head as a preamp??

[eaglemachine]

Hi guys!
Is is safe to use a head as a preamp only and not hook a cabinet up to the speaker outputs? I was wondering if I could buy a low wattage head and run the preamp of it through the power section of my ampeg head for tonal variety, but yet have the smaller head available for a future smaller cabinet for practice...
Thanks!

 

[Vic Winters]

As long as it has a solid state power section you'll be fine. I used to run my Backline 600 into a Crown Micro-Tech 1200 via the XLR out. No problems.

 

[Band Dad]

I believe you can. I think I recall my SVT 3pro having the ability to be usewd as either a pre-amp only into a power amp, or as a power amp only with input from a seperate pre-amp. Worth checking out.

 

[buffordbass]

Yep... Eden (all types) will do it, as will Genz Benz Neo-Pak 3.5
... no problem

 

[eaglemachine]

cool. I was think of buying a GK backline 250 BL and running that into the power section of my ampeg head (solidstate)....so I could use the GK tone in practice and at gigs.

 

[Vic Winters]

That'll work. Go from the XLR out on the GK to the Effect Return on the Ampeg. It's the only way to get the Boost feature.

 

[eaglemachine]

awesome. Thanks for your help guys....all in 7 minutes

 

[agedhorse]

On all soild state amps that I am aware of, there's no problem operating without a load. This also includes the class D amps that I am familiar with.

Some amps are easier to do this with than others. For instance with our products, all that's required is to switch the DI output signal to "POST", and the output level to "LINE". Pin 1 can be lifted as well to eliminate any ground loop between the head and the power amp. On some products, the feed may originate from before the master volume control, so in that instance use the input level controls on the power amp. Always check this BEFORE turning your power amp on with the level controls at full!!!

There are some other amps that operate much the same (or at least similar) way.

 

[mward69]

I thought about that too. I have a old Hartke MOsfet 3500 the Amp side is smoked, but I think the pre side still works. I was thinking about hooking it in with my QSC850 to see what sounds I can get.......hmmm

 

[jokerjkny]

avalon u5 & a thd hotplate are your friends...

 

[meev992]

i also do this too, as long as you don't do anything incredibly foolish like crank your head to max.