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Amp question.

kuys

kuys

Jun 29, 2010
708
28
#1
I'm wondering if it's possible for me to use a small tube amp as a pregain for my current rig by running the output into the poweramp in on my large combo.

Specifically the power amp in on the Kustom Groove 310c.
 
#3
Do not run the speaker out of any amp, no matter how small into the input of anything other than a speaker. If you do, you'll be in the market for a new amp (and possibly speaker) real quick. You could run a preamp out from the tube head into another amp if you like that sound better but most tube amps would still need to connected to a dummy load or a speaker of their own to push. A lot of tube amps can burn up as well if they're played through without being connected to anything, they need something to "push against" be it a speaker or a resistor.
 
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#4
So say if i put a small cab in front of the tube amp and then ran it from the cab to the power amp in on the combo would that work?

The tube amp is some custom job so I don't know if it has preamp out yet. I haven't got a chance to see it yet.
 
#5
You need to learn how all this stuff works, or else risk damaging or killing your gear. A cab "in front" of the tube amp is unclear, but what you NEED to do, (if all the amps have the required connection points) is hook up a speaker from the tube amps SPEAKER OUT, and then run a cord from the tube amps PREAMP OUT, into the Kustom's POWERAMP IN. Anything else is risky. If your amps don't have those specific outs/ins, then you cannot do this.
 
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#6
Running from a cab to a poweramp in would be the same as running from a speaker out to a poweramp in , again, don't do it. If you want to plug something into a poweramp in jack, it has to come from either a preamp out jack or an effects send.
 
#7
I would never try anything with out consulting someone who knew better first. I fully aware there is a possibility I'm going to destroy something if just start plugging stuff in.

Thank for the info.

I've been reading some of the faqs on in the sticky but I can't seem to get a clear answer granted i'm only a few pages in at this point. When selecting a cab will the wattage ratings be different for tube and SS? Will a cab rated for 200watts at be able to handle a tube amp rated for 200 watts? I've read about tube only being perceived as being louder watt for watt.

I'm looking at this cab below and a couple 100watt tube amps for home and recording.
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ampeg-SVT210AV-Micro-Classic-Bass-Cabinet?sku=581073
 
#9
BassmanPaul said:
Sorry guys but it is quite feasible to do what the OP asks. The tube amp will need to operate into a dummy load with a pair of resistors placed across the dummy load to reduce the output to a value suitable for the power amp. I've done this many times.

Paul
Click to expand...

Based on the OP's initial questions, it's unlikely he's going to be able to do this himself.

But, you're right, with someone electronically savvy or the right piece of equipment, it's possible.

Or you could just mic a little amp and run it through some big monitors.
 
#10
I've been playing for years but it was just me sitting in a room with a small practice amp screwing around. I'm just now actually playing with a band so yes, all the more advanced topics are starting to come up and I am clueless. The thing is most of my band is clueless when I ask these questions as well. It's a lot different than plugging in a 1/4th cable into input and turning the amp on. Also I have disposable income for the first time in my life so tubes are in reach.

I've decided to just sell the Kustom and get a Peavy Tour VB-2 head and a new cab. I played the Peavy today and it's got all the things I like and it's reasonably priced.
 

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