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Ampeg B15N Tone but Modern Amp?

R

richie0801

Guest
Jun 9, 2017
9
3
#1
Hello-

Question: Any modern amps capture that B15N tone and are good for recording in the studio?

I am in the market for buying a bass amp for the studio. I love the B15N tone, but was hoping that I could buy something that was made in more recent years since these amps are getting older, and the only options I have come across need some good work.
 
#5
kranahan said:
The Ampeg PF-50T or 20T. You can grab a PF-115HE or PF-210HE as well.
Click to expand...
I third this statement. I have a PF-50T, and the coolest thing about it is that there are 2 DIs. One of them is after the preamp, and one of them is after the power tubes, which gives you that signature B15 sound without having to run a cabinet. Unlike other tube amps, you can actually run the PF-50T without a speaker load attached if you leave the impedance switch set to 8 ohms. The tone after the power tubes, in my ears, sounds just like a B15. The PF-50T mounted inside the lid of a PF-115 cab, is literally a modern B15, flip-top functionality and all.
 
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#8
I second the new tube portaflex series amps and cabs. Even the SS ones get pretty close, the tube one just get even closer. That said, I'm sure the rumble 40 studio also gets very close if you don't need too loud and money is an object.
 
#9
Besides the obvious modern Ampeg products already mentioned, the Mesa Walkabout can cop a pretty good B15 type tone and feel, and its DI is great for recording.

There are also any number of preamps that aim at the B15 tone; some examples are the Broughton P15 and Arkham Zephyr

good luck OP
 
#10
Frenzel Bass/Guitar pre-amp into a Music Man HD 130 Head. Cost my buddy 325 (200 for the Frenzel and 125 for the head) Then a $200 Aguilar 115. As a plus. the Frenzel had 67SL preamp tubes. That's a beefier B15. A bit of sag on the low voltage and punch on the high voltage on the music man. He also has a B15 vintage amp and has been neglecting that in favor of other setup. I'll get a recording when I see him again.
 
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#12
Not an amp, but the Barber Linden EQ can get you surprisingly close. I often run mine into the power amp stage through the in jack on a serial effects loop and it gets a lot of that vibe. And I have a B-15N to compare it to.

The Ampeg B100R as some have previously mentioned also gets very close.

For studio use you night also want to consider Ampeg’s PF-50-T. Pair it with one of their 1x15 Portaflex cabs and it’s hard to tell the difference. Also can be used without a cab as a tube DI straight into the board. Lots to like.
 
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#16
richie0801 said:
Hello-

Question: Any modern amps capture that B15N tone and are good for recording in the studio?

I am in the market for buying a bass amp for the studio. I love the B15N tone, but was hoping that I could buy something that was made in more recent years since these amps are getting older, and the only options I have come across need some good work.
Click to expand...

You might want to talk with your recording engineer. They could come up with some good suggestions on how to get the sound coming out of your bass to sound like what you want on a recording.
 
#17
akrachanko said:
I third this statement. I have a PF-50T, and the coolest thing about it is that there are 2 DIs. One of them is after the preamp, and one of them is after the power tubes, which gives you that signature B15 sound without having to run a cabinet. Unlike other tube amps, you can actually run the PF-50T without a speaker load attached if you leave the impedance switch set to 8 ohms. The tone after the power tubes, in my ears, sounds just like a B15. The PF-50T mounted inside the lid of a PF-115 cab, is literally a modern B15, flip-top functionality and all.
Click to expand...

Damn, I have GAS now. OK, not at £600 for the 50T. 1x15 looks nice, but not given how heavy it is. Phew.... saved.
 
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