Ampeg PF500/PF350 - part 3, I think

[on1ne]

Hey guys,
Anybody tried them both?

I played thru a PF 350 last night with a pair of unmatched cabs, an Epifani and a Hartke I think. I really loved the tone and elegant simplicity of controls on this little top. Had the bass rolled off to about 10 o' clock and the mid about 1 o' clock, treble flat at noon. I have played thru those cabs before but with this amp I got wonderful solid deep low end on the E string and higher notes up on the G rang out full with plenty of punch and clarity. Left the limiter off and we were playing pretty loud, not so much as a blink out of the peak light. Very impressive little beast.

I'm thinkin I might prefer to have the extra power of a 500 available but I'm concerned about the more "advanced" tone adjustments and features. Not necessarily a plus since the simple 350 tone configuration got such impressive results.

Given the same speakers, can I expect a 500 to be able to get the same tone as the 350 but just with more juice under the hood or are they really 2 different animals?

Thanks


(sorry if asked before, I skimmed thru the previous 2 massive threads, didn't see it)

 

[fivestringgecko]

what level was your compressor at. i have learned to get a good volume out of this head you have to really use that compressor.

+1.

Also, after emailing Ampeg about an issue at a rehearsal/jam where the amp was cutting out a bit, I learned that it's possible to overload the preamp circuit WITHOUT having the light come on. The Ampeg rep suggested setting my Gain knob with the compressor completely off and THEN adding compression. Seems to work, I haven't had any problems since.

5sg.

 

[fivestringgecko]

For anyone interested, I played a show with my PF500/PF115x2 stack on Saturday and recorded the show. Nothing fancy, I just brought my Zoom H4n and hit record.

I just keep liking this rig more and more... It had way more than enough juice to fill the room by itself. You could really feel it in the stage, which was cool.

PF500 settings: Gain at 1:00, Compressor at 10:0ish, B/M/T at 2:00/12:00/12:00, Volume at about 10:00

Info: it wasn't a huge room and we were all instrumental, so the only PA support we ran was for keys.

Disclaimer: This was a completely new group, and we only had about 2 1/2 hours of rehearsal total. Yikes! We had a few blips due to that of course, but all in all, we were really happy with how the show turned out!

Here you go, be gentle! You might recognize the song...



5sg.

 

[JimmyM]

Hey guys,
Anybody tried them both?

I played thru a PF 350 last night with a pair of unmatched cabs, an Epifani and a Hartke I think. I really loved the tone and elegant simplicity of controls on this little top. Had the bass rolled off to about 10 o' clock and the mid about 1 o' clock, treble flat at noon. I have played thru those cabs before but with this amp I got wonderful solid deep low end on the E string and higher notes up on the G rang out full with plenty of punch and clarity. Left the limiter off and we were playing pretty loud, not so much as a blink out of the peak light. Very impressive little beast.

I'm thinkin I might prefer to have the extra power of a 500 available but I'm concerned about the more "advanced" tone adjustments and features. Not necessarily a plus since the simple 350 tone configuration got such impressive results.

Given the same speakers, can I expect a 500 to be able to get the same tone as the 350 but just with more juice under the hood or are they really 2 different animals?

You can cop the same basic tones out of each, but the PF500 will be a little more versatile. They're not voiced identically with all tone controls at noon but they do cop similar sounds when you twist knobs.

 

[Slackerprince]

For anyone interested, I played a show with my PF500/PF115x2 stack on Saturday and recorded the show. Nothing fancy, I just brought my Zoom H4n and hit record.

I just keep liking this rig more and more... It had way more than enough juice to fill the room by itself. You could really feel it in the stage, which was cool.

PF500 settings: Gain at 1:00, Compressor at 10:0ish, B/M/T at 2:00/12:00/12:00, Volume at about 10:00

Info: it wasn't a huge room and we were all instrumental, so the only PA support we ran was for keys.

Disclaimer: This was a completely new group, and we only had about 2 1/2 hours of rehearsal total. Yikes! We had a few blips due to that of course, but all in all, we were really happy with how the show turned out!

Here you go, be gentle! You might recognize the song...



5sg.

How about that bass solo at 7:55?
Nice job and thanks for the report.

S

 

[on1ne]

You can cop the same basic tones out of each, but the PF500 will be a little more versatile. They're not voiced identically with all tone controls at noon but they do cop similar sounds when you twist knobs.

Thanks
I'm still "waffling" between the 2 models. This kind of thing of has come up before with other purchases. I like a certain model and I decide to spend more and get the "better" version, then find out the advanced model doesn't really perform the same way. I love the smaller size and simplicity of the 350. I'm old school (yeah, OK, just "old") and seeing simple bass/mid/treble and hearing how easily I can nail such great tone by twiddling only those 3 knobs charms the hell out of me. OTOH, the 500's significant jump in power is a good deal for the price...If it really can be adjusted to achieve the same tone as the 350.

 

[fivestringgecko]

How about that bass solo at 7:55?
Nice job and thanks for the report.

S

Thanks man!

Not the best recording of course, but it gives a good idea about the stack. I mentioned in another thread that I'd be willing to put my Ampeg stack up against my Shuttle 6/Avatar B210/B212 stack in terms of volume. I haven't played both rigs side by side and the Portaflex setup may not necessarily win, but I suspect it would be close!

5sg.

 

[JimmyM]

Thanks
I'm still "waffling" between the 2 models. This kind of thing of has come up before with other purchases. I like a certain model and I decide to spend more and get the "better" version, then find out the advanced model doesn't really perform the same way. I love the smaller size and simplicity of the 350. I'm old school (yeah, OK, just "old") and seeing simple bass/mid/treble and hearing how easily I can nail such great tone by twiddling only those 3 knobs charms the hell out of me. OTOH, the 500's significant jump in power is a good deal for the price...If it really can be adjusted to achieve the same tone as the 350.

I can relate...I went 350, too. But if you think you need the extra wattage, I don't think it'll confuse you to have the 5 position mid control...it's not that complicated. Ampeg recently posted a couple excellent vids on Youtube demonstrating the 500's mid control for different types of playing...don't have the links but Ampeg's channel is called AmpegTV.

 

[f.c.geil]

I can relate...I went 350, too. But if you think you need the extra wattage, I don't think it'll confuse you to have the 5 position mid control...it's not that complicated. Ampeg recently posted a couple excellent vids on Youtube demonstrating the 500's mid control for different types of playing...don't have the links but Ampeg's channel is called AmpegTV.

I just watched them this afternoon, actually. They are pretty helpful and informative.

Ampeg PF-500 Bass Head - Tone Settings - Slap - YouTube

Ampeg PF-500 Bass Head - Tone Settings - Fretless - YouTube

 

[sad_katz]

Hi,

I'm about to pull the trigger on the PF350/PF115, but I'm wondering if I should spend an extra hundred and go PF350/SVT15E. Does anybody here can help tell me the sonic differences between PF350/PF115 and PF350/SVT15E? Would the SVT15 give out a more "SVT"-ish sound compared to the B15-ish PF115?

Local store has the SVT15E but not the PF350/PF115 stack - had to special order for the stack.

I'm looking for a round, warm sound with clarity in the mids/highs.

TLDR;

Will I go wrong with the PF350 with SVT cabs (115, maybe 410HE) sight unseen?

 

[slaphappychappy]

Seems to be the 4 ohm cabs may be the problem. Mines 8 ohm. The head only runs 300 watt. Seems great like that. I use a 410 ashdown

 

[JimmyM]

Hi,

I'm about to pull the trigger on the PF350/PF115, but I'm wondering if I should spend an extra hundred and go PF350/SVT15E. Does anybody here can help tell me the sonic differences between PF350/PF115 and PF350/SVT15E? Would the SVT15 give out a more "SVT"-ish sound compared to the B15-ish PF115?

Local store has the SVT15E but not the PF350/PF115 stack - had to special order for the stack.

I'm looking for a round, warm sound with clarity in the mids/highs.

TLDR;

Will I go wrong with the PF350 with SVT cabs (115, maybe 410HE) sight unseen?

Both are fine cabs, and it's hard to predict which one you will like better, but the PF115he has brighter upper mids and highs to my ears.

 

[TheCush]

Both are fine cabs, and it's hard to predict which one you will like better, but the PF115he has brighter upper mids and highs to my ears.

+1

I have gigged both the 410HE and PF115 with the PF350 using both electric and upright basses. Definitely agree the PF115 is brighter as Jimmy describes. I have to say I'm really impressed by how an upright sounds through that rig...

 

[sad_katz]

+1

I have gigged both the 410HE and PF115 with the PF350 using both electric and upright basses. Definitely agree the PF115 is brighter as Jimmy describes. I have to say I'm really impressed by how an upright sounds through that rig...

Both are fine cabs, and it's hard to predict which one you will like better, but the PF115he has brighter upper mids and highs to my ears.

Thanks for the insight gents, that is exactly what I'm looking for. Gonna go with the PF350/PF115 the moment I clear some funds.

For reference I have tried a GK MB500/ SVT410HLF at a studio practice once. Despite the GOOD GOD THATS SOME SWEET LOWS of the HLF, imo it lacked the mids and highs which promptly left me buried under our loud drummer and guitar (gain and volume at noon, didn't push more since cab began to rattle)

Btw, is there any difference between the "SVT sound" and the "B-15 sound"? Which one is the signature Ampeg sound that everyone is raving about?

@Jimmy:
You can tell the guys at Ampeg that you have sold yet another product Thank you for your help and insights on everything Ampeg!

 

[ddbassGA]

See below.

 

[ddbassGA]

Thanks for the insight gents, that is exactly what I'm looking for. Gonna go with the PF350/PF115 the moment I clear some funds.

Agree on the 115. I find the 500 is much more versatile than the 350. The compressor, extra output flexibility, and mid selector are worth the extra; the tuner out is nice to have; plus the additional power. I use those features every gig. Catch a sale and the 500 is only $85 more than the 350. Just $.02 from someone who was faced with the same choice.

 

[sad_katz]

The 500 is indeed tempting, but funds issues aside I don't know how much I'd need (or even use) the extra stuffs.

The only thing I'm worried right now is that the 350 only has line level DI out.
Might run into sound board problems, or maybe not.
The extra stuffs are that, extras.
I can (and will) add a VT Deluxe in my chain so tone is not a concern.

And I doubt I'd miss the 150watt power when someone can gig with a 25watt head

Btw, local distributor (Indoensia) does not stock the PF line. The bad news is I won't see any discounts on them on the upside they put Ampeg prices similar to Musician'sFriends (usually)

 

[TheCush]

The 500 is indeed tempting, but funds issues aside I don't know how much I'd need (or even use) the extra stuffs.

The only thing I'm worried right now is that the 350 only has line level DI out.
Might run into sound board problems, or maybe not.
The extra stuffs are that, extras.
I can (and will) add a VT Deluxe in my chain so tone is not a concern.

Just for reference somewhere earlier in this thread I had an exchange with the Ampeg rep about the line level DI, and learned quite a bit. I wound up buying an impedance transforma (Hosa, about $17 or online probably a little less). It drops the output of the XLR out from line level to instrument level and you can plug into a 1/4" instrument jack on a PA. I just keep it with me - some PA's are switchable between line and mic/instrument levels, or have seperate inputs. I gigged with mine last Wednesday with FOH support, and the person running sound was able to deal with it without my adapter. I've used the adapter with our own PA when I found I was getting a hot signal, and it took care of it.

So it all really depends on your needs (and available funds). I think folks are really happy with the 500, others of us are more than satisfied with the 350.

If Ampeg were to see the cabinet lid seperately, I'd probably wind up buying a PF500 and be able to swap out. Or maybe I should just get a PF500/210 combo, then I can "mix and match" to my heart's (and ear's) content ;-)

 

[fivestringgecko]

The 500 is indeed tempting, but funds issues aside I don't know how much I'd need (or even use) the extra stuffs.

If it matters, I thought the same thing when I was originally deciding between the two amps, and was also debating about whether I needed the extra power or not too. I decided to go with the PF500... I figured it would be nice to have the extra features and have them available rather than not have them and wish I did. I don't regret my decision for a second, either. Of the extra features vs. the PF350, the only thing I don't really use is the FX Loop.

5sg.

 

[jumbodbassman]

First part

used the PF500 last night on a gig. At least tried.. Limiter was kicking in constantly. we were a little louder than usual doing tons of ABB covers and stuff like that. Used a Avatar 4 ohm 2-12 with deltas in it. Had gain about 12 oclock, BMT - 12, 11, 12 and master volume about 12:30. Bass was a Fodera YYS with only the bass slightly past the midpoint and had to bring down. As soon as i started to dig in it was cutting off. wound up using my backup head and it had no problem keeping up - GK backline 600 - 300 watts. All the reviews seem to not have the same issue. I really like the sound of it but this is troublesome. From the sound of it is there something wrong or is this just another class D drawback. I find it hard to think that this head with the single 15 cab would every be loud enough by itself. Sounds like i have a lemon.[/QUOTE

answers to all the above. comp about 10 oclock. No bass boost . Basses - Fodera YYS and K Smith Burner with preamp both on and off. Same problems. Kinda sucked as i was so psyched with my 2 new toys to play.

So here is an update - Today i spent about 1 hour on the rig with the same settings as they were not touched from sutdown and the same basses. sounded great, garage walls shaking - never happened and had tons of headroom. Then it hit me. Keyboard player forgot his power strip so he used mine while i plugged in the guitard players strip. He had what appeared to be a cheap one - fits.... and he was using a fender brown tweed thing like clapton uses with a pedal board also into it. IIRC I remember seeing somewhere on TB about tubes eating amps up so I ask you all - could that have been the reason as the pf500 was starving for some power. sounded great today and I also put in thru an nice (early 80's) old sonic 1-15 cab with a JBL 145? the one with the huge front that sticks out about 1 1/2 from the baffle. was earth shaking with the 8 ohms , i can't imagine two of these..
Back to the power problem - I actually had that happen over the summer on an outside gig near the beach in Greenwich CT where the whole band was running on only one line and of course only my amp (ampeg b-5 over a 810 cab) was having cutting issues until the breakers heated up and then we blew the power 6-8 times in the last 45 minutes. I didn't think just 1 tube amp could have the same effect???? Plus the GK was fine... class D issue/??? JIm

any other thoughts from the forum on my problem??