Lol — that’s the truth!I find the Hypex modules seem more slammy than the I.C.E modules.
Only problem with more slammy (big tube amps) is the risk of pulling a hammy.
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Jule Amps Monique part 5
- Thread starter Chef
- Start date
That intrigues me. I thought that 95% of an amp's tone was defined by the preamp, and that the power section had almost no influence. What other bass amp is using the Hypex module? Did you have any chance to A/B test a Hypex and a I.C.E power amps, to compare these modules "all other things being equal"?I find the Hypex modules seem more slammy than the I.C.E modules.
Only problem with more slammy (big tube amps) is the risk of pulling a hammy.
I believe the Monique 800 used I.C.E. From what I remember reading, people who have played both claim the 700 has more slam.
Lowendtech
Happily trending in my own peculiar direction.
I A/B’d the Hypex in my Mo700 against several ICE powered amps (isolating just the power amp). Not a justifiable scientific test, just a seat of the pants A/B. It’s nothing to do with tone, just an immediacy and perceived whomp to the notes. But it was a quantifiable perception that did not go away no matter what Pre I used.
The M700 definitely hits hard, it’s my favorite lightweight power amp by far.
I haven’t heard the M700, but I have gigged the M500, and it’s the best class D power amp I’ve heard.
But it does not thump like a similarly powered lead sled.
But it does not thump like a similarly powered lead sled.
I haven’t owned the M500, but the M700 is worlds better than the Simone 500. Is the M500 hypex or ICE?
Maybe it's a little bit off topic, but what do you think of this word "slam"?
Considering your high technical knowledge, I'm suprised to see you using this word.
I saw this word a lot recently, some members seem to share a common untold definition, others laugh about its lack of definition and the fact that it's highly subjective.
I'm French, so I don't really understand it. I think I finally get a vague idea of its meaning, but there should be a definition of "slam" applied to sound, not just vague psycho accoustic perception. What I vaguely understand is that it has more to do with dynamics than tone, so is it comparable to compression (rather than EQ)? Are we able to make measurements, and define the characteristics of "slam"? For example, if you play the same audio source throught 2 different power amps, amp A being more slammy than amp B, if we record the result and draw the waveforms, what difference would we see between the 2?
It's subjective, so everyone's definition will vary. To me it relates to the frequency response contour, dynamic response, and damping.
This article will explain how a different frequency response contour could create a different tactile experiene Invalid Link Removed So a different frequency response contour sounds different and it also feels different. I think the front end of slam is focused in the high bass range or possibly low mids.
By dynamic response, I mean how the front end of the notes develops. The relates to the frequency response contour, but I think it also has something to do with something like a compression contour. I.E. the rate of compression varies somewhat by frequency. Some frequeuncy ranges are more compressed and some less. Dynamic response also relates the the system having a lot of headroom. Some element of slam come from lot's of volume.
What I mean by damping is how the note develops and taper off. To me slam has a bit of bloom to it. However this probably has something to do with the balance of sub bass as well as how well damped the system is. If the system is too tight, it does not seem to slam as much.
I don't think you actually need as much LF extension for slam as most people seem to think. However, I do think having extreme LF extension has an impact on what you hear and what you feel.
Ultimately I think one person could have different recipes for different sounds that the perceive as slammy...this is because it relates considerably to the tactile sensation.
Sorry if it seems confounding. It's not a precise term, so I wouldn't worry to much about assigning a precise definition.
To me it relates to how fast a power amp is able to accurately deliver its watts - thinking large power supply with large headroom, big capacitors. The closer you are to a power supply's max wattage for instance, the more the electrical current will become "noisy" and imperfect. I personally represent "slam" in my head by imagining a square wave being prefectly reproduced as a square wave - as opposed to vaguely squarish shapes with curvy edges and electrical power being "compressed" (at least from an electrical perpective) because the amplifier cannot convert AC into watts "fast enough" (vs. a class A for instance in which watts are constantly produced. Anyway this is the picture I made in my head (and obviously I'm no EE, I hope agedhorse never sees this...).
Of all the many class D I have tried, the Monique 700 power amp (even without the Monique preamp) and Quilter bass blocks were IMO above other classic "ICE-based" amps in that capacity for immediacy and tautness (although I never got to try recent Mesa Boogies).
To build upon Wasnex and L2000’s comments, “slam” has a lot to do with the front end of the note — particularly the quickness of the attack, as well as which specific frequencies are quick in the attack. I think amps that feel like they “slam” more than others — for me lead sleds, and possibly M500/M700/M2500 — are able to bring certain frequencies at higher and more well-defined amplitude earlier in the note envelope… it’s kind of like vocalizing “voooooom” versus “Boooooom” (slam).
I’m sure there is a way to quantify “slam” graphically using a 3D graph, where X is time, y is amplitude, and z is frequency range. Make plot of same low bass notes from same bass, same player, same preamp and compare the results of ICE, Hypex, SS lead sled, and tube power amp. Might be a fun and informative project for TB nerds — and will prove what slam is, if it’s anything!
I’m sure there is a way to quantify “slam” graphically using a 3D graph, where X is time, y is amplitude, and z is frequency range. Make plot of same low bass notes from same bass, same player, same preamp and compare the results of ICE, Hypex, SS lead sled, and tube power amp. Might be a fun and informative project for TB nerds — and will prove what slam is, if it’s anything!
That's what I had in mind when I was reading the previous explanations… It would be great fun indeed…
I have an upcoming gig where I’m playing upright with a rock band. I will be bringing Monique and the M500. Just tried upright -> Fishman FC pickup -> Monique, and it sounds awesome at home through the amp as well as on my DAW. Very growly sound with lots of presence in the mix… oh yeah, my Fender Fhodes also sounds fantastic through Monique—never better in fact!
For me, super important tool if you are going to play upright in a loud context.
Pete agree - I haven’t needed either as I usually use a Walter Woods Electracoustic amber light, so I have good control of the low end. I’ve also had good results with Mesa D800+ (which has HPF built in) in a louder upright environment.
but — if I use the Monique tomorrow with the upright, that HPF would be really important.
- Dec 10, 2006
- 1,338
- 2,180
- Disclosures
- Owner and creator of Jule Amps: Monique and Simone and Bass Amps
It is called a #47 bulb.
Turn it (the lens) counter clockwise to remove it. You can use pliers, but make sure you use leather or rubber between the light lens and your pliers to avoid scratches. Worst case you will turn the complete light holder. If that happens, removing the bottom cover (or top) will give you access to the light holder.
It is a #47 bulb. Several years ago we moved over to the LED version of that bulb. The LED version is easier on the eyes in a darkened studio, and does not seem to fail - ever.
Here is the description of the LED version from an advertisement on Ebay. "Blue LED Fenders Pilot Light 6V BA9S Base Bulb Lamp For Guitar Audio Amp." Search on those terms and I am sure you can find those pictured below.
"I popped it out by pushing on it with my thumb to depress it a bit and the rotating it CCW. It popped free very easily and re-installing was easily done in reverse." Quoted from Lowendtech. Thank you Lowendtech.
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- Dec 10, 2006
- 1,338
- 2,180
- Disclosures
- Owner and creator of Jule Amps: Monique and Simone and Bass Amps
I find the Hypex modules seem more slammy than the I.C.E modules.
Only problem with more slammy (big tube amps) is the risk of pulling a hammy.
So I wimped out and did not use the Monique/M500 at the rock gig with upright. I used WW amber light instead.
i will, however take Monique on our first date Saturday night. I will probably go with the M500 for power. Cabinets will likely be 2 HT112’s. Let’s see how this feels - I already know it’s going to SOUND amazing!
i will, however take Monique on our first date Saturday night. I will probably go with the M500 for power. Cabinets will likely be 2 HT112’s. Let’s see how this feels - I already know it’s going to SOUND amazing!
