• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0 Appreciation Thread

Now that's where I'm confused a little (among other things I've been told as well). The owners manual says 500 watts @ 4 ohms , but the tag on the side of the head says 550 watts. That's why I said 550 watts , but I just looked in the manual when you asked the question and it said 500 watts @ 4ohms. So there you go - let's not hijack this thread any longer - don't want to offend anyone else.

The 550 watt spec you are talking about is the power 'used', not the power output. Like all class D amps that are very efficient, the output power is much closer to the input power than older amp design. (this is why they run so cool).
 
It should be noted that the input power spec. is based on several factors but UL and CB Scheme require that it be no less than the power consumption at 1/8 rated power into the minimum rated load. It can also be higher if the AVERAGE load under the typical application of the amp is greater than 1/8-power. Each manufacturer will make their own assumptions about what is typical, therefore the power consumption number can not be directly compared with other makes, or even models within the same manufacturer.
 
It should be noted that the input power spec. is based on several factors but UL and CB Scheme require that it be no less than the power consumption at 1/8 rated power into the minimum rated load. It can also be higher if the AVERAGE load under the typical application of the amp is greater than 1/8-power. Each manufacturer will make their own assumptions about what is typical, therefore the power consumption number can not be directly compared with other makes, or even models within the same manufacturer.

+1 It is a relatively uninteresting spec anyway. However, some mistakenly read that spec as power output versus 'input', which causes even more confusion.

And, as you know, even published 'marketing' power output specs are not comparable across manufacturers, as different companies report power specs based on different testing criteria, and GREATLY different distortion levels, THD, etc. This, combined with different gain and master volume tapers/designs, makes comparing the performance and output of amps from different companies quite difficult for the average user.

The only thing that really means anything is if a given amp performs at the maximum volume (and of course, tone) that you need. This 'max volume' issue has much more to do with cab SPL and cab size/number of drivers, etc. than a couple hundred watts difference either way across various products (especially when that couple/few hundred watts difference is reported by the manufacturer based on very different testing criteria).

It would be very unusual (IMO) for a player who has good technique and who plays at a relatively professional level (i.e., has good control of their instrument, output level, and at least some clue regarding input gain settings and EQ) to not be able to do virtually any gig with the vast majority of the current batch of micro heads, paired optimally with a 'context/volume' appropriate cab at an optimal nominal impedance for a given head. At this point, IMO, it is all about choosing the one that provides the best tone and feel for the individual player.
 
It would be very unusual (IMO) for a player who has good technique and who plays at a relatively professional level (i.e., has good control of their instrument, output level, and at least some clue regarding input gain settings and EQ) to not be able to do virtually any gig with the vast majority of the current batch of micro heads, paired optimally with a 'context/volume' appropriate cab at an optimal nominal impedance for a given head. At this point, IMO, it is all about choosing the one that provides the best tone and feel for the individual player.

Agreed, and in fact this comment should probably be stickied or FAQ'd as it puts the whole "playability" issue in perspective IMO.
 
Hmm. This description makes me want to revisit this control, as I think I have misunderstood it all this time (I own the Shuttle 6.0). The "boost" moniker, while perhaps easier for the sales folks, may have done this feature a disservice, at least in my case.

So, if I wanted to start with the amp "flat" and adjust from there (which is my usual procedure), you are suggesting that engaging the LF Boost switch actually extends the "flat" area of the response to lower frequencies, rather than introducing a boost peak into an already flat part of the curve. Have I summarized this correctly?

Interestingly, I was comparing my open E string to my open A last week at a rehearsal, and noticing that I was getting slightly more punch and volume from the A. I assumed this was a pickup height issue, but now I'm wondering if I'm actually hearing a rolloff in the amp voicing right there. Will definitely experiment with this next time.

When thinking of the characteristics of the "compact" cabs vs. the "larger, more traditional" cabs, where would a pair of NEOX 112 cabs fall in that spectrum?

Thanks very much for this added information!



5. Low end response... The Shuttles have a switched function filter called "LF boost" which was previously called "LF Extend" on the GBE series amps. This filter alters the LF characteristics of the amp by shifting down the internal HPF and modifying the knee response (asymetrically). The amp by design will have less low end response with the switch in the out position when playing loud, which matches better the compact and sub-compact cabinet characteristics that many manufacturers (including us) have introduced. When playing with larger, more traditional cabinets (and even the smaller cabinest at realistic volumes) this switch should be pressed in to select the more extended low end response curve. The more accurate description of the function is LF Extend but LF Boost is easier for the sales folks to explain I suppose.
 
Hmm. This description makes me want to revisit this control, as I think I have misunderstood it all this time (I own the Shuttle 6.0). The "boost" moniker, while perhaps easier for the sales folks, may have done this feature a disservice, at least in my case.

The engineer in me says "grrrrrr" when this kind of thing comes up, but I also understand that the majority of players don't really care about the details of how something operates or the difference between terminology. TB folks tend to be amongst the more technically focused which skews perception a bit.

So, if I wanted to start with the amp "flat" and adjust from there (which is my usual procedure), you are suggesting that engaging the LF Boost switch actually extends the "flat" area of the response to lower frequencies, rather than introducing a boost peak into an already flat part of the curve. Have I summarized this correctly?

Yes, the LF boost actually extends the LF cutoff point. There actually is a very slight boost that occurs but it's trivial in context, and a byproduct of the type of filter and the compound implimentation of circuits that accompany the function. Try it and lett us how it feels to you.

Interestingly, I was comparing my open E string to my open A last week at a rehearsal, and noticing that I was getting slightly more punch and volume from the A. I assumed this was a pickup height issue, but now I'm wondering if I'm actually hearing a rolloff in the amp voicing right there. Will definitely experiment with this next time.

It could be either, a combination of the two. I always suggest that you maximize the performance of your instrument regardless of the amp you choose to play.

When thinking of the characteristics of the "compact" cabs vs. the "larger, more traditional" cabs, where would a pair of NEOX 112 cabs fall in that spectrum?

Thanks very much for this added information!

The NeoX 112 is sort of compact but is probably more closely a typical full sized cabinet, there is kind of a gray area around there IMO. I would certainly use a NeoX 112 with the LF engaged unless you are driving it very hard and need a little more headroom myself.
 
Well here she is, the new arrival:

100_5788.jpg


I couldn't be happier. This is an amazing sounding amp. Top notch construction and incredible tones. Sounds superb thru the neox 212T and plays real nice with the VT Bass also.

Can't wait to gig it tomorrow night. The band will be in for a nice surprise. I'm officially a Genz guy now :hyper:
 
Well here she is, the new arrival:

100_5788.jpg


I couldn't be happier. This is an amazing sounding amp. Top notch construction and incredible tones. Sounds superb thru the neox 212T and plays real nice with the VT Bass also.

Can't wait to gig it tomorrow night. The band will be in for a nice surprise. I'm officially a Genz guy now :hyper:
Excellent. The first thing I'm going to do when I get mine next week is play it for a few minutes, then swap out the tube to a Telefunken ECC83. We'll see how it works.
 
Well i have had my shuttle 9 and uber410(4 ohm) for maybe a month now,and what can i say about an amp that sounds mint flat,except the fun begins from there.

These 2 are a perfect match,suits all the venues we gig.
After 20 years playing through various amp/cab combinations i Finally have all i need now in an amp and cab,in every respect.All my basses just sound great,and when you have a great sound you just tend to play better and thats the cream on the top !
Top marks to GB :cool: thanks,rave from down under over.:)
 
here is a better link to a gig 2 weeks ago , I was using my Shuttle 9.0 , love this head , it was going thru the DI pre eq and the cab was miked on 2 separate channels ,Invalid Link Removed it is on the Franchot Tone videos , thanks for looking
 
here is a better link to a gig 2 weeks ago , I was using my Shuttle 9.0 , love this head , it was going thru the DI pre eq and the cab was miked on 2 separate channels ,Invalid Link Removed it is on the Franchot Tone videos , thanks for looking

Great stuff. That kick drum really puts a lot of punch in your attack. Nice and tight rhythm section. I assume you did some remixing after the fact?
 
Great stuff. That kick drum really puts a lot of punch in your attack. Nice and tight rhythm section. I assume you did some remixing after the fact?
not anything but vocal stuff , our monitors ended up not working well at all so our vocals were not exactly where we wanted them , the gig was multitrack , we did not do any retakes with the music , but probably just a bit of mixing , it is live booboos and all , thanks
 
Good grief I need new glasses. The first time I read this I thought it said "it is live, boobs and all" :eek:

meh...it wouldn't matter to you either way. I remember one night you were driving me and Jeff around Northern Cal some where.

I beautiful college lady dropped her nickers to moon us. You just kept on driving, explaing the thermo nuclear non-linear extrapolation of some theorum.

I almost broke my neck trying to jump out of the car.