Gallien-Krueger 700RB-II

[daddycool69]

The 400 will definitely get power distortion sooner - I just mentioned the cab situation to make sure that you also have enough power on tap. Which Mesa cabs were you thinking of?

Probably two 1x15 subways, I own an Ampeg fridge but it's way to heavy, specially down loading it at 3 o'clock in the morning...

 

[Kro]

On a scale of 1 to 11, how loud is your metal band? The fact that you said metal makes me feel like the 700RB might still be a better fit, but in terms of pure grind, if the volume levels aren't obnoxious, the 400RB would probably make a great choice.

 

[groovaholic]

Ok I've got the head ordered, and on the way Monday from a fellow TBer.

My biggest learning curve on the RB-series heads was gain staging; the interaction between ‘Volume’, ‘Boost’, and ‘Woofer’ is crucial to getting the most out of the amp.

My recommendation is to turn Contour and Presence to zero, set the EQ at noon, and play with different ratios of the three volume controls.

Once you understand how they work, move on to the EQ.

For me, the interrelationship between Treble and Presence was crucial to getting the highs coming out in a way I liked.

Also, I alternated between the input and the effects return to compare my EQ’ed tone to my straight/flat tone.

After all that, you should have a pretty good practical understanding of how to get whatever sound you want from the amp.

Then come join us at:
Gallien Krueger Club. GK Rules !

 

[filmtex]

The 700rbII is a classic.... I love mine.... But whenever possible, I reach for my 400rb first (when not using my Shaw Audio B150). The old first series 400rb's are even more of a classic, and pull off that wonderful GK grunt at even lower volumes. It's killer through a pair of neo 112's, and a beast through an Ampeg 810!

Edit.... The 700rbII through the 810 will make you nauseous!!!

I have a second gen 400RB (I believe) and didn't own an 810 cabinet. A couple years ago I read here that they (400RB's) sound great through 'fridges and had a chance to try it. It was awesome. I actually ended up buying that cabinet a couple months later. It's a bear to lug around, but when I have the chance to play a big stage, out comes the 810's!
BTW-I've owned that GK amp since the very early 90's, played it through a Peavey 2x15 cab for years then used a 6x12 (I think) Acoustic box during the 2000's. It has been an incredibly reliable amp, especially once I figured out the FX loop jumper fix.

 

[ljazz]

Would you agree that the 400RB growls more than the 700RB II? actually I'm looking for the classic GK growl since I play in a metal band, can you notice the difference between those to amps? please advice. thanks!

The 700rbII through an 810 will make your eye balls rattle in the sockets! Through a couple of 112's, it's a beast as well....

But here is the deal..... I just don't use that kind of stage volume. The 400rb through a couple if 112's is perfect, and is my favorite sounding SS head of all time. If I need more than that, then I'm in the PA, and through the monitors if the stage is big. I just don't sacrifice the tone I want for volume anymore. Need more bass?...... Run me through the mains and monitors.... Better tone out front, and monitors can be adjusted for what each band member needs on stage.

 

[eddiemac]

When playing outside without PA support, I run a 700RB through two fEARFUL 1-12's (which are supposed to need lots of power) or, alternately, 2-15's (Faital 15PR400). I make sure to run the master (Woofer) at 3 o'clock because, if I don't, there'll be insufficient headroom and unpleasant distortion. But this setup sounds wonderful, even when playing at ear-splitting volume. I've received compliments on my tone from other musicians, and not just from bass players. The 700RB shines at high volume, but I prefer less powerful amps for limited volume situations, although bedroom playing would not be a problem. A 700RB and a backup MB200 could handle any situation