Ampeg PF-50T

[jdwinva]

So I pulled the trigger and purchased an Ampeg PF-50T instead of a REDDI. Different beasts entirely but ultimately I wanted a great recording sound. With the Ampeg I got that great REDDI sound and feel from a tube and big transformer plus I got an amp I can rehearse with and play out at small and medium size gigs. What I did not know is that there is a DI on the back dedicated that takes the sound post EQ, tube and transformer. By sending this out to a solid state amp (in my case a Mesa 800 +) I now have a beast that sounds like an Ampeg SVT-CL at a third the weight. Very happy indeed! 95% of the time I will never need this but for outdoor or large halls this is a great option.

 

[mobass55]

They are very wonderful amps. I like to think the tone is more akin to the V4 than the B15, I have mine in the fliptop position in a PF115HE cabinet. I think with another cabinet, it would do just about any gig that I could do.

 

[BassmanPaul]

I’m glad you have found an amp that pleases you!

 

[akrachanko]

I did something very similar, and it was a fantastic rig. Unfortunately I got tired of hauling heavy stuff, so I'm making the switch to solid state. Still an absolutely glorious setup.

Details for those interested. The post transformer DI --> Pre-Sonus Studio channel --> Crest Power amp. When using the PF-50T, I bypass the compressor and EQ in the Studio Channel, and use it just for volume adjustment. When not using the PF-50T, the Studio Channel makes a wicked pre-amp right into the Crest. I built the whole thing into a rolling rack with a custom made IO panel in the rear, for ease of use.

 

[jdwinva]

I did something very similar, and it was a fantastic rig. Unfortunately I got tired of hauling heavy stuff, so I'm making the switch to solid state. Still an absolutely glorious setup.
View attachment 3508497
Details for those interested. The post transformer DI --> Pre-Sonus Studio channel --> Crest Power amp. When using the PF-50T, I bypass the compressor and EQ in the Studio Channel, and use it just for volume adjustment. When not using the PF-50T, the Studio Channel makes a wicked pre-amp right into the Crest. I built the whole thing into a rolling rack with a custom made IO panel in the rear, for ease of use.
View attachment 3508499

That is a glorious setup. I can hear the sustain! I do get your point on hauling heavy stuff. I keep a Trace Eliott Elf handy for times I don't want to haul everything and I think I can get away with a 200 watt solid state amp.

 

[akrachanko]

That is a glorious setup. I can hear the sustain! I do get your point on hauling heavy stuff. I keep a Trace Eliott Elf handy for times I don't want to haul everything and I think I can get away with a 200 watt solid state amp.

I'm actually looking to get a Mesa WD-800 soon. Despite having a solid state power section, I was incredibly impressed when I played one, and I knew I had to have one. I bet your PF-50T run through that D800+ sounds legendary. I can only imagine pairing those two up.

 

[JimmyM]

My PF-50T is my workhorse amp, especially for the transformer DI!

 

[FDR Jones]

I’m going to go against the grain and say I prefer the pre-transformer output. I like how clean the signal is. I like to run a Barber Linden EQ before the amp and bypass the amp controls.

 

[JimmyM]

I’m going to go against the grain and say I prefer the pre-transformer output. I like how clean the signal is. I like to run a Barber Linden EQ before the amp and bypass the amp controls.

If you want really clean with the PF-50T, dime the master and use gain to control your volume.

 

[jdwinva]

I'm actually looking to get a Mesa WD-800 soon. Despite having a solid state power section, I was incredibly impressed when I played one, and I knew I had to have one. I bet your PF-50T run through that D800+ sounds legendary. I can only imagine pairing those two up.

I had the

I’m going to go against the grain and say I prefer the pre-transformer output. I like how clean the signal is. I like to run a Barber Linden EQ before the amp and bypass the amp controls.

I will give this a try!