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GR Bass Gear Questions?

#61
Lowfader said:
Is there a schematic of the amp? Is the DI after the gain knob? Is there a peak light or a clip light on the amp? Can one be added as an option?
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There is a lot of headroom in the input gain structure of the GR Bass amps, so there is no clipping indicator on the PureAmp (or the other amps either). Clipping indicators usually work just after clipping occurs, so I prefer to just listen and adjust accordingly. I'm not used to using them, but some people do like them.

Like most companies, GR Bass doesn't usually publish their schematics except in the case of service centers. Some will create flow charts which would have shown where the DI falls in the gain structure on this amplifier. That's a good idea and I should create one. No manual for such a simple amp is really required, but I plan on writing something and including in the USA. If, for nothing else, to address some of the questions that you are asking now. I think it would be worthwhile.

There are definitely two camps when it comes to DI topology. In the case of the PureAmp, it was desinged to be very small and light and a Jensen transformer would probably not fit physically (which one in particular did you want to use onboard?) and doesn't really fit in with the amplifier design. GR Bass is in the electronically balanced camp when it comes to DIs. This type is typically flatter and more accurate to the sound of the amplifier, and is a good choice if you like the sound of the amplifier (which I do, very much). A transformer balaced DI is not as flat/accurate, but does have a sweet sound and some prefer that as an option. The DI in the ONE/PURE series is quite good and I use mine for recording, but one can always get a Radial JDI, for example, and get that transformer saturation if that is what you are looking for. This is why Radial has both the J48 electronically balancd and the JDI which is transformer balanced. Both of these are excellent, but sound quite different from each other.

As an interesting aside, buying a Jensen transformer, having it exported to Italy, putting it into a product, then exporting this back into the USA, would also be an expensive option that doesn't really fit the price point of the PureAmp 800. Not to suggest that Jensen does not make a great transformer DI, because they do, and those that prefer it should certainly get one.

Thanks for submitting some really good questions and if I can help further, please let me know. I can respond more quickly with a phone call or email and those are on all the time. Thanks! John
 
#62
Hey John,

Just pulled the trigger on a CUBE112! Funny enough this is the first brand new speaker cabinet I have purchased in my 18 years of playing, so I am very excited. I am planning to run a EA iAmp Micro 550 through it for now, which handles 4 or 8 ohms. I know the CUBE112 handles both, is there any switching I need to be aware of or is it automatic?
 
#63
Hi - The ones that you got are nominally rated at 8-0hms, When you get two of these speakers hooked up in paralled, you get a total nominal load of 4-Ohms. Stack them vertically, not horizontally. This will make it easier to hear on stage and will give you the widest soundstage and will help on controlling the total load for the amplifier.
 
#64
jfiles said:
Hi - The ones that you got are nominally rated at 8-0hms, When you get two of these speakers hooked up in paralled, you get a total nominal load of 4-Ohms. Stack them vertically, not horizontally. This will make it easier to hear on stage and will give you the widest soundstage and will help on controlling the total load for the amplifier.
Click to expand...

Yeah I realized I knew the answer and I was being stupid haha. Got the speaker over the weekend, little thing absolutely roars!
 
#66
This was a project that I (and my staff) started in 2008 in Austin, Texas back in the Bass Emporium days. I had tried to get some of the manufacturers to work on it with me, but I couldn't get the volume of instruments down where it would make sense for a single retail store to do it. Fast forward 12 years and I started this project again because I can handle a much greater number of units because I can supply dealers all around the world. I needed some expertise (brain trust) on this project because I knew what I wanted, but didn't have the experience or knowledge to take the deep dives. Since I am working with Rob Elrick for sales/marketing for his basses, I asked him to be the conduit between me (acting as product manager) and the factory in South Korea.

He took my vision and translated it into specifics to guide the builder toward our goals. So, this is not an Elrick bass, nor is this under any one else's name or control. This is our vision for a vintage (with some modern updates) type product that is solely for distribution for Sonata Marketing and for any of our dealers. I have an agreement to leave the factory nameless, but I am sure that you have played instruments of other brands that have crossed the manufacturing process that have all benefitted by this builder. Very high quality, 'attention to detail, outstanding fit & finish' I tried to do this in the USA, but builders in the US couldn't meet the quality or financial forecast of where I wanted these to be priced.
 
#67
Good luck with them John. Korean basses have the best quality for an overseas instrument Lots of competition in that price point especially now that Sadowski has jumped on the bandwagon. I am sure you will do well.
 
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#68
Thanks - we will be between the Sadowsky models. Warwick/Sadowsky has their entry level at about $950 (Chinese made, not close to vintage) and then the German Warwick/Sadowsky basses that are going to be about $3k. They will good, I'm sure, but I wanted a bass close to vintage specs - no preamp, steel saddles, etc. - and no-one was making one 8 years ago and they still haven't done it. So, it was time. We've already had great response and have had to order a 2nd build, with a 3rd about to be sent in. So far, so good!
 
#72
mmbongo said:
These Cube 112 cabs have raised my curiosity, anybody here using them?

Are there any online stores that sell them in the USA?
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Just got a CUBE 112. It's great! Very clear tone, great response, only 26 pounds. I live in the city in a 3rd floor walk up and I can one hand it the whole way up and down the stairs. Have not gigged with it yet, but from what I know so far it's great.
 
#76
No question - I just wanted to say I just received my GR208 cabinet and it's made a terrific first impression. A very-well made cabinet that more than meets the level of quality products I used to see regularly at Bass Emporium.
 
#77
Hi Gr Bass, yesterday I have been testing the Pure Amp 700 that a friend lent me. The concept of the amplifier is curious but interesting. I use several preamps, an SVP-Pro, Ebs Microbass III and Darkglass Vintage deLuxe ... but I also like the sound of my bass (Warwick Corvette FNA Jazzman ... I've been with it for 20 years!)
Testing the amplifier (I think what is better to call it Power Amp) a single Input catches my attention, what you call balanced input, what is its meaning? :rolleyes: could you explain it? I ask because, I think, I prefer the sound of my directly connected bass (although the power delivered by the amplifier is less logically) than using external preamps, I mean, external preamps amplify them faithfully .... but Then I connect my bass ... and it sounds real! it's curious.
 
#78
Hello!
I just bought a GR Pure Drive preamp pedal from Dave at Club Bass in Toronto!
I will try the unit at our rehearsal tomorrow evening and will get back to you on my findings. I play a Custom Shop Fender Precision and will only use the pedal to go through the PA ans record direct. Any particular settings I should try to get a warm tone with some grit to it? Thanks!!
 
#79
Hi,
I don't really have any stock settings since there are so many variables - your bass(es), strings, amplification, playing style & technique, and the sound that you wish to produce. Obviously if you want grit, the drive will be applicable and a warm tone suggests low-end and lower midrange, but that is just a generalization. Have fun learning the Pure Drive and learning to sculpt your sound. John
 
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