Ok guys, I've been on TB & the rest of the Internet for a couple hours now & I need some wise council. Currently, I'm running an Ampeg PF-500 into an Ampeg 410HLF. BUT, I'm looking for a stronger head. I've been looking around & I'm pretty sure I've narrowed it down b/t a Hartke LH1000 OR an Ampeg SVT 7-PRO. They're both rated @ 1 Kwatt, but I've read about a LOT of problems with the SVT7. And the Hartke is $200 cheaper. And my local GC never has any to try out. (I play fender J and P basses, if that've needed info)
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Cab/amp pairing help
- Thread starter SkinnyP411
- Start date
What I'm asking is, what would you recommend? Or just, what are the major differences b/t these 2 heads? I hear Ampeg and Hartke have very different sounds.
What is the ultimate goal for the new head? Increase in volume or change in tone?
The PF-500 can push the HLF quite close to its limit, so you wont be gaining significant volume. If you are having trouble hearing yourself you might need an EQ change.
Also the HLF is a 4 Ohm cab, so you wont be able to expand to a second one with a lot of current amps.
I use it on stage and the guitars can get pretty loud. So to hear myself, I have to turn up to about 2 or 3 o clock. Also, I want something that could power 2 cabinets without a second thought. (The HLF is ok, but its a little boomy and undefined when cranked.) But yes, the tone is subject to change.
If volume is the primary issue, then you need more cab more than more amp to start with. Upgrade your cab THEN decide if you need/want more amp.
What do your gain and EQ settings look like? This can change a lot of how loud and how well you sit in the mix.
I have never played an Ampeg but I own an lh1000. It is a very clean dry head. It gives you the sound of your bass without coloring it very much, just warms it up a bit.
I have heard very good things about running preamp pedals such as the Tone Hammer, sansamp and WTDI into the front of the lh1000's. No personal experience with that though im to broke at the moment.
I have heard very good things about running preamp pedals such as the Tone Hammer, sansamp and WTDI into the front of the lh1000's. No personal experience with that though im to broke at the moment.
CL400Peavey said:
My settings pretty standard on the head: gain: 1 0clock, compression: b/t 8 & 10 o clock, everything else at noon. I do use a sansamp BDDI(factory SVT settings)
Unless you're just using the BDDI for FOH, you're doubling up on the factory settings, which might affect your tone.
I use it to get a more full sound from my amp. It helps when I do smaller stuff so I can get a Tubey tone w/out going into the board. But I keep the level a little lower b/c of some buzzing:/
+1
On your pedal try bringing your treble knob to 11 o'clock, and bringing your bass down to the same setting. Bring the blend knob back to noon. If you need more grit bring up the drive.
Awesome thanks! So what are major differences b/t the two? Has anybody played both? Either way, I'll be running a a sansamp with it
The BDDI has a heavy scoop around the midrange zone 500-800hz with the knobs at noon. The 410hlf is a VERY BOOMY and undefined cab. I had two of them and was barely heard in a practice setting. The amount of low end boosted on the BDDI with the knobs at noon is INSANE. I highly suggest rolling the bass knob back to the 9 o' clock position, not boosting the bass at all off the bass guitar and turning the Blend knob to no more than half way.
The reason you are not being heard is because the 410hlf does not have much midrange in the 600hz range and coupled with the BDDI, you have created a tone that has TOO MUCH low end and not enough midrange. Midrange gets your tone HEARD in a live situation. Low end is merely there to suppport the notes. Too much low end and you will barely hear what you are doing.
In band with midrange heavy and low end shy guitars, your tone would probably be fine.
The reason you are not being heard is because the 410hlf does not have much midrange in the 600hz range and coupled with the BDDI, you have created a tone that has TOO MUCH low end and not enough midrange. Midrange gets your tone HEARD in a live situation. Low end is merely there to suppport the notes. Too much low end and you will barely hear what you are doing.
In band with midrange heavy and low end shy guitars, your tone would probably be fine.
Don't be afraid of running the volume at this setting either, this amp likes it when you make it WORK !
