Gallien Krueger Club. GK Rules !

[DownUnder_Funk]

TL;DR - the GK bi-amp feature is two amps. (Duh.) Adjust volume accordingly so that one amp doesn't drown out the other. I guess this just means I should use my 400RB-IV more, as it's simpler for low volume!

Definitely much more control with bi-amp vs sending a full range signal to the cab and attenuating the tweeter separately.

I am strongly considering getting a Neo212 not only for its woofer voicing and power handling, but the ability to bi-amp with my 700RB-II head.

 

[gstaats]

The fusion 550 has a biamp, but is different than the RB series. The horn bi-amp knob controls ratio of the tweeter amp vs woofer, and the master controls the overall volume of both. I like that better than the RB controls being able to adjust one knob, and not both, when controlling stage volume.

 

[kleinenenten]

Definitely much more control with bi-amp vs sending a full range signal to the cab and attenuating the tweeter separately.

I am strongly considering getting a Neo212 not only for its woofer voicing and power handling, but the ability to bi-amp with my 700RB-II head.

The bi-amp was definitely a reason I bought my 700RB-II and Neo 410. Certainly not regretting that decision. It's amazing to me that I'm still learning the ins and outs of this amp a decade in. And every time I learn something new, my tone gets just a tad bit better. Just think of how good I'd be if I would practice more often!

 

[DownUnder_Funk]

The bi-amp was definitely a reason I bought my 700RB-II and Neo 410. Certainly not regretting that decision. It's amazing to me that I'm still learning the ins and outs of this amp a decade in. And every time I learn something new, my tone gets just a tad bit better. Just think of how good I'd be if I would practice more often!

+1, and I think it really helps to have a versatile amp that can adapt as your tone tastes adapt over time

 

[kleinenenten]

+1, and I think it really helps to have a versatile amp that can adapt as your tone tastes adapt over time

100% agree. I can’t think of a tone I’d want that I can’t achieve with this rig.

 

[alaskaleftybass]

Since I switched to GK years ago, I'm sorry I didn't switch to the RB series during my glory touring days. I'm sure I would have fallen in love with the tone. I do have a 4 ohm 400 watt 112" that I'm anxious to try with the Legacy 500. That will have to wait until Christmas though.

 

[gstaats]

I have, and while I use them to learn songs, they just don’t “feel” right.

It was an adjustment for me, but ultimately, the only way for me to play when the family is snoozing. Early mornings/evenings when I'm not working and the kiddos are asleep is when I get time to play. I've actually became more comfortable in a variety of situations from using headphones more. While I miss the feel of the amp, I don't need it anymore. Do love my Neo 12 II cabs though!!

 

[kleinenenten]

It was an adjustment for me, but ultimately, the only way for me to play when the family is snoozing. Early mornings/evenings when I'm not working and the kiddos are asleep is when I get time to play. I've actually became more comfortable in a variety of situations from using headphones more. While I miss the feel of the amp, I don't need it anymore. Do love my Neo 12 II cabs though!!

Yeah, looking at some of those cabs for a “small” rig that can be expanded to a larger rig. Debating between those with my MB200 or getting a used 400RB 115 combo. I’ll have to figure out the matching extension cab for that combo. The combo is likely quieter, and has the ability to expand. The MB200 only has one output, and upgrading to a higher power amp (like the MB500 with two outputs) negates the purpose of a “small” amp.

 

[NDpeppers]

Yeah, looking at some of those cabs for a “small” rig that can be expanded to a larger rig. Debating between those with my MB200 or getting a used 400RB 115 combo. I’ll have to figure out the matching extension cab for that combo. The combo is likely quieter, and has the ability to expand. The MB200 only has one output, and upgrading to a higher power amp (like the MB500 with two outputs) negates the purpose of a “small” amp.

I would go with the 400RB. It's always a rock solid choice

 

[alaskaleftybass]

Yeah, looking at some of those cabs for a “small” rig that can be expanded to a larger rig. Debating between those with my MB200 or getting a used 400RB 115 combo. I’ll have to figure out the matching extension cab for that combo. The combo is likely quieter, and has the ability to expand. The MB200 only has one output, and upgrading to a higher power amp (like the MB500 with two outputs) negates the purpose of a “small” amp.

I'd say take your MB200 to a store with two matching bass cabs that are 8 ohm. Then crank that sucker! My MB200 gets pretty loud when playing through two stacked bass speakers. You might already have the solution and don't realize it. Doesn't cost anything to try.

 

[rag]

@rag Is the DI output of the fusion combos similar to the fusion 550? Thanks!

@rag Is the DI output of the fusion combos similar to the fusion 550? Thanks!

Yes in that both the pre and post outputs are tube driven. This is possible because unlike most other modern hybrid amps the Fusion heads and combos use tubes in the active equalizer.
RAG

 

[rag]

Looking at the new Fusion combos I noticed that they are significantly lighter than the corresponding speaker configurations in the Neo cabinet series. I.e. the Fusion 212 combo is ~9 lbs less than the Neo 212 cab. Is it construction? wood choice? New neodym speakers? May there be lighter Neo cabs in the future?

Yes
RAG

 

[rag]

Today, I was doing an amp “head to head” between my ‘68 Traynor YBA-1A and my 700RB-II.

The GK easily has more clean headroom, but there was something cool and complex going on in the Traynor’s mids - and I tried to match it by using the mid EQs, then the Contour, but I just couldn’t get there.

I like mids in my tone, so I typically don’t use the Contour circuit.

But today, on a whim, I tried turning the Contour all the way up (for a big mid scoop) and then maxing both mid controls to compensate.

The resulting tone was big, raw, and nasty sounding - and like a bigger version of the Traynor’s tone.

Does anyone use their RB-Series amp like this?!?!

It seemed pointless - scoop the mids out only to boost them back in-but the results were far cooler than I’d have expected.

I’ll try it tonight at rehearsal and see if that tone fits in a band mix...

I love to hear stories like this. You can use the equalizer in GK amps like this because they all incorporate a unique active serial variable Q design that doesn’t get obnoxious with extreme settings while providing tremendous tone variability.
RAG

 

[rag]

Yup.



Are they both 8ohm cabs? If so expect about +3dB from coupling from the 212 over the 112.

If the 212 is 4ohm, you might get closer to +6dB depending on the amp.

If you're talking 2 8ohm 112s vs a 4ohm 212 it should be a wash.

Happy to be corrected.

You got it.
RAG

 

[rag]

Got around to taking a look under the hood for this, and there are some interesting results I think if you're interested.

As a start, this is the GK curve that we all know and love - knobs at noon, no presence, no contour, in 4-string mode:
View attachment 3981591



Maxing contour, with EQ nooned does this:
View attachment 3981592



This is where it gets interesting, because while it compensates a little, it still really doesn't offset the huge scoop much. More than anything it raises the level a ton. See below for contour maxed, with both mids maxed as well (teal line vs the previous):
View attachment 3981593


Lastly, I believe you said you dialed back low-mids down to 3:00, which results in a little bit more of a scoop, but not a ton of change (green line)
View attachment 3981596

Moral of the story? Don't fear the scoop. Use what sounds good to you in your mixes regardless of what others on the internet say.

Nice work if you really look closely you can see the variable Q at work.
RAG

 

[kleinenenten]

I'd say take your MB200 to a store with two matching bass cabs that are 8 ohm. Then crank that sucker! My MB200 gets pretty loud when playing through two stacked bass speakers. You might already have the solution and don't realize it. Doesn't cost anything to try.

I haven’t thought of this, but the MB200 only has a single output. How are you connecting two cabs? Do you use a splitter? My ideal cab is about $350 used these days, and I can get the 400RB combo for about that price, and the extension cab likely cheaper. The combo may be a cheaper solution down the road. And it has other features I prefer, but don’t NEED. We’ll see what happens.

 

[kleinenenten]

I would go with the 400RB. It's always a rock solid choice

I know. I already have the standalone head!

 

[Andyman001]

I haven’t thought of this, but the MB200 only has a single output. How are you connecting two cabs? Do you use a splitter? My ideal cab is about $350 used these days, and I can get the 400RB combo for about that price, and the extension cab likely cheaper. The combo may be a cheaper solution down the road. And it has other features I prefer, but don’t NEED. We’ll see what happens.

you need at least one cab to have parallel inputs, then daisy-chain that cab to the other. its just like parallel outputs on the head, so don't go below 4 ohms.

 

[Engle]

I'd say take your MB200 to a store with two matching bass cabs that are 8 ohm. Then crank that sucker! My MB200 gets pretty loud when playing through two stacked bass speakers. You might already have the solution and don't realize it. Doesn't cost anything to try.

I use an MB200 with one or two Ampeg 210AV cabs. It’s a loud little amp! Thinking about an MB500 just for the extra features.

 

[mobass55]

Anyone have any interest in a 1973 b300 head and original cabinet? If so PM me for details