GK Bi-amp/Full Range Question

[tom e smith]

Hi Guys,

Just a quick question. I haven't been able to find the answer in other threads. I like the tone of bi-amping when I finger pick but it is too over the top (pick noise wise) when I play with a pick. When I turn the tweeter down to compensate, it sounds dull. I play with a pick more than I fingerpick so I have been using my amp in Full Range mode using standard 1/4 in speaker cables.

Now for the quick question, is it harmfull to the amp/speakers to hook up the 4 pin speakon cables and switch between Full range and Bi-amp when I want to switch playing with or without a pick?

I have a GK 700 II RB head and (1) SBX 410 and (1) SBX115 cabs.

Thanks

 

[JanusZarate]

First of all, look on the right side on the front of your amp.

See that "Woofer Hi-Cut" button? Leave it out (in other words, don't push it in). Now your speakers are getting a full-range signal.

There's no need to mess with the bi-amp/full-range switch on your SBX cabs. Use 4-pin speakon cables, leave the switches on the back of your cabs on "bi-amp", and control everything from your head.

In addition, if your tweeter seems overly harsh, use the "Tweeter Hi-Cut" button, and don't crank the tweeter.

I play pickstyle all the time, and I get more than enough top end without the tweeter! What sort of pick are you using? You're probably using the wrong pick for the sound you want (maybe it's too thick?), or something else is up with your settings.

 

[ElizabethC]

I agree; use the GK-supplied speakon cables, then simply tweak the sound from the amp instead of playing around with the full-range/bi-amp switch when you change techniques/styles. Especially if you have a gig where you need to do both during the show (or even in one song!), it's going to become a major headache for you to run behind your cabs and flip that switch for both cabs.

As for suggestions, MysticBoo has already given quite a few good things to try out. Also, on your 700RB-II, try rolling back some "Presence." This knob can make a huge difference in whether you get a "standing-out," modern bass sound or a subdued, dubby tone. If lowering the "Presence" still doesn't do the trick, take off some "Treble" as well. And, as MysticBoo has already mentioned, play around with those buttons. Just because they're so little doesn't mean they can't do a lot when it comes to getting the tone you want. By pressing the "4/5 string" in, it can also take away some of the harsh highs that you're hearing and add some more lows.

So, in conclusion...just experiment. That head can definitely get a wide variety of sounds (and probably the one you're looking for) without needing to change the full-range/bi-amp settings.

 

[tom e smith]

Thanks guys, I'll try your suggestions at rehearsal tonight. I use Clayton .80 mm picks, Boo.