Over-current is the category of fault. ANY current can be over-current depending on how the trip points are set.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Ampeg PF350/500 Part V
- Thread starter Chef
- Start date
- Status
Over-current is the category of fault. ANY current can be over-current depending on how the trip points are set.
If the fault is predictable and repeatable, then it is probably a trip point setting. If it is not repeatable, it may be a component issue or a manufacturing issue.
There may still be early run units in the retail chain... At least I hope that explains it.
Woodstockz said:
I'd like to believe that is true but I just don't think it is considering how long this amp's been out. Plus I think I remember reading somewhere that Ampeg said the new portaflex series is one of their biggest sellers. That would lead me to believe that all the first run units have probably been sold. Either way it's a shame that this is still happening to users.
not really predictable, and if you talk with support at Loud, or some folks on here, as well as some shops, there IS no problem.
sorry - I am not a conspiracy theorist, but this just doesn't sit well with me. I honestly think that there are too many similar reports, and I can attest that this is THE only amp I have had this much uncertainty with.
the first one went 10 months of regular steady gigs - and poof. Second one only a couple of months of limited home use.
The Genz is almost a year old - 50 plus shows
the QSC/RBI unit has 5-6 years on it and a LOT of gigs - no issues -
the Peavey T Max had issues when I got it used - had it fixed - worked flawlessly - still in service with the guy who bought it from me 2 years ago
kind of makes it hard to be a believer.
too bad - it sounds great when it works, and is cool looking, light and good wattage.
PF350 freqs are set at:
Treble 8khz
Mids 500Hz
Bass 40Hz
PF500 freqs are set at:
Treble 4kHz
Mid-selector:
1- 220Hz
2- 450Hz
3-800Hz
4-1.6kHz
5-3kHz
Bass 40Hz
You can download the manual here: http://www.ampeg.com/products/portaflex/pf-350/
It has both the PF350 and PF500 info.
I don't believe that you are a consipiracy theorist. I'm not trying to come down on Ampeg or defend them. I am just explaining the electronics industry.
Genz may have been using class D longer than Ampeg, or they may be using a different chip that is more stable...
Technologies are either evolutionary or revolutionary. Evolutionary is like getting more power from an existing design. Revolutionary is like going from tubes to transistors. Going to a new architecture like class D is revolutionary. Going to a switched mode power supply is revolutionary. You don't want to do too many at the same time - too many unknowns.
Revolutionary technologies also create new processes, which are also revolutionary - like having robotic pick and place machines crank out batches of thousands of boards. Suppose someone loaded the wrong reel of resistors...
Revolutionary technologies take a lot longer to fix the problems. I know that you are disappointed, but it is predictable that early adopters have to deal with major headaches in revolutionary technologies. [In other words, early adopters can possibly get screwed].
Judging by the numerous reports of failures in parts 1 and 2 of this thread, and not so many reports now, it seems that the reports of bad units have slowed down. It would be interesting to start looking at manufacturing dates for units with faults.
So I picked up a PF-500 from Musicians Friend and finally get to use it tomorrow night at a rehearsal It will be going into a 4ohm 810e all night and we'll see how it goes.
I bought it as a more transportable rehearsal amp to avoid having to lug the SVT4, which is my giggin' amp. Though I have to say that I am more than intrigued with the possibility of using it for smaller gigs. Based on the feedback here, I'll give it a few outings at rehearsals to make sure all is well before giving it the primetime slot.
FWIW, I picked up the MF 2-year extended warranty, so if I do have problems, I'll just swap it out for another one!
I bought it as a more transportable rehearsal amp to avoid having to lug the SVT4, which is my giggin' amp. Though I have to say that I am more than intrigued with the possibility of using it for smaller gigs. Based on the feedback here, I'll give it a few outings at rehearsals to make sure all is well before giving it the primetime slot.
FWIW, I picked up the MF 2-year extended warranty, so if I do have problems, I'll just swap it out for another one!
I've had a PF-500 for about 2 months, now. Like the portability of the head, but it's becoming a bit of an irritating trying to dial in my sound a low volumes.
I'm running through an 8Ohm Hartke 4x10. Live, even with the reduced output, I rarely have to go about 7 on my volume. But, it's very muddy at home, where I can't turn up above 3.
I'm thinking a smaller cab for practice is in order.
I'm running through an 8Ohm Hartke 4x10. Live, even with the reduced output, I rarely have to go about 7 on my volume. But, it's very muddy at home, where I can't turn up above 3.
I'm thinking a smaller cab for practice is in order.Hi, I had an SVT7 pro head but It was stolen. Now I have the opportuninty to buy a PF500 or a markbass littlemark tube 500 W head. Based on your experience, which would you recommend me? I am a pop, classic rock player.
Should I try to wait and buy another Svt7 pro? I head bad things about its durability...
Thanks!!!
Should I try to wait and buy another Svt7 pro? I head bad things about its durability...
Thanks!!!
Can't say anything bad about the LMII I used to have, though it wasn't the tube model. I prefer the PF500, though. Has a great clean sound, distortion (don't know about the Tube 500 but the Tube 800 couldn't get me any), and the EQ points are better suited for what I like to do on bass. The 7 Pro and PF500 are quite similar, but I do like the 7 Pro better because the tube just seems to add some niceness that the PF500 doesn't quite nail. Having said that, I own a PF350 
As for 7 Pro reliability, I know some who had problems, but I also know of a lot of people who have been using them for a few years now with no hiccups. They've done a few revisions over time and improved its reliability greatly from the first version.
As for 7 Pro reliability, I know some who had problems, but I also know of a lot of people who have been using them for a few years now with no hiccups. They've done a few revisions over time and improved its reliability greatly from the first version.
2 more vids using the 'Ampeg PF Rig' live !
Your bass sounds great on that Maiden cover, dogmeat. Is that a clean signal or you got some OD going on?
2 more vids using the 'Ampeg PF Rig' live !
+1 Maiden rocks dude!
I set the playback quality to 480p (and 720p) and the bass sounded really good.thanks ! its a fairly clean signal going into the PF - 500 amp , on my pedal board , i have the tech 21 sansamp programmable bass drive (custom setting) ,mxr zakk wylde chorus , and bbe sonic stomp on all the time , and am using a fender geddy lee jazz bass ,which when u hit the strings hard , gives it a more overdrive sound to my ears
my ampeg pf500 started to cut out mid gig saturday night, to the point it was useless. I had to run through the pa the rest of the night. After taking a risk after reading the issues with these i will never buy another "new" ampeg HEAD again. It sounded great but reliability is number 1. After 15 years of gigging my first breakdown with zero warning.
Luckily the head was 3 weeks old and the store credited me and I got something else instead.
dear ampeg if your reading these forums- get better quality control!!!!!!!!
Luckily the head was 3 weeks old and the store credited me and I got something else instead.
dear ampeg if your reading these forums- get better quality control!!!!!!!!
Its a pity because I thought the whole fliptop thing was a truly great look but I too lost confidence and returned the head. Ultimately, I returned the speaker cabinet too as I thought it sounded a bit boxy.
I am sorry to hear about your bad luck. I agree with you about reliability.
I am wondering what you mean when you say "new". Do you mean brand new out of the box, or do you mean Ampeg with new technology? If you mean new out of the box, Ampeg's other products are pretty stable, and sound good. The PF500/350 issue shouldn't affect your decision on other products lines that aren't class D.
The Ampeg PF 500 and 350 use class D chips that are new technology products and still need to have the bugs worked out. We are still in the early stages of the product life cycle. Ampeg probably should have had a more extensive Beta testing program before releasing these products.
These chips can go into fault mode for many reasons like trip point too sensitive, power supply ripple, stray magnetic fields, flakey sensors, compromised parts due to heating during the solder process, circuit board issues, etc. The list goes on.
Here is an analogy. In the '80's, I had a Toyota that had a camshaft belt instead of a timing chain. Those belts broke. Should I not buy Toyotas, or should I not buy cars with cam belts. Or should I not buy Toyotas with cam belts.
- Status
