iAmp 800 Review.

[basss]

I had this problem with DB signals when I used a certain DB preamp. For this reason, I keep my 800 in a rack with a Sansamp RBI, which I use as a straight line leveling device (it runs flat, with even the master volume straight up at 12 O'Clock - all of the "simulation" part is off). With this setup, I have full control of the line signal so that I don't have to run the 800 pre full on to get the LED's up into the middle range. When running like this, I've never had to take the master volume up past 3 on the iamp, and I'm running relatively inefficient Vl208 and 108 cabs most of the time.

Thanks Chris
I would rather not have to run mine with an external pre- The reason I bought it in the first place is the size. So you noticed a significant differnce in volume when pushing the input like this?

Strangely enough I am able to drive the input all the way with my DB using just a realist and no external pre but again (and this was the case with my p bass to) this is with the input just about all the way up. My j bass can't and the reason I'm concerned is that this is my main bass and I have had no problem driving other amp's inputs to full with this bass.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Thanks Chris
I would rather not have to run mine with an external pre- The reason I bought it in the first place is the size. So you noticed a significant differnce in volume when pushing the input like this?

Strangely enough I am able to drive the input all the way with my DB using just a realist and no external pre but again (and this was the case with my p bass to) this is with the input just about all the way up. My j bass can't and the reason I'm concerned is that this is my main bass and I have had no problem driving other amp's inputs to full with this bass.

Strangely enough, when I use pres for DB it's always to cut frequency ranges out of the signal, so my signal from the preamp is always less than the original signal from the pickup (IME, it's better to not push electronic levels much, as the tone gets affected very quickly - a quirk of mine). The RBI just levels the signal from the K&K pre attached to my stool, and helps me switch back and forth from DB to BG on doubling gigs. My Smith 6 doesn't need any help pushing the iamp pre section as far as it needs to go - in fact, I often have to cut back when I use it. Hope this helps.

 

[tombowlus]

Anyone know the difference between the red knobbed ones and the newer black ones?

Seems as good a place as any to ask.

On option to keep in mind is that if you send your "red-knobbed" iAMP 800 to EA, they can make the mods for you (which I belive include the manner in which the tuner chip is secured, and perhaps a capacitor tweak or two), plus replace the knobs with black ones. This is exactly what I did, and I am tickled pink with the excellent customer service that Larry, John and the rest of the EA gang have provided to me.

Also, headroom-wise, my rack rig is an Eden Navigator with a PLX 3002. Yes, at 3,000w into 4 ohm, the QSC has a good bit more headroom than the iAMP 800, but in most gigging situations, I feel that the iAMP can keep up just fine. In fact, it may have made my rack rig obsolete (which is actually somewhat convenient, because I am finding myself having to run sound more often, so I can use the PLX 3002 for mains).

Tom.

 

[jokerjkny]

(...)and I am tickled pink with the excellent customer service that Larry, John and the rest of the EA gang have provided to me.

(...)In fact, it may have made my rack rig obsolete (which is actually somewhat convenient, because I am finding myself having to run sound more often, so I can use the PLX 3002 for mains).

Tom.

seriously, the customer service at EA is excellent, and couple that with the fact that i ordered thru (ALL HAIL) Link Removed, made my experience all the more better!

and yea, despite my love for my rack setup, i just sent back the 500 for an 800. and, i have a feeling that it too will be just finding cobwebs and dust.

 

[jobu3]

despite my love for my rack setup, i just sent back the 500 for an 800. and, i have a feeling that it too will be just finding cobwebs and dust.

That's what I thought about a year ago too... Not regretting it a bit other than it doesn't see enough live work!