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Ampeg PF-50T + Markbass LM3 = !!!!!!

J-Dub

J-Dub

Feb 13, 2011
381
295
Austin, TX
#1
Just wanted to give a PSA that this is a great combination!

Everyone knows the PF-50T is a tone monster. And it's got enough volume for most/many situations, but not a rock band with a loud drummer and two loud guitar players, even with my Ampeg 810 (IME/YMMV).

So last night at practice I tried giving it a boost. I took advantage of the post-transformer/power tube DI on the Ampeg and connected that to the Balanced Input on my Markbass Little Mark III (the older kind with the A/B power amp).

HOLY ****!!! That was just what I'd been looking for. Plenty of tube warmth/grind with loads of headroom and volume thanks to the Markbass. Didn't have to push the Ampeg to the max so I was able to dial in the perfect tone and then just boost the volume with the Markbass.

Yes, I was technically going through the Markbass preamp with the potential to color the sound, but with the eq flat and filters off, I feel like the Ampeg tone came through just fine. And the Markbass does technically add a non-tube power section to the sound, but man, it was hard to tell. Super transparent overall.

Bottom line, this setup is great because:
- way more portable than either a 100w or 300w tube amp
- way more convincing (actually real!) tube tone than just a tube preamp or pedal
- way more clean headroom with the assistance of the Markbass
- definitely rivals SVT volume, if not matches, so its great for rockers!

I tried this after seeing some people talk about pairing a PF-50T with a power amp but I wanted to add my +1 that its a great idea. Do yourself a favor and go get a PF-50T and a power amp or a loud solid state amp with a balanced input and go melt some faces!
 
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#3
I'm telling you man, after plenty of gigging and recording with the PF-50T, I'm never getting rid of it. It's so flexible, portable, and TONEful. Does a 10/10 job on comping chill B15 sounds at lower volumes, and really deserves an 8.5/10 on SVT tone and volume when paired with an external power amp. A little help from the Markbass helps it absolutely slay at rock shows. And doesn't slay my back!
 
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#4
I have thought about trying this with my PF800, but I don't do any gigs where I need more than 50w, let alone 800!

Curious how you go out to the PA, though. Do you use the Markbass DI or the pre/post DI on the 50T?
 
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#5
JimmyM said:
I have thought about trying this with my PF800, but I don't do any gigs where I need more than 50w, let alone 800!

Curious how you go out to the PA, though. Do you use the Markbass DI or the pre/post DI on the 50T?
Click to expand...

So far I've been going out the Markbass DI. So the signal isn't technically "only tube" at that point since it's going through the Markbass before FOH. But because I'm going out the post transformer DI of the Ampeg into the Markbass already, my only option is to either use the pre transformer DI on the Ampeg or use the Markbass DI.

I opt for taking advantage of the slightly altered power tube tone that's going through my solid state Markbass to send to FOH to at least capture what I perceive to be "most" of that all-tube magic than short change that awesome PF-50T by just sending the preamp tube signal to the board.

Alternatively, I *could* send the post transformer DI to the FOH and use the pre transformer DI to feed into the Markbass and thus into my cab to get that extra volume on stage while still sending the "pure" signal to the PA. But why rob myself of that beautiful tone on stage when there's a strong chance I'm one of two people at the gig that will notice that beautiful tone (assuming the sound guy has a good ear)?
 
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#11
PF50-T.png


Here's what the marketing materials say.
 
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#15
BassmanPaul said:
The output stage still needs to see a load. If the amp has an internal power resistor to furnish that then OK. If the output is just shorted, ala Fender tube amps, the output tube life will be impacted.

Hi back atcha Wise one. :D
Click to expand...

Yes... well I do know what I'm talking about ;) As Jimmy said, it does have a power resistor. I have used my PF20T and PF50T without a speaker connected several times now(as a DI) and it sounds fantastic. Very versatile and terrific sounding amps!
 
#18
AMJBASS said:
Yes... well I do know what I'm talking about ;) As Jimmy said, it does have a power resistor. I have used my PF20T and PF50T without a speaker connected several times now(as a DI) and it sounds fantastic. Very versatile and terrific sounding amps!
Click to expand...

Who said you didn’t know what you were talking about? Certainly not me! My concerns were with the amplifier’s design and I’m pleased that those concerns have been settled.
 
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