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Ampeg PF-50t
- Thread starter noeinstein
- Start date
Hopefully someone will have an answer for you and can comment on hum and hiss.
I've tried one but don't own it.
There is a hum issue with some PF-50T's but it seems that newer ones have a fix applied. If you buy a used one, there is a chance that it will need the mod. Ideally you don't want any noise but it can be fixed in the DAW with filters.
All one needs is a room, and maybe a tiled bathroom for a bit of echo. Nothing worse than someone banging on the door saying that they need to use the echo chamber.
I had mine modded and it's super quiet now. Pretty sure they've been doing the fix for at least a year now, probably longer.
@jnewmark , here's a thread I did recently comparing several different DI's, one of which is my modded PF-50T, which was made before they implemented the fix.
Just Got an Ampeg SVT-DI to try out
Got it for a bit less. Due here Thursday. I’ll keep you posted.
Thanks, Jimmy. I did post in that thread, but went back and listened again. The SVT and Reddi are still my faves. I don't know much about the Trans out of the 50-t, but, I'm assuming you can EQ it to sound more like those two, or are the EQ controls not in the chain when using the Trans DI ? For the last two years, the engineer at the studio I work in takes both a mic'ed up track and a DI track from me. Just wondering of the 50-T would be enough. If I could get a tone like the Reddi, that would be cool. maybe I should just get a Reddi, as I doubt I would ever gig with the Ampeg.
The EQ is definitely in play with the tranny out. It has to be since the sound is coming off the output transformer.
And I assume the Gain and Volume are also active with the Trans out ? Its kind of cool you can use both DI's for separate signals at the same time. What do you think of the 112 HLF ?
Yes, the whole entire amp goes to the board as well as every control on it. And I love the PF112hlf...got one and usually use it with the 50T, although lately I've also been using a 210av or two.
@JimmyM Does the 50T sit right on the 210AVs? That's what I have, and what I'd use it with I guess.
It does, but the feet fit on the corners and are just a tad too short to clear the top handle. I bought slightly taller feet for it and now it's fine.
You may also want to consider the AV212 cab, sits just fine of course but (more importantly) it sounds really good with the PF 50t and is plenty loud enough for live, at least for my band.
Nah, I wouldn't have anywhere to put it when I wasn't using it. I like the 210s because frequently, I only need one, but I can scale when I need the extra speakers. I don't even remember the last time I gigged somewhere without a PA either; it's just kind of the way things are around here.
I got the amp last evening and was finally able to play it through my PF 115HE tonight. I’m not sure what to think. It’s been a long time since I had a tube amp, so help me out. It’s got volume, maybe as loud as my PF800... is that possible? I think it’ll take some getting used to, which I didn’t expect. I do miss compression, but I expected a warmer, creamier sound that I haven’t found yet. Any suggestions?
I've had the PF-20T a few weeks now and would agree that these amps take some getting used to, but I think you might enjoy that process. I know I have. As for that warm tone, I would suggest the gain knob is your friend and to use it and the volume knob to achieve your preferred balance of saturation.
@iomamo you're right, after playing with the gain I'm happy with the tone. But is it normal to hear a metallic sound through the speaker when I tap on the amp body? Sure don't hear anything like that through the PF800. Also, it is so surprisingly loud (good) that something on the amp rattles excessively at low C (not so good). I've tightened everything I can find to tighten, so if you all tell me that's normal I guess I'll just accept it.
Glad to hear you're happy with the tone now. I'll have to defer to someone with experience of using these in a full rig for your other issue, since I've only used mine for the transformer DI so far.
I had the exact same problem with the tapping on the side of the chassis. Turns out that the 12AU7 (50-T) was so microphonic that it picked up tapping noise and even the mechanical switch noise from the ultra switches. After replacement it was all good. As the tubes were all still under warranty, Sweetwater took care of it!
Try the tap test and see what happens.
Tx
I'm not trolling, and I think this has come up before, but I am legit curious about this:
The pf-50t goes for about $900 new and most are saying it needs a case. The V4B is $1300, twice the wattage, and has a handle. For $400 more it would seem like the V4B is a slam dunk. What is the niche for the pf-50t that the V4B doesn't cover?
The pf-50t goes for about $900 new and most are saying it needs a case. The V4B is $1300, twice the wattage, and has a handle. For $400 more it would seem like the V4B is a slam dunk. What is the niche for the pf-50t that the V4B doesn't cover?
