Yep... a sweepable midrange control is a very handy tone-shaping tool. Have to try it and hear how the preset frequencies work out.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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 free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Genz Benz Streamliner-Pt 2
- Thread starter Chef
- Start date
- Status
Yep... a sweepable midrange control is a very handy tone-shaping tool. Have to try it and hear how the preset frequencies work out.
Semi Parametric center points seem very nicely chosen.... around 200hz to add low mid punch and burp if needed, 600hz to cut that 'nasal' area in some cabs, and around 2K to either reduce the ganky upper mids for some tones with more modern two way cabs, or to add upper mid grit and grind in more vintage one way cabs.
Since most of these semi-parametric mids are set at a 1 octave width anyway, the difference in center frequencies close to one another is quite subtle. So, this should work out pretty nicely for most applications, and won't really sound/behave much differently that a continuously variable mid control in the real world IMO and IME.
Semi Parametric center points seem very nicely chosen.... around 200hz to add low mid punch and burp if needed, 600hz to cut that 'nasal' area in some cabs, and around 2K to either reduce the ganky upper mids for some tones with more modern two way cabs, or to add upper mid grit and grind in more vintage one way cabs.
Since most of these semi-parametric mids are set at a 1 octave width anyway, the difference in center frequencies close to one another is quite subtle. So, this should work out pretty nicely for most applications, and won't really sound/behave much differently that a continuously variable mid control in the real world IMO and IME.[/QUOTE
I do agree with this.I like the frequencies they chose for the presets.I'm just not sure I understand the reason to go to presets on this one when their other micro heads have the sweepable control.I find that way more usable for me.
Everything else to me looks perfect.I'll for sure be giving this a test drive along with the SMax9.2.Might have to have both.
Often, I use a sweep EQ to find an "offending" frequency and cut a little right there (or, rarely, add a boost at a "nice" frequency). Preset frequency choices won't allow for that... unless the "offender" is at one of the set EQ points. Of course, this depends on the cabinet, instrument, phase of the moon, venue, etc....
Given that a continuous sweep requires the same amount of knobs as a multi-position switch, I'd go for a sweep almost every time. My SVP-PRO has a multi-position midrange switch, and sounds good... but isn't a versatile at tone-shaping as other continuously sweepable preamps. Then again, there may be technical reasons why GB didn't implement this sort of EQ on the Streamliner.
Given that a continuous sweep requires the same amount of knobs as a multi-position switch, I'd go for a sweep almost every time. My SVP-PRO has a multi-position midrange switch, and sounds good... but isn't a versatile at tone-shaping as other continuously sweepable preamps. Then again, there may be technical reasons why GB didn't implement this sort of EQ on the Streamliner.
+1, although with a full octave width, you probably aren't zeroing into a particular frequency as closely as you think.
The EBS semiparametric mid control is VERY cool in that way though.... it has a wider Q when boosted, and a narrower Q when cutting, and if you cut the mid level to its max, the control automatically changes to a notch filter, cutting VERY specific frequencies (i.e., to control DB feedback). Really cool circuit (HD350 and TB650/60).
I think the relatively old school fixed mid center points just fit the more 'vintage' design goal of the amp, so again, makes sense to me, and there is the Shuttle 9 and Max 9.2 for those who want a more modern spec'd front end.
I do agree with this.I like the frequencies they chose for the presets.I'm just not sure I understand the reason to go to presets on this one when their other micro heads have the sweepable control.I find that way more usable for me.
Everything else to me looks perfect.I'll for sure be giving this a test drive along with the SMax9.2.Might have to have both.
Per the above, my guess is the 'fixed design' is more in keeping with the vintage design goals (and 'simplicity of operation) of this head, and to further separate it from the Shuttle line of heads.
Ya... a full parametric might be a little "high tech" for an old-school throwback.... We'll just close our eyes and forget that it weighs just 6 lbs and uses a class D power amp.
Apart from the preamp design, I'm pretty curious to know how the limiter works, if it does a reasonable job emulating a tube power section.
Apart from the preamp design, I'm pretty curious to know how the limiter works, if it does a reasonable job emulating a tube power section.
Ya... a full parametric might be a little "high tech" for an old-school throwback.... We'll just close our eyes and forget that it weighs just 6 lbs and uses a class D power amp.
Apart from the preamp design, I'm pretty curious to know how the limiter works, if it does a reasonable job emulating a tube power section.
+1 Class of power amp is pretty much a zero issue these days. My class D TecAmp Puma500 is fatter and warmer than almost any other amp I've ever played down low! It is a 'new world' with these SMPS amps, class D or not! The TC RH450 is another one that sounds quite 'old school', even though it is the newest of new school (class D, SMPS, and a true 'digital' front end).
I also think their decision to use a heavier, larger, more substantial feeling and looking box for this amp was a good one, in that it looks, and from what I heard from the guys who picked it up at NAMM, 'feels' like a more substantial amp than most of the other little micro's. The TC RH450 is the same way... my guess is they could have made it smaller and lighter and chose not to!
IMO there, and just putting on my marketing hat, which I enjoy doing!
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,515
- 19,942
- Disclosures
- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
Yup. I commented on the thicker metal for the casing, and Jeff confirmed that they upped it to 2mm for the Streamliners. I like the heavier feel, but of course, it's still ridiculously light as far as what you'd expect from a gigging bass head.
Yup. I commented on the thicker metal for the casing, and Jeff confirmed that they upped it to 2mm for the Streamliners. I like the heavier feel, but of course, it's still ridiculously light as far as what you'd expect from a gigging bass head.
Hey Tom... GREAT job by you and the guys getting all those wonderful pictures up for all of us. Thanks!
I see your Youtube video's are starting to show up on the Bass Gear website also.. nice. That Epifani rig makes Bobby Vega's 60's J bass sound like an MTD!
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,515
- 19,942
- Disclosures
- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
Our pleasure! Thanks for the kind words. Vic and I both posted a few shots, but the majority of the photo props have to go to Burk and Josh Bubniak. They both took some killer photos!
LOL, yeah, it does! BTW, all three of the new Epifani heads (UL 501, Piccolo 600, and Epifunky 300) sounded virtually identical (which they should, as they have the same preamp), and all copped that "Epifani sound."
hasbeen
Commercial User
- Sep 23, 2004
- 4,806
- 2,667
- Disclosures
- Executive Vice President, The Adam Hall Group
the size came about for a couple of reasons:
* With all the tubes, we needed ample cooling room. I don't want to ever hear that one of our amps went thermal.
* Also, there is a little transformer for all the tubes.
* The extruded, anodized aluminum panels add weight. This was a cosmetic thing. We figured that we shouldn't aim to be the lightest....just aim to be "reasonable". This frees you up to make the thing look nice and gives the player a more user-friendly face plate to look at too.
Yup!
My favorite thing about the now extinct Mesa Boogie M2000 was the blendable dual preamps.
The FET side should cut through like crazy and just add enough tube character to warm it up just a little bit.
That was my guess as well-though Ive posted twice on this and was hopeing the GB guys would comment on the reason behind it.Overall its probably not a deal breaker for me personally,and it seems im in the minority here,but it is one feature I love for toneshaping.No huge biggie if it sounds good.
That was one thing I didnt like about the Aggie DB751 I had-I didnt like where the mids were set at.
svtb15
Inactive
- Mar 22, 2004
- 13,004
- 4,741
- Disclosures
- I play it all. Whatever works for the gig. Q+
I remember a loooong time ago you said you would eat an amp if it went thermal... LOL
I have tried and tried at various gigs.. Hot outdoor stages, LOUD gigs running it at 4 ohms..
And still I have not been able to thermal the amp...
All along hoping to get a good Youtube video of you eating an amplifier..
I have wondered what it would look like you eating an amp.. do you use condiments on aluminum?
I think I am safe in saying that I will never get to see a video like that..
I have tried and tried at various gigs.. Hot outdoor stages, LOUD gigs running it at 4 ohms..
And still I have not been able to thermal the amp...
All along hoping to get a good Youtube video of you eating an amplifier..
I have wondered what it would look like you eating an amp.. do you use condiments on aluminum?
I think I am safe in saying that I will never get to see a video like that..
svtb15
Inactive
- Mar 22, 2004
- 13,004
- 4,741
- Disclosures
- I play it all. Whatever works for the gig. Q+
The taller size i believe is because of the 3 12ax7's in the preamp... from the photos they appear to be upright behind the GB logo...
So that 12ax7 height plus the board to mount them on would cause the increase in size..
This may be my next fly date amp!
Still will fit in my luggage and or gig bag pocket as the shuttle 9 does.. still be my practice amp headphone amp... etc..
looking forward to more pics from NAMM...
So that 12ax7 height plus the board to mount them on would cause the increase in size..
This may be my next fly date amp!
Still will fit in my luggage and or gig bag pocket as the shuttle 9 does.. still be my practice amp headphone amp... etc..
looking forward to more pics from NAMM...
- Status
