or take, it will depend on your bass) lower than line, which is what you want. It will push a power amp, but not hard enough to get the full wattage value out of it. You'll pretty much have two options if you want to push a power amp with the M-80:

1 - Get a preamp that can put out line level signals. The ART Tube MP can be had for cheap ($30) and sounds really good. Run your M-80 into the preamp, and run the line out of the preamp into the power amp input.

2 - Buy a power amp with WAY higher wattage than you think you would ever need. Since the M-80 isn't putting out a strong enough signal, the power amp will have to work a lot harder to boost the signal up to where you want it.

[gregoire1]

thanks bassman1185, that makes sense. Are there any stomp-box type pre-amps that have a good di, and step up the output to a line level? That ART tube looks cool, if only it had some EQ controls...

[infect]

The new programmable sansamp bass driver and the Tech 21 VT bass will do a good job pushing a poweramp.

[bassman1185]

You can run the M-80 into the ART and use its EQ functions.

As for stomp boxes, there are a lot. Tech21 makes a bunch, and the Aguilar Tone Hammer will also do it.

[moose23]

I'd go with the ART suggestion, using the M80 for eq.

[gregoire1]

I guess I'm just trying to simplify my life. I don't want to replace my m-80 & head, with a M-80,pre-amp and pwr amp. I'd be swapping 2 components for 3! Thats why I was wishing the ART had its own EQ (and it appears they do make one with a voicing feature for bass!) eliminate the beloved M-80!? That little glowing vacuum tube on those ART's is so alluring! Has anyone acually used one for bass before?

[moose23]

I have but only recording/messing around with. Personally I sold my M80 after buying a VTBass so now it's Vt into poweramp. Perhaps the VT or one of the other sansamp character series pedals might suit? I know what you mean about trying to simplify stuff.

[MNAirHead]

I do it (MXR) all the time.. just go out to your input on the power amp.

I've used a Crate Power block multiple times (power amp section) or a bunch of other power amps.

They work great for gig leve DI monitors.

Tim

[bassman1185]

I've got an ART Tube PAC, which is the MP and their Levelar compressor in one unit. It works fine to drive a power amp, and the tube can add a nice bit of bite to your sound.

[bassman1185]

I actually take back what I said before. The M-80 pushes a power amp just fine. In fact, it sounds GREAT through my Peavey IPR 1600 and Tech21 B410 setup.