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Preamp + QSC or Normal Bass Head?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Deleted member 79588
  • Start date Start date
D

Deleted member 79588

Sep 19, 2006
1,777
9
#1
Well my most likely options are

1) Ampeg SVT4Pro - 1200w into 4 ohms (probably rated high for the acutal power it produces) - $1350 on MF.com

or

2) Ampeg SVP-Pro preamp + QSCRMX1850 Power Amp - 1800w into 4 ohms (Probably more accurately rated than the other option) - $1050 on MF.com

I'm thinking the Pre/Power setup will give me more rated power, it will be cheaper, and it will give me more options... if I don't have enough power but like the sound I switch out the power amp. If the other way around, I switch out the pre.

Are there ANY benefits to buying the SVT4Pro?

The only thing I can think of is the compressor, which I hear sucks anyway.
 
#2
One more question...

When using a pre/power setup, do I turn the gain on the Power amp all the way up and make volume adjustments with the preamp? Or vice versa?
 
#3
I would think you would be better with the pre/power setup. Later if you decide you decide you don't like the sound of the preamp, you can change and do not have to reinvest
totally... Just get another pre

I see in your signature you have a bass pod XT Live which in front of the power amp could also be an option. One of my setups lately has been using the bass xt live as a preamp and using a power amp...
 
#4
there are lots of factors to consider when deciding upon a head vs a pre/power setup, (e.g., weight, size, cost, flexibility, power/power that you're really going to be able to use, etc). ultimately there is no right answer, just the one that is right for you. I've had both setups at once before, and that's my favorite way to go, but it isn't always an option. ;)

as far as setting up the pre/power. The "volume controls" on a poweramp are actually input gain controls. In many cases it's not the best thing to set them flat out. You could overdrive your cabs, and you may not be able to turn up the gain on your preamp up enough to have a good signal to noise ratio, or to get the tone you are after. I use a pre/power setup all the time. I start out setting the poweramp inputs to a general level that seems to be appropriate for the venue in terms of volume when my preamp gain is just a bit under my usual setting. Then i use the preamp gain to get the volume just right. The only time that i make fine tuned adjustments to my volume using the poweramp is when i am sending a direct signal to the pa with the preamp's DI. In those cases, even though i send the board a pre eq di signal, messing with my preamp's gain can alter the signal strength going to the pa (which is not a nice thing to do).
 
#5
I used a SVT 4 pro for about 2 years of gigging and found it to be a workhorse amp. It was very loud as well, you just had to know how to set up the eq.

I also used an SVP Pro with a QSC RMX 2450 and a Crest CA-9 for a year or two and that was good as well. My only concern with the Ampeg gear would be the current ownership of Ampeg and warranty support.
 
#6
After months of wading through reviews, articles & Talkbass I had finally decided on what to get for my first proper rig.
A QSC RMX 2450 power amp & a Sansamp BDDI as a preamp. I did intend to get 'proper' preamp fairly soon after but I figured this would get me started.

Then, today, I got a call from a guy looking to sell a GK 1001 RB & an Ampeg 810E. I had contacted him ages ago but the price he was asking was too much. Now, it's a lot less.

I'm going to check it out tomorrow & if I like the sound of it & reckon it'd be loud enough for the band I'm in, I'm going to take it.

If, for whatever reason, I decide against it I'll definitely be getting a power/pre setup.
I think it offers the most power for the money, the most cabinet configuration options & you can completely change the sound of your rig for the cost of a new preamp.

Even if I end up getting an all tube head (eventually!) I like the idea of having a power amp in reserve as a reliable backup.
 
#8
Question - is the RMX1850HD at 1800w into 4 ohms enough headroom for a SVT610 rated at 600w or a couple other SVT cabs, say 800 w?
 
#10
davidmurphy said:
It's generally said that your amp should be twice as powerful as your cabs for plenty of headroom so I'd say the 1850 bridged would be loads.
The reason I was going for the 2450 is cos I could get a brand new 1 for the same price as the 1850.
Click to expand...
Remember that the 1850 is sinked better for handling bass frequencies...but I am not sure that it really matters unless you are pushing the amp hard.

:D

Joe.
 
#12
Armueller2001 said:
One more question...

When using a pre/power setup, do I turn the gain on the Power amp all the way up and make volume adjustments with the preamp? Or vice versa?
Click to expand...

i run my power amp at 75% and make adjustments on the pre......i think i read that QSC reccomends that....
 
#13
Bayou_Brawler said:
i run my power amp at 75% and make adjustments on the pre......i think i read that QSC reccomends that....
Click to expand...

The only thing recommended is that if you have a weak signal going into the amp, you'll probably need to turn the amp's gain up, and if you have a strong input signal, you probably won't need to turn the gain up as much.
 
#14
I'm just going to give a big +1 to the pre/power setup. I had played an SVT-4 for some time, and it was fine, but the ability to mix and match with a pre/power setup is perfect for me. All the power I need, and the ability to have different pre's for different situations. Though I basically am now just using the BMax full-time, and adding the PBDDI out front when I need some grit.

Anyway, long story short, it's easier to maintain, and there's less initial cost (and I think long term cost as well, unless you start a "pre-amp farm" ;)). It was also easier for me to nail the tone I need.

Just my .02 :cool:
 
#18
I run a PLX 1602 and Bmax and love it. As was said you want a different sound get a different pre.

I got to see my friend Wanda Friday using her BmaxT PLX2 3102 into a Schroeder 4X12. You can see the rig to the right.
The PLX2 was running a single channel and seldom would the -10 led come on. She was sounding great and the sound lacked nothing.

Her old rig was an SWR setup that was pushing it's limits. Now there is ample headroom.

Jim

Canes_Nov06042.jpg
 
#19
spideyjg said:
I run a PLX 1602 and Bmax and love it. As was said you want a different sound get a different pre.

I got to see my friend Wanda Friday using her BmaxT PLX2 3102 into a Schroeder 4X12. You can see the rig to the right.
The PLX2 was running a single channel and seldom would the -10 led come on. She was sounding great and the sound lacked nothing.

Her old rig was an SWR setup that was pushing it's limits. Now there is ample headroom.

Jim

Canes_Nov06042.jpg
Click to expand...

Tell your friend Wanda she has a nice ... rig.:hyper:
 
#20
Yeah, my main reason for choosing the RMX rather than the PLX was the issue about bridging mono capability. I don't really mind the extra weight, as you can see from my pic I'm a strapping young lad lol.

Also, I was thinking about getting one of those rack cases on wheels... I'm pretty lazy.
 

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