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New Cab (610hlf) and Pre, need help with the rest

P

playswhatpays

Jan 24, 2012
71
0
Fargo, ND
#1
Hello my TB friends,

I recently got the opportunity to play in the band of my dreams, playing Jazz/Funk/Soul. Prior to playing in this group, I ran a B2re and B 410hlf with my US Jazz. I've spent hours reading 50+ threads on here trying to find my next rig, because my 410's speakers have reached the end of their life. After my gig last night, they're now toast.

The group allows me to play my NS NXT upright. However, that particular bass requires a pre and since I also needed to be able to switch between my 5 string and EUB, I threw down on a Sansamp BD Deluxe. Our PA situation is such that I'll be needing to cover most of my own FOH sound, so I went for the 610hfl due to it being the largest cab that would fit in my backseat (and my love for Ampeg, or course.) Also, although the cab gets little love here on TB, people who actually own one and use them seem to love it. The cab is on it's way.

The questions I have are:

I'm going to assume the B2re is not going to make this cab sing with it's 350 watts, and since I already have a nice pre, should I just go with a power amp? Would the Crown XLS series work? My budget for a power amp would be no more than 400 right now.

If I go the power amp route, do I need to worry about my slapping ripping everyone's ears off (or just being out of place loud) since I no longer have a limiter?

Should I just use the B2re until I can save up for a 7pro?

Thanks in advance!
 
#2
The XLS is a good choice...I have four including (2) 1500's and (2) 2500's. There is not that much of a price diff. Call the folks at estudiostar.com for the best price. You'll also find more than a handful of used components @ <$350 which would be more than suitable and on the underside of your budget.

Riis
 
#3
Zooberwerx said:
The XLS is a good choice...I have four including (2) 1500's and (2) 2500's. There is not that much of a price diff. Call the folks at estudiostar.com for the best price. You'll also find more than a handful of used components @ <$350 which would be more than suitable and on the underside of your budget.

Riis
Click to expand...

Thanks for easing my qualms with buying such an inexpensive amp. I mean it's Crown, but how much Crown do you actually get for next to nothing was the meat of my question.

Anyone one the limiter aspect of using a pre and power amp? I want to know what slapping is like, as I slap improvisational when the groove allows. I don't want it to be overbearing.
 
#6
playswhatpays said:
That's what I wanted to hear, it will give me time to save for a SVT 7. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Good choice! I'd have one too, if the Micro VR wasn't already way too much amp for me ;)

Anyway, I was a bit rushed yesterday, but to further explain...the wattage of the head and the power handling of the cab do not need to be evenly matched. I have run a B-15 head into an 810 before, and it's only 25w and it was not quiet by any means. So the question really shouldn't be, "Can this amp power this cab?" It will. The question should be, "Can this amp get loud enough for my needs?" And considering the B2RE has 350w, and the flagship Ampeg amp, the SVT tube amp, has 300w, no problem ;)
 
#7
JimmyM said:
Good choice! I'd have one too, if the Micro VR wasn't already way too much amp for me ;)

Anyway, I was a bit rushed yesterday, but to further explain...the wattage of the head and the power handling of the cab do not need to be evenly matched. I have run a B-15 head into an 810 before, and it's only 25w and it was not quiet by any means. So the question really shouldn't be, "Can this amp power this cab?" It will. The question should be, "Can this amp get loud enough for my needs?" And considering the B2RE has 350w, and the flagship Ampeg amp, the SVT tube amp, has 300w, no problem ;)
Click to expand...

Thanks for the help and reassurance JimmyM. Just so you know, I've been reading a ton of your posts while doing my cab research. I appreciate your contributions past and present!
 
#10
Here's my recommendations.
1) swr 750 power amp
2) ampeg b4r used just for power

I love my ampeg cabs but in all honesty these cabs take a bit a power to get the best out of them. I use a swr 750x head. My sans amp goes to the effects return so I'm only using the power amp and limiter on the head. So I would recomend the 750 power amp over what I use just for the sake of money. Ampeg b4r heads are great if used as a power amp for a sans amp. I've seen a lot of players use them. They are cheaper and look a lot like an svt 4 from the crowd.

I've honestly been debating getting a svt 7 because they are so light and cheap. But I really like my rigs sound and am worried it won't be the same. Plus the old heavy amps are just comforting to me because I know they are reliable. I guess in a couple years if people aren't having issues with the new class d design ill cave in and go that route
 
#11
JimmyM said:
Very nice of you to say, bro...but I made a mistake...B2RE does 450w at 4 ohms. Hope this doesn't change your mind!
Click to expand...

That's not going to upset me at all. :bassist: It's been a wonderful setup so far, and I don't know what would define reliable more than 450+ gigs at 3.5 hours per gig. It's been an amazing set up so far, and the speakers in the 410hlf have more than paid their due. It's really a luxury to have a fairly inexpensive amp sound good and be powerful enough to propel my next cab.

It's a testament to Ampeg, really.
 
#12
randyg said:
Your B2RE will sound fine with the 610. I've used mine with a Markbass LMIII , a 3pro and a SVT-CL. Great cab , you will be very happy with it. Does look a little odd with the Markbass sitting on it.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I would imagine any rig with a MB piece would look a little, lets say, odd. ;) I'm pretty confident I'll love the cab based on real owners. Like I said in my initial post, not a lot of love from those who don't use it, but much from those who do. After reading pablomigraine's review, that was it.
 
#13
JimmyM said:
The B2RE will power a 610hlf fine.
Click to expand...

Well, I got the chance to try my new cab out at rehearsal tonight. You're right Jimmy. The B2re powers this cab just fine. I was able to get insanely loud before my limiter even started to light up. The cab sounds absolutely great, and is a perfect combination of informative mids with low end extension.

Its not going to stop me from getting a 7 Pro, eventually. However, I'm really happy to read pablomigraine's review and make a good choice on the cab I need. This cab is ridiculously good, especially for a 5 string player.

Now its just a choice of whether I buy my dream bass (Custom USA G&L L-2500) or the 7 Pro first... I'm thinking the G&L since the head seems to work so good. Oh GAS, I gotz it. :eek:

Thank You Jimmy and everyone else who replied, your help was much appreciated here!
 

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