Double Bass AI Clarus SL returns

[Mark Gollihur]

From the manual:

The Clarus preamp has an output (“Send”) and input (“Return”)
capability in each channel to allow you to use effects boxes. The
effects loop for each channel is located on the rear panel of the unit.
See page 3 for a diagram of the rear panel. The send output is affected
by the input volume and tone controls and can also be used as a
preamp output for driving other power amplifiers. Because the effects
loop is a parallel type, plugging something into the send output does
not interrupt the signal path. So, a tuner can be plugged into the send
output without affecting the signal going through the amp.
The return input can also be used as an auxiliary input for connecting
other line level signals such as a CD player.

As for running without a speaker load, they recommend setting the master volume to its minimum setting when using the head without a speaker (it has no effect on the volume at the EFX loop or the DI).

 

[David Morris]

Thanks, Mark - that's the info I was looking for. But perhaps that manual quote came from the SL-2 manual? As you know, the effects loop for the SL is on the front of the amp, and there is only one channel.

 

[Mark Gollihur]

Thanks, Mark - that's the info I was looking for. But perhaps that manual quote came from the SL-2 manual? As you know, the effects loop for the SL is on the front of the amp, and there is only one channel.

It comes from the "master" manual - the single manual which covers operation of the various models, which all share many of the same features. You can download them here:
http://acousticimg.com/#/manuals

 

[Les Fret]

Can someone explain to me what the difference in sound is between the Clarus and Focus 2 amp? Which one do you prefer and why?

The Focus is an older model right?
I see a lot of the Focus 2 amps for sale.

 

[Ric Vice]

Can someone explain to me what the difference in sound is between the Clarus and Focus 2 amp? Which one do you prefer and why?

The Focus is an older model right?
I see a lot of the Focus 2 amps for sale.

At the time the Focus was introduced
the major difference was the increase in power. They sound essentially the same.

 

[Mark Gollihur]

At the time the Focus was introduced
the major difference was the increase in power. They sound essentially the same.

Yes. Comparing a Clarus from the same series as the Focus, the preamp modules are identical - the Focus simply had a more powerful power amp. (800w vs 400w). The way you could set the gain levels, because of the resulting increased headroom, might provide a bit of a different character, but those differences would be subtle. Later Clarus models did incorporate improvements and changes to the preamp design, but they've always been developed with the same philosophy, so the sound is still pretty comparable.

 

[Ric Vice]

Yes. Comparing a Clarus from the same series as the Focus, the preamp modules are identical - the Focus simply had a more powerful power amp. (800w vs 400w). The way you could set the gain levels, because of the resulting increased headroom, might provide a bit of a different character, but those differences would be subtle........

Very astute observations Mark. There
are some advantages, to be gained from that available headroom. Since it dosen’t have to work as hard to reproduce lows. The most significant improvement to me was the new preamp that added both low and high midrange controls. Gives the amps more flexibility between Double Bass and Electric Bass. After all said and done you can only raise the volume so loud, with a Double Bass.

Ric

 

[Les Fret]

ok thanks for the info guys!

 

[Jeff Kissell]

Zombie Thread revival!!
I had my first gig with my new Clarus SL last night. Outdoors, about 150 socially distanced. Realist Copper > Clarus SL > Audio Kinesis TC 112. The bass was just about the only thing not in the PA. We had four vox, 2 acoustic guitars, dobro, kick, and both guitar amps FOH. I was definitely happy with the sound and the control. The sound person commented on both the tone and how well it sat in the mix. He was not sure about not having control but was really pleased with how it went. Win.

 

[Ric Vice]

Outdoors, I've never played through anything better than the TC-112 regardless of what head was sitting atop that cabinet.

 

[Jeff Kissell]

Outdoors, I've never played through anything better than the TC-112 regardless of what head was sitting atop that cabinet.

True but the SL is a badass of an amp!

I've stuck with the TC for longer than any other cab so far, it's incredibly versatile. It sounds warm and beautiful at low volume and has some serious vibe and presence cranked. With this combo, I can get surprisingly MBOL up to a decent volume and then as gets louder, it changes to a big, driving, "upright plus" sound that works really well with drums, eguitars, keys, etc.

(30lbs but whatever... when the keyboard player is loading in, I don't feel that at all!)