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Alembic F1X

pipers dad

pipers dad

Aug 30, 2021
64
78
Memphis
#1
Hey Everybody,

I recently got a good deal on an Alembic F1X. I know I need a power amp. Running into bergantino 6x10 and maybe 2x12 cab. I have a world tour 800/traynor yba 300/ genz Benz shuttle. Could any of these serve as the power amp? I apologize if this is stupid, rack gear is newer to me. I believe the wt has a bridge mode? Not sure if this is a use? Any hell would be appreciated.
 
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#2
pipers dad said:
Hey Everybody,

I recently got a good deal on an Alembic F1X. I know I need a power amp. Running into bergantino 6x10 and maybe 2x12 cab. I have a world tour 800/traynor yba 300/ genz Benz shuttle. Could any of these serve as the power amp? I apologize if this is stupid, rack gear is newer to me. I believe the wt has a bridge mode? Not sure if this is a use? Any hell would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

Great score, those are some nice Fender stack style pres.

oh we will give you hell if that’s what you want :)

In general, you can plug your pre into the effects return of the amp to bypass the amp’s pre.

I spent a lot of time on tb reading about input sensitivity and how matching your pre to an appropriate power amp is key to good tone. It really makes a lot of difference, I’d encourage you to look into it!

personally I’d sell some stuff and look into a dedicated power amp if I wanted to stick with the ale box pre. Only because I don’t know a lot about the amps you’ve got though :)
 
#6
Rumblefisher said:
Great score, those are some nice Fender stack style pres.

oh we will give you hell if that’s what you want :)

In general, you can plug your pre into the effects return of the amp to bypass the amp’s pre.

I spent a lot of time on tb reading about input sensitivity and how matching your pre to an appropriate power amp is key to good tone. It really makes a lot of difference, I’d encourage you to look into it!

personally I’d sell some stuff and look into a dedicated power amp if I wanted to stick with the ale box pre. Only because I don’t know a lot about the amps you’ve got though :)
Click to expand...
 
#7
For bespoke stereo power amps, hard to go wrong with perennial go-to's like Yamaha, Crown, QSC, or Crest. Products from these brands have been Mainstays for professional touring and/or installed sound reinforcement.

They have also gone through the 'gee, this is much lighter' transition to Class D power over older, heavier designs.

Also, pro sound has been going through a transition to powered cabinets, so the market for these amps is smaller, and often these amps, especially used can be found for great prices today over yesterday.

I'd simply be sure the F1X outputs will match the input requirements of the amp (line level signal probably, and make sure you don't wind up with 1/4" outs and XLR-only inputs or some other mismatch), and the power output and ohm ratings are a good match for your cabinets.
 
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#9
I use this. It works great.

IMG_5050.jpeg
 
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#10
pipers dad said:
Hey Everybody,

I recently got a good deal on an Alembic F1X. I know I need a power amp. Running into bergantino 6x10 and maybe 2x12 cab. I have a world tour 800/traynor yba 300/ genz Benz shuttle. Could any of these serve as the power amp? I apologize if this is stupid, rack gear is newer to me. I believe the wt has a bridge mode? Not sure if this is a use? Any hell would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

I'm curious as to whether you actually prefer the F1X voicing over & above the resident pre's on the other 3. The Eden has a bridge mode which is rated 1100 watts / 4 ohms...I say nay. A single channel does 450 watts / 4 ohms which should suffice. As with any number of integrated bass amps, you can use the FX return to inject the Alembic F1X.

Riis
 
#11
pipers dad said:
Hey Everybody,

I recently got a good deal on an Alembic F1X. I know I need a power amp. Running into bergantino 6x10 and maybe 2x12 cab. I have a world tour 800/traynor yba 300/ genz Benz shuttle. Could any of these serve as the power amp? I apologize if this is stupid, rack gear is newer to me. I believe the wt has a bridge mode? Not sure if this is a use? Any hell would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Congrats. The F1X is an outstanding preamp.

Presume you are referring to the Berg NV610? If so, that is an outstanding cab; but, it literally loves Watts. I’m running mine with a QSC GX7, which is possibly slightly overkill. The GX5 can be had for minimal dollars on the used market, and is an excellent match for the NV610.

Your amps can certainly get the job done. But, you may eventually want the right amp. GL.

IMG_4688.jpeg
 
Last edited:
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#15
I'll second the Stewart PA1000. Matches great with my Alembic F1x. Plus, if you can find one, they tend to be priced low but are an amazing piece of pro gear with a remarkable amount of power in such a tiny 1-rack size. They were way ahead of their time.

That said, my setup of choice is to run the Alembic into the power section of my Guild Thunderstar Bass head. The tone is to die for! If I want extra power and clean headroom though, I'll bring the Stewart.
 
#19
I had a custom shallow 1-space rack made for my F-2B, and I set my Quilter BB800 on top for a power amp....works great! You could do the same with the F-1X and put the Shuttle (or various other amps) on top. I like having the Alembic preamp in its own 1-space rack, makes it easier bring it to my friend's studio where I don't need a power amp.

If you do put the F-1X in the same rack with a power amp, make sure and keep the whole thing shallow, because too deep of a power amp can make it very hard to reach the Alembic preamp's power switch and cable connections.
 
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#20
zombywoof5050 said:
I had a custom shallow 1-space rack made for my F-2B, and I set my Quilter BB800 on top for a power amp....works great! You could do the same with the F-1X and put the Shuttle (or various other amps) on top. I like having the Alembic preamp in its own 1-space rack, makes it easier bring it to my friend's studio where I don't need a power amp.

If you do put the F-1X in the same rack with a power amp, make sure and keep the whole thing shallow, because too deep of a power amp can make it very hard to reach the Alembic preamp's power switch and cable connections.
Click to expand...
The one you see pictured def has me reaching around! I think I may need a new rack for this endeavor.
 

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