Genz-Benz Streamliner Part 5

[Eublet]

I would imagine that control is not really calibrated to the point you could be sure, but at least generally, about what frequency do you think you're bumping with this setting?

From memory, that' probably around 700 hz from my scoping of the Tone Hammer, which is a bit HIGH from where the mid scoop is on the SL900 when set flat. I'll have to double check to be sure. Cutting bass to around 10:30 and boosting mids to around 2 at 600hz pushes that scoop up just above 1k, which is a bit higher than what the Tone Hammer can boost at. I've been thinking of trying to run a scope through both units simultaneously to see if I can get a flat setting between the two in tandem, but honestly I don't know what the point would be. I'd never use such a setup to do this on a playing situation. With the SL, I pretty much use the Tone Hammer setup for overdrive only, with the EQ flat. It's just a stompbox at that point. It adds the dirt, while the SL creates the tube feel and slight compression. It sounds wonderful.

Now I do have some Tone Hammer settings that can get really close to the Streamliner when set with all controls at noon minus just a touch of bass. It copes the tone a bit, but doesn't really approach the full feel of the tubes in the SL of course.

 

[KJung]

I would imagine that control is not really calibrated to the point you could be sure, but at least generally, about what frequency do you think you're bumping with this setting?

Given the range of the tonehammer's mid control (180 to 1K), 2 o'clock is probably around 700z or so, probably full octave Q). This makes much sense with the Thunderchild, since response is so even with that cab. especially with the mid to treble transition. With a J Bass and the very smooth Streamliner and that cab, I also need a touch of boost in that upper mid area IMO.

Of course, this would be quite different with a different cab, but I tend to boost the Streamliner at the 2.2K level with my Thunderchild to bring out a bit more of that upper mid peak voicing that is inherent in so many other neo cabs.

I can see that working nicely for the OP! I have a clip of the Thunderchild with the Streamliner and my A-C LM 70's style J with just a touch of upper mids boosted and everything else flat... so you can kind of hear that vibe with that rig. Sounds pretty darn nice... fat and warm and crisp.!

 

[hensonbass]

Given the range of the tonehammer's mid control (180 to 1K), 2 o'clock is probably around 700z or so, probably full octave Q). This makes much sense with the Thunderchild, since response is so even with that cab. especially with the mid to treble transition. With a J Bass and the very smooth Streamliner and that cab, I also need a touch of boost in that upper mid area IMO.

I should have said it's more of a upper-mid issue for me that I'm trying to resolve. I think I'm after a certain voicing style that makes the instrument cut through a bit more. And that is not for everyone, of course!

All I know is that TH particular setting seems to bring back some missing presence to the overall sound of the SL900 and the Thunderchild. Now maybe with another bass and/or a different cab it's not necessary.

I guess I should try the boost bass and 220k at 3 o'clock thing that's been suggested. I think with a Thunderchild cab it would be a bit too boomy, but I'll try.

Don't get me wrong here! The Streamliner is a GREAT amp. All I'm looking to do is make it the perfect one for me.

I guess the next step is to pony up for a Bergantino cab now. Hey Ken- do you think the best lightweight option is the AE410 over the AE212?

 

[Vic]

From memory, that' probably around 700 hz from my scoping of the Tone Hammer...

Given the range of the tonehammer's mid control (180 to 1K), 2 o'clock is probably around 700z or so, probably full octave Q).

Thanks guys!

...which is a bit HIGH from where the mid scoop is on the SL900 when set flat.

Well, at least totally subjectively from what I heard in Ed's video, I can personally see this being a good place to boost. FWIW anyway.

 

[KJung]

I should have said it's more of a upper-mid issue for me that I'm trying to resolve. I think I'm after a certain voicing style that makes the instrument cut through a bit more. And that is not for everyone, of course!

All I know is that TH particular setting seems to bring back some missing presence to the overall sound of the SL900 and the Thunderchild. Now maybe with another bass and/or a different cab it's not necessary.

I guess I should try the boost bass and 220k at 3 o'clock thing that's been suggested. I think with a Thunderchild cab it would be a bit too boomy, but I'll try.

Don't get me wrong here! The Streamliner is a GREAT amp. All I'm looking to do is make it the perfect one for me.

I guess the next step is to pony up for a Bergantino cab now. Hey Ken- do you think the best lightweight option is the AE410 over the AE212?

The AE410 does a much better yin yang with the Streamliner, so I prefer that by a wide amount over the AE212 with this particular head. The smooth upper mids and big low end of the Streamliner really match-up well with the lower mid present and tight low end of the AE410 and the aggressive upper mids of that cab. Very little EQ is needed IME to get the Streamliner sounding great.

The AE212 is a bit too much of a good thing with the Streamliner for my personal tastes.... too big down low and too relaxed up top. Just IMO there... surely doesn't sound 'bad' by any means.

 

[zippydog]

I know the question wasn't directed at me, but FWIW I like to roll the bass back a bit (depending on the room, and wether I'm using my P or J), and push 220Hz to about 2-o'clock.

Yum.

Thanks - I'll try that!

 

[Eublet]

I should have said it's more of a upper-mid issue for me that I'm trying to resolve. I think I'm after a certain voicing style that makes the instrument cut through a bit more. And that is not for everyone, of course!

What are you considering upper-mids? As a big Tone Hammer fan and user, I can get lots of presence going without it being what I'd call upper mids. Tell me how you like setting up your Tone Hammer, and I can give you some tips on the SL.

All I know is that TH particular setting seems to bring back some missing presence to the overall sound of the SL900 and the Thunderchild. Now maybe with another bass and/or a different cab it's not necessary.

Is the AGS engaged on your Tone Hammer, or not? That setting really changes up what the EQ settings doing.

Don't get me wrong here! The Streamliner is a GREAT amp. All I'm looking to do is make it the perfect one for me.

It really has the feel and tone of a classic tube amp. So use it when you need that. When you want something more modern and Solid State sounding, plug that Tone Hammer into the FX return on the SL900, and put your bass directly into the Tone Hammer. Then you can use it with or without the AGS. That works great also!

 

[Coelho]

Streamliner, specially the 600...
Why is it so much more than comparable heads?

 

[Coelho]

It sounds great, but it's still not quite the kind of power amp and speaker distortion that a guitarist would want I'm guessing. I haven't tried, so maybe I'm wrong.

Are you talking about the Streamliner? Or the tubes?

Streamliner. Why is it so much more than comparable heads?

 

[Eublet]

Streamliner. Why is it so much more than comparable heads?

I don't think it is. High voltage, multi-tube, 6 stage lightweight micro head. What else is there to compare it to?

 

[wateroftyne]

Streamliner. Why is it so much more than comparable heads?

It's VERY reasonably priced in the UK, compared to Aguilar, TC, Mesa....

 

[KJung]

I don't think it is. High voltage, multi-tube, 6 stage lightweight micro head. What else is there to compare it to?

+1 I think the selling price of the Streamliner 600 and the GK MBFusion500 are pretty close.

 

[nostatic]

What is the value of amazing customer service? That should be factored into an amp's price imho.

GB amps are a bargain.

 

[Darkstrike]

I'd kinda like to find out what amp does what the Streamliner does but much cheaper.

I didn't think such a device existed.

 

[KsPiNeSh]

I'd kinda like to find out what amp does what the Streamliner does but much cheaper.

I didn't think such a device existed.

One that weighs 6 pounds and is cheaper? It doesn't.

 

[Coelho]

I don't think it is. High voltage, multi-tube, 6 stage lightweight micro head. What else is there to compare it to?

At the end of the day, it is all about putting out a decent sound in a small and light package at a certain wattage range.

You have GK, Markbass, TC, doing that for less money.

 

[KJung]

At the end of the day, it is all about putting out a decent sound in a small and light package at a certain wattage range.

You have GK, Markbass, TC, doing that for less money.

Again, where are you getting your pricing information. The Streamliner900 sells for less than the TCRH450, the Streamliner 600 sells for about the same or less as the Markbass F500 or the GKMBFusion.

 

[Coelho]

One that weighs 6 pounds and is cheaper? It doesn't.

Markbass F500?

 

[wateroftyne]

At the end of the day, it is all about putting out a decent sound in a small and light package at a certain wattage range.

You have GK, Markbass, TC, doing that for less money.

The TC doesn't sound anything like the Genz, IME. And it's more expensive in the UK.

I can't speak for the others.

 

[KsPiNeSh]

At the end of the day, it is all about putting out a decent sound in a small and light package at a certain wattage range.

You have GK, Markbass, TC, doing that for less money.

Not with the Streamliner sound. I daresay all of these amps have a voice to them, and the strength of the Streamliner is something that other amps can get close to (very close in some cases), but is currently unmatched in the micro market. Less money, but with a different sound.