Best micro-head power section

[dukeorock]

Except that the OP's query was...



I'm sure the Crest is a fine power amp, but it doesn't qualify as micro. I think the OP is looking for a lightweight, small form-factor solution. The GK MB800 is 5lbs. The MB500 is 4 lbs. You could almost mount these to a pedalboard.)

Almost?

 

[mrpackerguy]

In terms of pure muscle - Fender Rumble 500 head

 

[red_rhino]

Almost?
View attachment 808569

<clint>
I know what you're thinking: "Did he hook up 6 pedals, or only 5?" Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement, I've kinda lost track myself. But being this is a Dukeorock .44 Magnum pedalboard, the most powerful pedalboard in the world, and would blow your head clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Can you hear me now?' Well, can ya, punk?
</clint>

 

[LowStringNinja]

Almost?
View attachment 808569

Hey man, are you able to get to the power outlet on the back of your Voodoo Lab with it mounted under your pedal train board? I'd like to move mine underneath, but i can't get to that outlet..and i like using it to power another processor

 

[MoonQuake]

Sorry to revive the thread but since there's a "new offering" on the street...

Anybody has run a Noble or other preamp through a Mesa Boogie Subway D-800?

 

[ExaltBass]

Not a Subway, but the Noble into the Genzler Magellan 800 is an awesome pairing! It does have an effects return to go direct to amp, (I don't think the Subway does) but the Genzler's tone stack is so usable that after trying it out I've been going form the Noble into the instrument input.

 

[agedhorse]

Not a Subway, but the Noble into the Genzler Magellan 800 is an awesome pairing! It does have an effects return to go direct to amp, (I don't think the Subway does) but the Genzler's tone stack is so usable that after trying it out I've been going form the Noble into the instrument input.

The "aux in" on the Subway functions exactly the same as a power amp in.

 

[ExaltBass]

The "aux in" on the Subway functions exactly the same as a power amp in.

Thanks! I wondered about that.

 

[MoonQuake]

Yeah, I inquired beforehand about the Subway's AUX in.

 

[dukeorock]

Sorry to revive the thread but since there's a "new offering" on the street...

Anybody has run a Noble or other preamp through a Mesa Boogie Subway D-800?

Last night on a doubling gig I ran my Grace Design Felix in front of my D800. Sounded fantastic on upright and good on electric. For an electric only gig, I'd just take the D800 since I'm happier just going straight in. Upright is a bit trickier to dial without a pre of some sort. I'm assuming just an fDeck into the D800 would suffice for upright only gigs. I've had a terrible time trying to get a bad sound out of that amp

 

[jmattis]

I wanted to bump this thread with an observation that surprised me. I ran my Arkham Zephyr pre through a Fender Rumble 500 the other night, and not only did it bypass the preamp, but it also bypassed the master volume control. So volume adjustment was only through the Zephyr's output. Does anyone know if this is how it works with the Aguilar Tonehammer and Mesa Subway? And if not, what the practical pros/ cons to either design are (if any)?

 

[agedhorse]

Master volume control works with the Subway, allows a wider power amp sensitivity range of -10 to +20dBu.

 

[Agosix]

Quilter BB800

 

[Jeff Scott]

I wanted to bump this thread with an observation that surprised me. I ran my Arkham Zephyr pre through a Fender Rumble 500 the other night, and not only did it bypass the preamp, but it also bypassed the master volume control. So volume adjustment was only through the Zephyr's output. Does anyone know if this is how it works with the Aguilar Tonehammer and Mesa Subway? And if not, what the practical pros/ cons to either design are (if any)?

The Master volume works when running anything into the effects return (power amp input) on the Tone Hammer amps. Most of the time when using my Tone Hammer 500 at home I just plug my basses into the effects return and use the power amp section, which gets pretty loud that way, and sounds great, too.

 

[jmattis]

Awesome! Thanks guys! It really surprised me that the Rumble did not work this way.

Master volume control works with the Subway, allows a wider power amp sensitivity range of -10 to +20dBu.

The Master volume works when running anything into the effects return (power amp input) on the Tone Hammer amps. Most of the time when using my Tone Hammer 500 at home I just plug my basses into the effects return and use the power amp section, which gets pretty loud that way, and sounds great, too.

 

[dirkcalloway]

How did the Zephyr sound in that configuration?

Awesome! Thanks guys! It really surprised me that the Rumble did not work this way.

 

[jmattis]

Great as always!! To be honest though, I was running about 15 minutes late for rehearsal, so I didn't try out the Rumble on it's own. I'll check that out this weekend.

How did the Zephyr sound in that configuration?

 

[Leo Smith]

I wanted to bump this thread with an observation that surprised me. I ran my Arkham Zephyr pre through a Fender Rumble 500 the other night, and not only did it bypass the preamp, but it also bypassed the master volume control. So volume adjustment was only through the Zephyr's output. Does anyone know if this is how it works with the Aguilar Tonehammer and Mesa Subway? And if not, what the practical pros/ cons to either design are (if any)?

Just confirming that on the Tonehammer, the master volume is after the effects return, as Jeff Scott already mentioned. I use a Kern and Arkham Octling in the same way, plugging either into the effects return to use the TH power amp section. Great results!!

As an aside, there's also a way to engage the DI of the Tonehammer 500 so that it gets / sends a signal while doing this. Right off the top of my head I can't think of it, not without looking at the gear....

 

[MoonQuake]

I know it's been a while and thanks for all the suggestions so far.

In the process of switching cab configurations right now so power requirements will be different so I'm on the fence between the Subway D-800 and the Form Factor bi 1000.

Wondering which power section between these two would translate the Noble's voice the best through a Bergantino NV cab.

 

[Dave Hill]

From a slightly different angle; you really have to love the Noble to want to pay that premium and then pay for and bypass a great sounding pre already built into the GK, Aguilar, or Mesa units.

We're about to find out if this Noble is all hype. Aren't we, @10cc ? Lol