Genz-Benz Streamliner Part 5

[Vic]

You guys are getting me worried with the scooped mids talk!!!

Keep things in perspective here.

A dip in the mids doesn't mean it has an intolerable lack of mids.

It's going to be a personal pref/gear thing just like with any other product.

Just watch the vids, read the posts, but take them ALL (including mine) with a grain of salt. Remember, these are ALL largely just "IMHO/IME" even if folks don't explicitly say so.

 

[Gab124]

Not scooped at all IMO. BUT, and this is a huge deal to some, it does not have the inherent hi-mid punch and overall SS brightness that other micro heads have. If you like your bass to sound ultra-bright and want to hear the windings of your string, or if you have an inherently dark bass to begin with, then this is probably NOT your head.

For my needs, the lowmid grunt and overall thickness to the sound is exactly what I need. YMMV.

Amen brother!

 

[Tunaman]

Not scooped at all IMO. BUT, and this is a huge deal to some, it does not have the inherent hi-mid punch and overall SS brightness that other micro heads have. If you like your bass to sound ultra-bright and want to hear the windings of your string, or if you have an inherently dark bass to begin with, then this is probably NOT your head.

For my needs, the lowmid grunt and overall thickness to the sound is exactly what I need. YMMV.

This is Exactly why we bought this head, its DIFFERENT! Love it, everything else now seems the same. LM III, GK, Shuttle, Eden... its SS tone vs the Streamliner.

 

[funkyjudge]

I have the same cab as yours (Epi UL310 SII). How does this head do with this cab? I have a MB F500 paired with the UL310 now which is "MONEY", but the Streamliner has me intrigued.

I play mostly P's, J's and MM basses.

I very much like (bordering on love) the sounds that I get with the SL900 paired with my Epi UL310 S2. Others (principally KJung) have commented that this pairing might just be "too much of a good thing", but I disagree. I'm a "semi-old school" bassist, in that I love the low-down punch-to-kick that one gets with some amps (particularly tube amps) and cabinets. I don't find that there's too much bottom with this setup, and I use a couple of dark-sounding basses ('08 AmStd P-Bass with rosewood board and a Fender Custom Shop Jazz Bass with S-1 pickup switching that I tend to run in parallel mode most of the time). My 4-string "LullDowsky" also has a darker note to it than many modern active J-style basses do .... alder body with rosewood board and Aguilar pickups + OBP-1 preamp probably contributes here. The only bass that I am having trouble 'dialing-in' with the SL900 and UL310 cobination is my ash/maple M. Lull M5V, but I am going to dial-back the internal preamp gain on this bass a bit to see if that tames it some (FYI - I also experienced this phenomenon with this particular bass when I was using a G-B Shuttle 9.0 through the UL310, if I gave it much tube gain). Some guys who like the sound of a modern ash/maple acive bass with a powewrful 18V internal preamp may really dig the sound that this bass generates through the SL900/UL310 ... it's just not my personal 'cup of tea'. I'm hoping that some internal preamp tweaking does the trick, as I already have the bass' preamp settings set flat (or turned to 'passive' mode) when playing it ... and that sort-of kills the whole concept of having the active bass!

One thing that I have noticed is that I like the sounds that I get with this amp when the UL310's tweeter is either set all the way off or at no more than 20-30% level (with the Lull 5-string, all the way off, because as I have indicated, that is a very "bright-sounding" bass by nature). I posted this earlier, but with the three "darker" rosewood-board basses, I keep the EQ settings fairly flat, boosting none of these any further than 1:00-1:30, and cutting no further than about 10:30-11:00 on their respective dials. I tend to give the P-Bass the most tube (or pre) gain, although both of the rosewood-board J-style basses (well, one's a true Jazz and the "LullDowsky" is a Jazz-style) also sound good with a bit more tube (pre) gain, as well. The "LullDowsky" can also be played very comfortably with the high-gain button engaged, and I always use this setting with my two Fender basses. With the Lull M5V, there is absolutely NO WAY that I will use the high-gain setting ... the sounds that I get are just too painful when that is attempted. With this bass, I also use less pre-gain than with the other three.

I know this has been a long response, but I wanted to give you the full picture.

Oh -- final note: The P-Bass is strung with "super flats"; the Jazz and LullDowsky basses with DR nickels; the Lull M5V with D'Addario stainless strings (but I will probably switch to DR Lo-Rider nickels soon).

 

[KJung]

Keep things in perspective here.

A dip in the mids doesn't mean it has an intolerable lack of mids.

It's going to be a personal pref/gear thing just like with any other product.

Just watch the vids, read the posts, but take them ALL (including mine) with a grain of salt. Remember, these are ALL largely just "IMHO/IME" even if folks don't explicitly say so.

+1 I just finished spending time with a TBers new LDS 15/6 (NICE) and the Streamliner and F500 with the P and 60's J. All sounded very nice.

Interestingly, I noticed very little max volume difference between the Streamliner 900 and the F500 at 8ohms. Both loud, full and punchy. That could be a voicing thing.

With the P... forget about it... for my ear (and Don's also), the Streamliner was just fat and perfect. The best tone we achieved was with the Streamliner flat except for a touch of treble reducition (treble at about 10 o'clock). Using Don's words 'now, that is a P Bass'. Perfect.

To Vic's point about the mids, I GREATLY preferred the F500 with my Alleva-Coppolo 60's J and the 15/6. There was a bit of hollowness in the low end of the Streamliner with the 15/6 down low with that bass that I couldn't dial in with the low mids. Still sounded great, but I missed the burp and low mid punch of the F500. Of course, part of this is the wide, smoother 15/6... I didn't feel the same way with the AE410.... so 'mix and match' continues to be key. This reinforces my feeling that for some, a tight 'tube friendly' cab will be key to enjoing this head. IMO there.

I could get the F500 to sound pretty similar to the Streamliner (not so much in the tubey thing, but in the general tone profile) by cutting the treble to 10 o'clock, cutting the upper mids at around 1K to 10 o'clock, and then engaging the VPF at 9 o'clock (which softens the low mids and expands the deep low end.

So, to Vic's early comment, and to others who hear a 'mid scoop' if you have a very even, big sounding cab like the 15/6, you will get more round low end than 'burp and punch', and it is hard to dial that in with the Streamliner.

I cotinue to love this head with my P Bass, and have yet to hear a cab combination that to my ear sounds better with a J than being driven by my F500 (which is more similar to the Shuttle voicing). IMO there.

 

[Tunaman]

My Epifani 310 NYC sounds AWESOME with the Streamliner.

 

[GRoberts]

+1 I just finished spending time with a TBers new LDS 15/6 (NICE) and the Streamliner and F500 with the P and 60's J. All sounded very nice.

Interestingly, I noticed very little max volume difference between the Streamliner 900 and the F500 at 8ohms. Both loud, full and punchy. That could be a voicing thing.

With the P... forget about it... for my ear (and Don's also), the Streamliner was just fat and perfect. The best tone we achieved was with the Streamliner flat except for a touch of treble reducition (treble at about 10 o'clock). Using Don's words 'now, that is a P Bass'. Perfect.

To Vic's point about the mids, I GREATLY perfered the F500 with my Alleva-Coppolo 60's J and the 15/6. There was a bit of hollowness in the low end of the Streamliner with the 15/6 down low with that bass that I couldn't dial in with the low mids. Still sounded great, but I missed the burp and low mid punch of the F500. Of course, part of this is the wide, smoother 15/6... I didn't feel the same way with the AE410.... so 'mix and match' continues to be key. This reinforces my feeling that for some, a tight 'tube friendly' cab will be key to enjoing this head. IMO there.

I could get the F500 to sound pretty similar to the Streamliner (not so much in the tubey thing, but in the general tone profile) by cutting the treble to 10 o'clock, cutting the upper mids at around 1K to 10 o'clock, and then engaging the VPF at 9 o'clock (which softens the low mids and expands the deep low end.

So, to Vic's early comment, and to others who hear a 'mid scoop' if you have a very even, big sounding cab like the 15/6, you will get more round low end than 'burp and punch', and it is hard to dial that in with the Streamliner.

I cotinue to love this head with my P Bass, and have yet to hear a cab combination that to my ear sounds better with a J than being driven by my F500 (which is more similar to the Shuttle voicing). IMO there.

What are your ongoing thoughts about the SL900 with an AE410 and JJ basses?

 

[KJung]

What are your ongoing thoughts about the SL900 with an AE410 and JJ basses?

To me, it is kind of a 'louder/fuller' LMII thing with J basses and the AE410 (which is a good thing). However, for my J tone goals, it is not even close to replacing my F500. I like that 'burp and grind' on m J's.

Compared to your LMII, the Streamliner will be louder and less compressed down low when you dig in, a bit deeper on the low end, similarly smooth in the upper mids, and the top end will be similar in range, but more tubey and sweet.

If you dig the LMII with the AE410, my guess is you would like the Streamliner 900 quite a bit. That being said, the LMII sounds very 'constant' from cab to cab to cab... the Streamliner, just like I found with my MPulse600 and my more limited experience with the DB750, really 'shines or folds' depending on the cab. The AE410 seems 'made' for the Streamliner to my ear, especially if you are using a P Bass.

IMO there.

 

[GRoberts]

To me, it is kind of a 'louder/fuller' LMII thing with J basses and the AE410 (which is a good thing). However, for my J tone goals, it is not even close to replacing my F500. I like that 'burp and grind' on m J's.

Compared to your LMII, the Streamliner will be louder and less compressed down low when you dig in, a bit deeper on the low end, similarly smooth in the upper mids, and the top end will be similar in range, but more tubey and sweet.

If you dig the LMII with the AE410, my guess is you would like the Streamliner 900 quite a bit. That being said, the LMII sounds very 'constant' from cab to cab to cab... the Streamliner, just like I found with my MPulse600 and my more limited experience with the DB750, really 'shines or folds' depending on the cab. The AE410 seems 'made' for the Streamliner to my ear, especially if you are using a P Bass.

IMO there.

Thanks Ken! I prefer a nice articulate midrange with burp and grind, but also a good punchy deep bass that is not overly bloated, round or enveloping. Just fat and punchy. Seems like I could dial that in well enough with the SL900. My Nordy VJ5 with Big Singles has plenty of mids, grind and growl.

 

[triplelutz]

In the studio today with the STL 900 and a REDDI. Interesting! The Genz is holding it's own. Punchy and meaty- with the EQ of the Genz, you can get real close. I still love the REDDI but this amp is impressive as a DI.... Really impressive!

 

[jfv]

... I like that 'burp and grind' on m J's.

Hmmm, so its like sex on a full stomach?

I have finally gotten serious about the SL900, have played with
one in the store twice and was not quite convinced... but I just
couldn't leave it alone so I took the lil beast home...

I've now played it with my M2 signature, my Carvin 6 fretless,
and yes, even my upright. I'm thoroughly impressed, I think
my upright sounds better than it did thru an MB 2x10 combo.

It is just bliss on the fretless, I don't own a P, now I'm getting
curious about that...

My big decision now is what cab, I have an AE112, but I'm
torn between another Berg, or a GB.

 

[KsPiNeSh]

In the studio today with the STL 900 and a REDDI. Interesting! The Genz is holding it's own. Punchy and meaty- with the EQ of the Genz, you can get real close. I still love the REDDI but this amp is impressive as a DI.... Really impressive!

Post-EQ I'm assuming

 

[Bipslapper]

My Epifani 310 NYC sounds AWESOME with the Streamliner.

Tunaman, where are you in the Boston area? I currently only have my Berg HT112 to play my SL 900 through. Although, I guess I could purchase a new 4X10 cab!

I may try to bring the 900 to a Boston area store and play; where did you get the Epiani? I am on the Cape

 

[zippydog]

The Shuttle is to the Streamliner like the J bass is to the P bass. Do you prefer the J or the P, Shuttle or the SL?

The Streamliner can make my Sterling H sound like a P bass & that blows my mind by the way.

And what if I play a 5PJ?
Thought I was ready to sell my Shuttle 9 for a Streamliner. Thread #5 here has me thinking more about that...

Thoughts on the Streamliner 900 paired with either my Berg HS210 or Berg HT112ER? From what I've read so far, either (or both) of these should be pretty solid together w/the Streamliner.

 

[triplelutz]

Post-EQ I'm assuming

Yep- post EQ.....

 

[KJung]

And what if I play a 5PJ?
Thought I was ready to sell my Shuttle 9 for a Streamliner. Thread #5 here has me thinking more about that...

I think the whole J bass P bass thing came from my personal preference in some posts, versus anything else. I like an old school, fat, round but still articulate P bass tone, and this head delivers that in spades. However, when I play a J, I personally like it tight and bright and grindy, which this head ain't. That doesn't mean that others with a different J bass tone goal might not love this thing.

 

[nostatic]

And what if I play a 5PJ?
Thought I was ready to sell my Shuttle 9 for a Streamliner. Thread #5 here has me thinking more about that...

This Sunday I'll try to bring both heads to the gig and switch between them for the two sets. I always record the sets so that may give some inkling.

 

[hellcat83]

Hi !

Received my SL900 just before my band rehearsal this afternoon so I had the chance to try it in a "live" setting, with drums and a loud guitar (we play heavy rock, think Mudhoney, QOTSA...). Paired with two Aguilar DB115, and my 51 RI PBass, it was tone heaven !!! I tried different settings, gain switch engaged or not, different flavours but definitely a great sound, thick, powerful, yet smooth... everything I hoped it would be.

Quite in same territory as my Ampeg V4BH in terms of tone, but with so much power and girth, smoother too.

Though, I understand some of the comments about the difficulty to dial in certain mid frequencies. Not a problem for me because I love low mids, but the tone is definitely in these territories. I set the 220Hz at 1 o'clock, and added some upper mids with my Tone Hammer to get the "perfect sound". Even without the Tone Hammer, the Streamliner is a great amp on its own.

Thanks for sharing your impressions and videos, without you I'd never thought to buy a microhead !

Greetings from France
Vincent

 

[Tunaman]

Tunaman, where are you in the Boston area? I currently only have my Berg HT112 to play my SL 900 through. Although, I guess I could purchase a new 4X10 cab!

I may try to bring the 900 to a Boston area store and play; where did you get the Epiani? I am on the Cape

BostonGuitarWorks

Many years ago, they are still a dealer.

In Brockton closer to you than me!

Invalid Link Removed

 

[Tunaman]

In the studio today with the STL 900 and a REDDI. Interesting! The Genz is holding it's own. Punchy and meaty- with the EQ of the Genz, you can get real close. I still love the REDDI but this amp is impressive as a DI.... Really impressive!

Really appreciate the review... saw you had your REDDI up for sale

Hows the Pre-EQ tone vs the Post-EQ? Do you notice a difference in the Pre EQ DI quality vs a SS DI by chance?

I'm glad someone else considers the quality of the DI, I got SLAMMED for even asking the question.