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Ampeg PF-50T with an additional power amp for bigger gigs?

#24
hopturn said:
typically speaking, you are correct. however, this particular ampeg amp can run without being hooked up to any cabs...in fact, you can have it set in either 4ohm or 8ohm mode...doesn't matter, it functions like a REDDI box, only with better tone. it's a great little amp, and the reason i am trying to find a power amp, or extemely transparent SS amp (or a small SS amp with an insert that goes around the preamp.)
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The ONLY way it can operate safely is to have an internal dummy load or to switch out the B+ to the output stage.
 
#25
BassmanPaul said:
The ONLY way it can operate safely is to have an internal dummy load or to switch out the B+ to the output stage.
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Ampeg said:
NOTE: Unlike many tube heads which require a load (speaker) be attached for operation, the PF-50T / PF-20T may be operated with or without a speaker load attached. This is extremely useful for direct recording or bypassing a speaker entirely in a live setting. This is also useful should the speaker become disconnected during performance, as the amplifier will not be harmed.
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http://www.ampeg.com/products/portaflex/pf-50t/manuals/PF-20T_PF-50T_OM.pdf
 
#26
BassmanPaul said:
The ONLY way it can operate safely is to have an internal dummy load or to switch out the B+ to the output stage.
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That's what I'm saying. You can operate it safely and you don't need to do anything. Semantics aside, I haven't seen another tube amp that allows stand-alone, unrestricted use with no speakers / load box.
 
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#27
And a dummy load it is, switched out when you connect an external load.

Most amplifier designers, me included, design an amplifier that drives a speaker load. The use of the unit as a DI only is unimportant to most users. Handy for those who use the amp for recording. Both balanced outputs are driven by SS circuitry. They are not pure tube. That's not that important either as the vast majority of recording desks too are SS.
 
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#28
hopturn said:
hello all you bass geniuses, once again i come to you for your sage advice...

i've been on the hunt for a new main amp for three years. i want to have the same sound live onstage as i do in the studio, as much as can be expected anyway. i've owned one of the newer Fender Super Bassmans (so close, but not quite what i wanted), an Ampeg V4B (one of the new ones, but it wasn't quite loud enough onstage sometimes without too much distortion...i only like break up when i dig in with my fingers), Genz-Benz 6.0 (still my favorite SS/hybrid amp of all time), a Quilter Bass Block 800 (very close for a SS amp)...and all that time, i've been using my little 50 watt Ampeg PF-50t for recording, rehearsals and small venues. tubey deliciousness...

i REALLY like the tone of the Ampeg PF-50T, especially from the transformer out DI. i have access to a great PA for our corporate events, and usually play in venues with excellent house systems...i've tried in-ears (too sterile for me and my bandmates) and just using stage monitors, but i'd really like to have the option to get "thumpy" onstage when i want. i DO NOT need an 80lb SVT (herniated disc), so my question is this...what is the best solution to my problem? additional power amp? if so, could someone point me to a light, inexpensive one that would match up with my head? to be honest, i really don't need that much additional reinforcement. i've even thought that maybe a small SS head like the new Trace Elliot Elf might be good if it was really transparent. i'm at a loss as to what to do, and i can't afford to keep buying amps when all i really want are new basses!!!
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Fender Rumble Club
From a post in the Fender Rumble Club, what's better than a PF-50T? Two PF-50Ts:)
EDIT: I am seriously gassing for that amp. I know I'm going to cave at some point but I have to be patient.
 
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#32
MultiScaleMale said:
I guess a pic from JimmyM playing his through an 810 wouldn't help?
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No sir. I do not think it would.
Seriously I want one of those PF-50Ts. My favorite amp of all time was my SVT, the Rumble 500 comes close to that sound, it's in the ball park, but that Ampeg sound stays on your mind, doesn't it? And I LOVE Fender's sound too. O-M-G I'm having a difficult time sorting this one out.:wideyed:
OOH, a thought just occurred to me, why not get a used SVT? I don't gig any more but it would be awesome to have one. You know, just to tinker with. I'm growing weaker.
This is your brain, this is your brain on GAS.:laugh:
 
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#34
BassmanPaul said:
And a dummy load it is, switched out when you connect an external load.

Most amplifier designers, me included, design an amplifier that drives a speaker load. The use of the unit as a DI only is unimportant to most users. Handy for those who use the amp for recording. Both balanced outputs are driven by SS circuitry. They are not pure tube. That's not that important either as the vast majority of recording desks too are SS.
Click to expand...

Don't underestimate the number of guys playing live with no cabs. The pf is on my list specifically for the tube di ability.
 
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#39
One could use a PF350, PF500 or PF800 as power amp.
Keeps it the family soundwise.
I use my PF50T with a PF115HE primarily, which is more than loud enough for my needs (and I play in an eight piece rock band).
But if I lacked volume and I didn't have my V-4B, I would use the PF350 and add my other Portaflex cabs.
 
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#40
Any power amplifier.

A big enough cab that's flat enough in response to let you be confident in the FOH coming out somewhat similar. A Fearful 15/6 perhaps.

Your gigs are going to have to be pretty huge before pant flapping stage bass isn't going to mess up FOH.
 

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