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Ampeg PF500/350, part 4

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#361
audiomitch said:
I've owned both, and the Ampeg is much louder than the MB200. Tone is subjective, but, unsurprisingly, my 500 watt Ampeg beats the 200 watt GK for sheer volume.
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I have had the MB200 and the PF500 at the same time. The MB200 is louder at a lower volume setting (ampeg has a different volume pot taper than the GK), but the MB200 doesn't get any louder after you reach half volume on the knob. The PF500 gets much louder as you get past 3 o'clock. The PF500 EQ section is more flexible, and to me, have better freq points that work better for me. They are kinda apples and oranges though. I'm sure the PF350 is a closer match in performance and price.
 
#362
Wes makes a good point, the master volume doesn't seem to be a linear taper. It seems to "ease" up to 2:00-3:00 and then gets louder quite quickly from there.

The EQ knobs are apparently similar... well, sort of. One thing I haven't seen anyone mention is that the EQ knobs are similar... sort of. Check it out, the manual has these specs listed:

Bass knob: 12db boost or -12db cut at 40Hz, flat at center
Midrange knob: 10db boost or -20db cut at the selected midrange frequency, flat at center
Treble knob: 15db boost or -20db cut at 4kHz, flat at center

Which translates to: it doesn't take as much knob turning to cut mids and highs as it does to boost them.

Not sure why I didn't really notice that before, I've read through the manual a couple times... Guess I just assumed they were the same on both sides of centered. :confused: lol

I went back to the manual out of curiosity this time because I've been researching how to EQ bass in a mix. When discussing my sound in the house PA with the soundguy at church after I switched to in-ears, I found out that he's just fine leaving the EQ on my channel dead flat in a big boomy room, and then wonders why he has trouble. :rollno:

Anyway, just thought I'd throw the control specs out there for anyone who (like me) missed it. Doesn't really mean anything when you're EQ'ing the amp by ear, but may be handy trivia to know when you're out for drinks at the bar... Lol

5sg.
 
#363
GregT said:
Thank you all for your polite and respectful responses. That's one of the reasons I went ahead and joined. I still really want a PF115 and one of the heads too. I'm just on the fence, I suppose.
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One thing to keep in mind, if someone has a problem with a PF (or anything else for that matter) you are reading anecdotal stories, that don't reflect overall failure rates. You don't know if it was say 4 out of 10 that blew up or 4 out of 1000, or 10,000.
More people are inclined to report a problem, than people are inclined to report no problems... It's just the nature of human behavior.
 
#365
That was my post from over a month ago. Since then I have bought a PF500/115 and love it. Just finished a practice with it about an hour ago and I have gigged with it. I may get another. I like it that much. At that time I really was on the fence. I read this thread from the beginning, part one. It was actually some of the great people on here who assisted me in making the decision to get one.
 
#369
I don't know where they get there figures. When I told them of my issues they did not take my name or my PF500's serial number. They did advise that I bring it to my local authorized repair shop to see if it is running up to spec. I have not bought it there yet though, as I am fearful that they will keep the amp for four weeks only to tell me they could not duplicate the problem..again.
Anyway, their stats may derive from the repair shops and replacements - rather then the user complaints.
 
#371
GregT said:
That was my post from over a month ago. Since then I have bought a PF500/115 and love it. Just finished a practice with it about an hour ago and I have gigged with it. I may get another. I like it that much. At that time I really was on the fence. I read this thread from the beginning, part one. It was actually some of the great people on here who assisted me in making the decision to get one.
Click to expand...

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you are in a two-peice with your wife, yes? Assuming you are, and that you live together, what is practicing like? Do you have a scheduled practice time every week, or do you just play when you feel like it?

Ive always wondered what rehearsing and stuff would be like, living with the band.
 
#378
So, this will sound like a stupid question, and it probably is. If I neglected to turn on the -15 db switch with an active bass and the head cut out, do I now have a defective head, did I always have a defective head, or is it good to go?
 
#379
It would be nice if we could get a serial number range from Ampeg. From x - xx have the old diodes, from xxx - xxxx are good to go. Then we wouldn't wonder if things like the -15dB switch was the culprit.

My son has my "old" PF-500 from June '11 and I have a newer one from September-ish '11. I worry about his because he is gigging. Hasn't had any issues (yet) but would be nice to know if he should fear the cutting out issue.
 
#380
Mitch, I would at least call or email Ampeg about it. Active switches are for insanely loud active basses that are impossible to keep from overdriving the preamp any other way. I never use them, even if using an active bass. If you thought your gain level was reasonable when it cut out, it's possible it could be defective.

Mellotron, if your amps have been working this long, they're more than likely fine.
 
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