Maxing out power amps..??

[kalle74]

I crank them, and adjust the system processor for protective limiting. Volume gets controlled by the console master fader.

 

[TimmyP]

....we purposely bought a huge amp with enough headroom to shred our every-day budget system, and use the sensitivity controls to help keep some of the power from going to the speakers.

A 1000W amp with the controls backed off is still a 1000W amp - you just have to push the console a little harder to get the power. Having the master fader at 0/unity with the amp backed off 5dB is the same as the master fader at -5 with the amp all the way up.

 

[Steve Dixon]

I use the rackmount Line 6 Pod XT Pro (with the 'bass pack' amp models), into a power amp, and i've followed this thread with interest...

so tonight at rehearsal I turned the power amp volume controls right up full, and controlled the volume via the Pod output

I don't know whether this is just a mind thing, but it sounded great to me... clearer, and somehow tighter

I could be totally fooling myself... our guitarist turned up with a new SG tonight, so maybe he's not hogging the same frequencies as before, but I was definitely happy with the sound of my bass tonight

interesting

 

[Zooberwerx]

I use the rackmount Line 6 Pod XT Pro (with the 'bass pack' amp models), into a power amp, and i've followed this thread with interest...

so tonight at rehearsal I turned the power amp volume controls right up full, and controlled the volume via the Pod output

I don't know whether this is just a mind thing, but it sounded great to me... clearer, and somehow tighter

I could be totally fooling myself... our guitarist turned up with a new SG tonight, so maybe he's not hogging the same frequencies as before, but I was definitely happy with the sound of my bass tonight

interesting

Try this:

Disconnect your speaker and turn up the Pod output (1-10...or 11!) whilst playing. Does your amp clip and, if so, at what Pod volume setting? Does the Pod have a clip indicator, as well?

Riis