Ampeg PF-50T / PF-20T Studio Experiences

[keyofnight]

Just for context: I've been using a PF-50T and PF-115HE for about 5 years now, for just practicing at home. I'm not a gigging musician, and I don't do studio work. I'm just a dude who likes to play bass.

That said, I keep track of what people do with their amps, just as a way of staying inspired and learning more about my amp. I've noticed a lot of fluctuation in how people talk about the PF-50T. First, people were worried about gig-ability, but then people started posting about how they get away with gigs. Then they were worried about the hum, and then came the humbuster mod. Now people are saying that the post-transformer DI of the PF-50T doesn't live up to expectations.

I've also noticed, though, that I haven't seen a lot of posts about people using the PF-50T and PF-20T in the studio, at least not here on TalkBass, and not in one central place. I more often see people talking about the possibility of using these amps in the studio.

So! Share with us your studio experiences — your successes, setbacks, tips and tricks!

 

[Wasnex]

First, people were worried about gig-ability, but then people started posting about how they get away with gigs.

IMHO it's not a particularly strong 50W. The OM says 50W at 10% THD, which I believe is audible distortion. Sure there are low volume gigs where I could use it, but I wouldn't consider it in the typical cover band. Also, my 30W Ashdowns seem to have at least as much clean headroom as my PF50t.

Now people are saying that the post-transformer DI of the PF-50T doesn't live up to expectations.

I believe I recently read a post or two that said the TX Balanced Out sounds better with the amp connected to a speaker, rather than running on the internal dummy load.

I believe this video demos the PF50t TX Balanced Out

 

[keyofnight]

IMHO it's not a particularly strong 50W. The OM says 50W at 10% THD, which I believe is audible distortion. Sure there are low volume gigs where I could use it, but I wouldn't consider it in the typical cover band. Also, my 30W Ashdowns seem to have at least as much clean headroom as my PF50t.

lol, I'm not trying to open up that can of worms, tbh. I know some folks who gig it, a lot of folks who wouldn't, and that's all time.

I believe I recently read a post or two that said the TX Balanced Out sounds better with the amp connected to a speaker, rather than running on the internal dummy load.

That's interesting! I'll have to try that to see if I can hear a difference.

 

[smatanovic]

Following, as I am considering a PF20t for home use.