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Help me assemble an Ampeg Portaflex rig

#24
dls119 said:
Hi gang,

I'd like TB's assistance assembling an Ampeg Portaflex rig for my 90s cover band. We do a mix of 90s pop/rock/grunge/nostalgia that I think demands Ampeg tone. We typically play small/medium sized venues with and without front of house support. My guitarists aren't overly loud, but the drummer can be a bit of a hard hitter when on a full kit and I have keys to compete with as well. I would like to purchase a head and cab - but would also like to keep it under $800. Size is an issue - I have a very small car, so I would like to keep the cab size down as well.

I think my ideal setup is a PF800 mounted to a PF115HE to maximize the power output to rig size, however I think a PF800 is a little out of my budget since I also have to purchase the cab. My preference is to buy new, but I'm not married to that either. I'm willing to fudge (pick up a beater) on the cab if the PF800 is the right choice - I would hate to get a 350 or 500 and have to buy an 800 in 6 months. Although, if a 500 and 115HE would get it done, let me know that, too!

Thoughts - opinions - suggestions - heckles?
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PF 800 on a PF cab. They were made for each other. Didn't even read the other comments.
 
#25
two fingers said:
I know I'm only guessing here, but I imagine @4-fingers is the exception rather than the rule. I have played all kinds of bars with all kinds of bands. The only shows I have ever played where a 1-15 bass rig would carry the room were private parties with volume complaints. I would be blown away if any single 15" speaker could carry a bar gig with no PA support unless your band is really quiet.

Maybe I'm the exception to the rule?

Maybe a fEarful or something like that could pull it off. But an off the rack consumer grade cab? I haven't seen/heard one. Two 15s or a really efficient 4-10 (or stacked pair of 2-10 cabs) I can see.

I'm fully prepared to be corrected if you guys play in pretty quiet bands.
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I think it is more likely that my definition of a small to medium sized club is probably much different than yours. Not meant to be confrontational here.........I have used a 1X15 with my pf500 in plenty of situations with great success. I use the same cab and the pf350 for rehearsal and it keeps up great, and we practice way to loud. Only passing on my experience with the equipment to the original poster.
 
#26
JimmyM said:
Not bad for an onboard compressor, but I never use it.
Click to expand...

Good to know - I've never really used much compression before - thanks for your insight!

HiEnd Basses said:
PF 800 on a PF cab. They were made for each other. Didn't even read the other comments.
Click to expand...

If the PF500 ends up short on the volume/headroom side for my situation, I'll upgrade to an PF800 and pair it with the 115.
 
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#27
A PF500 and PF800 with two Portaflex cabs will fill any room any time IME.
With one cab, I would go for either the PF115HE or the PF115LF.
I don't have gig-experience with the 115LF cab, but if I recollect correctly, @Bass 45 has had experience with both.
And he stated that with one cab, the PF115LF will fill the room better then the sealed version.

>> But I don't know by how much, so anyone please correct me if I'm wrong.

IMHO.
 
#28
I've been gigging a pf500 with a pf210he for about 5 years now, never had any problem filling a tavern room with it, I don't think I've ever had it really cranked, even.

When playing in mono (ie. not Ric-o-sound) I use this rig with a Darkglass b3k overdrive pedal and that's pretty much it.

I set it up fliptop style, with the amp bolted to the lid of the cab. Makes for quick load in and load out.
 
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#29
I wouldn't even consider a PF500. I just bought a PF800 yesterday and took it on its first gig last night. I paired it with a PF115 and PF210 and it was just loud enough. the PF500 would not have cut it.

For $800, to get a small rig that will cut through a loud drummer and a couple of guitarists with no PA support, you are going to have to go used. I got the two cabinets for $450 and although I bought the head new, I've seen them for $400.
 
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#30
4-fingers said:
I think it is more likely that my definition of a small to medium sized club is probably much different than yours. Not meant to be confrontational here.........I have used a 1X15 with my pf500 in plenty of situations with great success. I use the same cab and the pf350 for rehearsal and it keeps up great, and we practice way to loud. Only passing on my experience with the equipment to the original poster.
Click to expand...

I was trying to be confrontational either. What works for you works. I'm sure your experiences are as valid as mine.

Perhaps you're correct about the venue size definitions. To me a small venue hold 100 or so. Medium is 200-300. Coffee shops don't even come into play for this kind of conversation (in my experience) simply because just about anything will cover the gig at those places.
 
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