I just picked up a Mesa Boogie Diesel 4x10 (600 Watts, 8 ohms) and am on the lookout for a new head to go along with it. I had the GK 800RB in mind but realized it'd only be 200 Watts at 8 ohms. Would that be loud enough for gigs? Even if its good for mic'd stage gigs, would it be loud enough for a basement gig? If not, what 8 ohm bass heads would you recommend?
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Curious about the GK 800RB
- Thread starter mustxmust
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The 800 is 300w into 4ohm AND 100W into 8ohm (biamping) and oah yeah, definitely loud enough. I use one with either a genz or EV 2x15 4ohm or an ampeg 8x10 and it kills.
Honestly, I think their power rating is conservative. They get stupid loud. You'll be happy.
Conservative rating plus a voicing that really cuts through means that sucker is loud! The 410 plus GK should be loud enough for a lot of applications, but if it doesn't add another cab to drop it down to 4 ohms...if that isn't loud enough, get another cab and biamp it. I used an 800RB plus a Diesel 215 for a long time and never once was I in trouble of running out of power.
I had one in the 90's. I biamped it into a 115 and 410. It was earthshakingly loud, with a great sound.
a clean 800RB is still a great head for the money, and those Diesels w/ the black shadows ( they're EV15Ls, ) absolutely kill! they also weigh seventeen tons each. do it.
The 800RB has Trace watt like watts. Stand well back.
I have a GK400RB combo and while its heavier than it looks its really a very good amp for most gigs (unless your playing large venues) and rehearsals. The EQ offers an amazing range of tones and the thing just makes my basses come alive. It can sound like a trace Elliot or an orange with a bit of fiddling and it can be driven for a bit of edge too. I have a number of amps and basses and I rate this amp/combo as a great all rounder.
This rating is extremely conservative. I own one and have never had any volume problem what so ever. I think it was bench tested around 800wts. I just can't seem to get rid of my 96 rb. It's always been great!
For most gigs I use a GK 400 RB (200W @ 4ohms) through a Genz Benz Uber 410, and that gets extremely loud.
GK heads are no joke. I've had heads with double the wattage that didn't sound as loud, you should be fine.
GK heads are no joke. I've had heads with double the wattage that didn't sound as loud, you should be fine.
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I had an 800rb for 30 years through an 8 ohm cab. NEVER was short of power. Don't remember ever even having it turned up all the way. If you ever found yourself not able to keep up, you could always get another cab.
madbass6
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It's a Beast!! Period! Wouldn't trade it for any new amp now a days!
GK is really good about being conservative on their power ratings. I've been amazed at how many situations just needed my MB200 and an Avatar neo 2x10. For big situations, the same 2x10 with a 700RB-II has yet to leave me hanging. Had a stupid loud band (as in guitarist with full stack using a power amp, vocalist with two 2x15 PA cabs and double power amps) that I used to play with, and I never had a problem cutting through. GK 4 life!!!
You should be fine with that setup. Plus the RB heads get a little extra grunt when you "ride the rails." I know guys who specifically have a 400RB so they can push the head when the 800RB is too much for a gig. The Low Amp pushes 200w at 8 Ohms. There is a reason the 800RB was the defacto backline rental head for two decades.
The GK 800RB has TWO amps. You would run your 410 cabinet from the 300 watt (at 4 ohms) output. Since your cab is 8 ohms, that amp will put out specifically 225 watts at 8 ohms. I've done many gigs with loud rock drummers outdoor and it handles just fine.
I use the other amp (100 watts at 8 ohms) for smaller gigs with a smaller 8 ohm cab.
Why are there these 2 weird amps in the 800RB? Bi-amping! This was a cool fad in the 80's and 90's.
I use the other amp (100 watts at 8 ohms) for smaller gigs with a smaller 8 ohm cab.
Why are there these 2 weird amps in the 800RB? Bi-amping! This was a cool fad in the 80's and 90's.
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I've read that 80's 800RB heads (with horizontal power switch) are better than the newer versions (with vertical power switch). The amps are workhorses and sound great. I'm selling an 80's version right now because I have 8 amps and something has to go. I'm keeping my SVT heads. Shop around. There are currently 4 later versions on Reverb for $450 to $842.
I feel the early ones are better myself. I love my 83 400rb and 87 800rb. I will say the prices are getting rediculous. I'd be very happy to see a brand new reissue of the early amps. Looks like the micro fad is fading.
