Ampeg Micro CL - Question for Owners

[frankenp]

Just got an Ampeg Micro CL and am noticing that it doesn't have a lot of clean headroom.

My question:
With the amp head Master set just over 1 and eq knobs flat I hear some fuzzy overtones blended in when I play an open E or lower. Is this normal at such a low volume? Bass is a p bass plugged in direct. Results are the same on both inputs.

Tried different basses and cables results are the same. Seems to be the head since the cab sounds fine with other heads.

Thanks!

 

[will33]

Mess with the gain and master. Position of the knobs doesn't mean much. Your 1 o'clock position, with a strong enough signal coming in the front of the amp, could be full power already.

It is something like a 200 watt amp.

 

[frankenp]

I mean 1 as in just barely on not 1 o' clock. I understand how amplifier gain strictures work. The CL only has a master. No additional gain or volume controls.

 

[RoadRanger]

It is something like a 200 watt amp.

Ah, no - it's only 100w so unlikely to compete with a drummer without being pushed into overdrive/clipping.

 

[will33]

I mean 1 as in just barely on not 1 o' clock. I understand how amplifier gain strictures work. The CL only has a master. No additional gain or volume controls.

Ah....then ya, assuming you've eliminated bad cables, dying batteries, etc., something probably wrong with it.

If it's new, or under warranty, return it. If not, could have a tech take a look, but repair costs could quickly add up to just buying another amp. Probably $60-$75 to diagnose. Who knows after that.

 

[frankenp]

Can anyone who owns one of these confirm that on Master=1 and Eq knobs=5 that the amp is either clean or has some fuzzyness to it. If its supposed to be clean I'll send it back. But I wonder if there is built in tube emulation to get the ampeg tone at family friendly volume levels.

 

[RoadRanger]

My Micro-VR starts to get tubey at one o'clock. With a single 2x10 cab its 150w can barely keep up with a moderate drummer - it takes two cabs to be "comfortable".

 

[frankenp]

Again.... I'm talking about master= 1 ..... Call it 8 o'clock if you like that better. Amp is just barely turned on and I can hear some fuzziness to the tone. Just want to know if this is normal.

 

[mapleglo]

My Micro-VR starts to get tubey at one o'clock. With a single 2x10 cab its 150w can barely keep up with a moderate drummer - it takes two cabs to be "comfortable".

I also have a Micro VR, but with 2 of the cabs. I guess my drummer hits harder - even with 2 cabs, it was difficult to keep up. It stays clean though even when it's almost at full volume. I have to imagine that the op's CL has some issues if it's fuzzy at lower volumes.

 

[RoadRanger]

I also have a Micro VR, but with 2 of the cabs. I guess my drummer hits harder - even with 2 cabs, it was difficult to keep up. It stays clean though even when it's almost at full volume.

You must have the limiter on? That will keep it clean if you don't like that "Ampeg Sound" - but then why did you buy an Ampeg? LOL

 

[mbelue]

Folks,
Micro CL =100w @8 ohms
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Micro VR =200w@ 4ohms.

I think some folks are confused.

 

[RoadRanger]

Actually:
Micro VR = kickarse SVT class micro amp
Micro CL = bedroom toy


...but if his is breaking up at 8 o'clock it's probably defective.

 

[mapleglo]

You must have the limiter on? That will keep it clean if you don't like that "Ampeg Sound" - but then why did you buy an Ampeg? LOL

No, limiter was off. And I love that Ampeg sound. Perhaps I used the term "clean" incorrectly.

 

[frankenp]

Here is a clip of the issue I'm trying to explain.
Master volume is barely on. The fuzziness you hear is the amp and not the recording device.

 

[David Jayne]

Sounds like a blown speaker to me. But if you're sure it doesn't happen with other amps well, it's the amp.

 

[frankenp]

Sounds like a blown speaker to me. But if you're sure it doesn't happen with other amps well, it's the amp.

I thought for sure that it was the cab at first but the cab is fine with other heads.

 

[JimmyM]

The Micro CL does have somewhat higher total harmonic distortion than their other micro amps. Has a great overall tone, but you'll get a hint of distortion with your clean tones. That type of distortion isn't noticeable to me when playing with recorded music or with a band, but when you play by yourself, it'll show up. If you want clean clean, the Micro VR/SVT 210av rig is the way to go. Or if you want more headroom and don't mind sacrificing the look of the Micro VR, the PF350.

 

[David Jayne]

Maybe, but that's a hell of a lot more than simple harmonic distortion. Something ain't right.

 

[JimmyM]

Maybe, but that's a hell of a lot more than simple harmonic distortion. Something ain't right.

Nope, I've played the Micro CL at stores several times, and I've heard it in all of them. I still think it sounds killer for the money, but it's always got that hint of it in the signal.

 

[frankenp]

JimmyM, are you saying this is normal for the micro cl?