Just so I understand this, if I have 2 cabinets that have only 1 input and no output jack, can't be daisy chained, I can't plug 1 cabinet into the speakon output, and the other into 1/4 output and have it run both cabs that way? If so is that typical with other manufactures amps because I see that configuration on a lot, Markbass, Ashdown, etc. Both outs on the head won't work at the same time? Thanks, Jim
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Ampeg PF 350/500 Part VII
- Thread starter Chef
- Start date
I understood that you COULD connect one cab via speakon and one cab via 1/4" and the amp didn't care (i.e. both cabs would be powered)....I might be wrong.......
My original question was about whether or not you could use a 1/4" jack with the speakon connector on the PF-500 (i.e. insert in center of speakon)....
My original question was about whether or not you could use a 1/4" jack with the speakon connector on the PF-500 (i.e. insert in center of speakon)....
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No the speakon is not a combination connector. I like the ones that you are talking about though.
It's my understanding that yes you can use the 1/4 jack in the center of the speakon connector, but no you can't use both the speakon and the other 1/4 jack that sits below or off to the side of the speakon at the same time. It's a little confusing.
I don't know if the speak on jack is a combo speak on-1/4" jack, but you can certainly use both as they are in parallel. I'm sure if it is not a combo jack you could use an adapter as well.
Edit, looking at the manual, it does look like a combo jack, so a 1/4" speaker cable from each jack to a single 8ohm cab each is fine if that's the case.
Edit, looking at the manual, it does look like a combo jack, so a 1/4" speaker cable from each jack to a single 8ohm cab each is fine if that's the case.
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It's easily simplified...
---The speakon jack on the PF heads is speakon only. It is not a combo jack that you can also use with a 1/4" jack.
---You absolutely CAN use the speakon jack and the 1/4" speaker jack at the same time to power separate 8 ohm cabs. Only use 8 ohm cabs if you use two, though, because that creates a 4 ohm load on the amp, and it can't do any lower than that.
Thanks, JimmyM, and not to derail the thread but you have a lot more experience in this than I do, but is that normal for most amp heads with that combo, speakon plus separate 1/4 jack, not in center of speakon, that they can both be used at the same time. Looking at heads that can power 2 separate cabinets that have no daisy chain capability. Life was easier when most amps just had 2 1/4 jacks in the back! Jim
Yes, it's very much normal. Not that a lot of amps have one speakon and one 1/4", but it's absolutely normal that they'd be wired to use both at the same time.
Jim
The day and amp (PF-500) have arrived. Had enough time get it, connect it, fire it up, twist a few knobs, play at low volumes a bit and run off to daughter's high school award banquet.
Ran fine "daisy chained" via 1/4" cables with two 8 ohm cabs. Sounds good for what I did with it so far.
I found a PF-350 a few weeks ago that was too cheap to pass up, will make a great backup and lightweight rig.
First report of substance regarding my new (to me) PF-500...
It makes one helluva practice amp! I have music running into it from my PC, Bose headphones out, and crank that sucker up and no one is the wiser.
One thing that surprised (perhaps it shouldn't have) was that you have to disconnect the cabs. Yeah, that was quite the little wake up call for the family at 7:00 a.m. OOPSY! Only a momentary lapse in reason which was quickly corrected.......
It makes one helluva practice amp! I have music running into it from my PC, Bose headphones out, and crank that sucker up and no one is the wiser.
One thing that surprised (perhaps it shouldn't have) was that you have to disconnect the cabs. Yeah, that was quite the little wake up call for the family at 7:00 a.m. OOPSY! Only a momentary lapse in reason which was quickly corrected.......
Does anyone here own both a 350 and a 500? If so, what does the extra wattage add to the tone? I run a 350 into a 2x210av stack, and I'm thinking of grabbing a 500 to see how it might change things up. How's the compressor in the 500, and what are the five mid points?
Johno!
Johno!
I have owned them both. Simultaniously for a while. To me the 350 is a good sounding simple and straight forward amp. Perfectly capable of filling a decent size bar or venue in combination with the 2x SVT 210 AV stack. I came across a used PF500 for a decent price and decided to buy it. The compressor, the 5-way mid selector and the extra wattage sure do ad to the possibilities of the amp over the 350. The compressor is a very nice addition imho. It is not very in your face but sure does subtle alter the sound if used with care. The 5-way mid selector is OK, but I use only two of the five. The extra wattage gives you more headroom and although the sound of the 350 with the volume cranked up does stay great, the 500 can bring you further, volume wise. Also the Mosfet pre-amp of the 500 does give you a little more 'natural' grit with gain cranked up. Check the differences out here:
I don't have a 500 but I have an 800, and while I think the extended EQ on the 500 and 800 is more responsible for their tone, the extra wattage does seem to give those little micros a kick in the pants. I've played the 500 and 800 side by side into the same cab and felt like the 800 had a little more "oomph." I also feel the same way about the PF350 vs the Micro VR, which share the same preamp. The PF800 is overkill for the 210av's, but it darn sure does sound good as long as you don't have an itchy volume knob finger. Hangs over the sides a little bit when you vertical stack them, though. The feet make contact all the way around but just barely. Not sure about the 500. The compressor is decent for a compressor built into an amp, but I never use it. The mid freqs are 220, 450, 800, 1.6k and 3k.
"Oomph" is right! It describes the difference between the 350 and 500 in just one word! 
I also use the amp/cabs as this:
I also use the amp/cabs as this:
I posted this on 02/28/2015......
"I called Ampeg tech support today to ask that question. He said that they had a bad batch a few years ago, maybe 50 units or so. He explained it this way....the amp threshold is to keep the amp from blowing up so it cuts off. In that bad batch it did what it was supposed to do but did it too good. In other words cut off too easily. He mentioned that it happened a lot with Slap Bass style because of the rapid peaks. He probably explained it better than I am explaining it but I was satisfied. He mentioned they sell 1000's and 1000's of these units. I then asked when mine was made and it was late 2014 so everything should be OK. Yes he worked for the company but I believe I got an honest answer. For my 2nd head I am getting the PF-800 just in case I would need the extra power."
I have had the amp with no problems so far. I have 2 PF-15HE cabs. I am playing Classic Rock and Blues. We play pretty loud and no problems. Sometimes
I use only one cab, sometimes two, depends on the venue. I had read the tolex would get scuffed easily, I don't know for sure but I bought the covers for each cab anyway. I carry the head separate. I actually bought some furniture rubber tips and put them under the rubber legs on the amp head to make it sit up higher, maybe 2 inches. It now is higher than the handles so I don't even unlatch or flip the lid. Kind of defeats the PF cabs but they looked so nice I didn't want
to drill holes in the lids. I liked the light weight and attaching the amp head would have just made it heavier anyway.
"I called Ampeg tech support today to ask that question. He said that they had a bad batch a few years ago, maybe 50 units or so. He explained it this way....the amp threshold is to keep the amp from blowing up so it cuts off. In that bad batch it did what it was supposed to do but did it too good. In other words cut off too easily. He mentioned that it happened a lot with Slap Bass style because of the rapid peaks. He probably explained it better than I am explaining it but I was satisfied. He mentioned they sell 1000's and 1000's of these units. I then asked when mine was made and it was late 2014 so everything should be OK. Yes he worked for the company but I believe I got an honest answer. For my 2nd head I am getting the PF-800 just in case I would need the extra power."
I have had the amp with no problems so far. I have 2 PF-15HE cabs. I am playing Classic Rock and Blues. We play pretty loud and no problems. Sometimes
I use only one cab, sometimes two, depends on the venue. I had read the tolex would get scuffed easily, I don't know for sure but I bought the covers for each cab anyway. I carry the head separate. I actually bought some furniture rubber tips and put them under the rubber legs on the amp head to make it sit up higher, maybe 2 inches. It now is higher than the handles so I don't even unlatch or flip the lid. Kind of defeats the PF cabs but they looked so nice I didn't want
to drill holes in the lids. I liked the light weight and attaching the amp head would have just made it heavier anyway.
