Options for using a Crest Prolite 2.0 with a Tech21NYC GED 2112

[Eric Huber]

I struggled with my 2112 unit until I brought a second amp into the picture. I use a PF500 for the deep side and a BA-something practice combo amp for the drive side. The unit is absolutely at its best when used this way. I tried all sorts of possible combos, mixing, and the internal jumper nothing worked as well as the 2nd amp. I push each channel thru a dbx-215 eq for some custom tailoring. Eventually, I am planning on purchasing a 2nd PF500 used. I am not sure but some sort of a 2 channel amp would work also.

 

[Hoyt]

I struggled with my 2112 unit until I brought a second amp into the picture. I use a PF500 for the deep side and a BA-something practice combo amp for the drive side. The unit is absolutely at its best when used this way. I tried all sorts of possible combos, mixing, and the internal jumper nothing worked as well as the 2nd amp. I push each channel thru a dbx-215 eq for some custom tailoring. Eventually, I am planning on purchasing a 2nd PF500 used. I am not sure but some sort of a 2 channel amp would work also.

I’m not so sure that I’ll have the same experience. I used to own an Ampeg SVT4Pro with the pro 4x10 (that looked like the classic cabs) and a classic 1x15 (in which I replaced the driver with a 600 watt 8ohm Carvin speaker).

I experimented with bi-amping and found that I just preferred the sound of the bridged-mono setup. The notes just seemed more immediate and accurate with a proper chest thumping low end.

I could be wrong, but for my needs I think the mixed signal to a single cab will work out just fine. If not, I’ll have to evaluate if it’s worth changing my setup.

Although, I do have a big ‘ol 1x18 PA cab with a folded horn I could always hook up

 

[tech21nyc]

The only thing that “slightly” worries me is that there isn’t a master volume on the GED2112.
Will take some getting used to at gigs

If you jump the Deep channel into the effects return on the unit the Drive Channel's Level control would be the master volume control. The unit was designed with two discrete outputs because Geddy sends two channels to the board that are mixed by the FOH engineer. From my understanding he only has the Drive channel sent to his IEM's.

 

[Hoyt]

If you jump the Deep channel into the effects return on the unit the Drive Channel's Level control would be the master volume control. The unit was designed with two discrete outputs because Geddy sends two channels to the board that are mixed by the FOH engineer. From my understanding he only has the Drive channel sent to his IEM's.

Thanks!

Does the same apply if I use the internal jumper?

 

[Hoyt]

FINALLY got a chance to slide this in my rack and hook it up to the power amp.

It was EXACTLY what I was looking for sound wise.

First off, I’m not trying to sound like Geddy (as fantastic as he is), I’m just looking for a little sculpt-able dirt and some midrange sizzle while retaining a solid low end for a punk band. This thing is able to give me that in spades.

I opted to move the internal jumpers to “tie” and “tight” for a couple reasons. The first is, I was hoping for something similar to growl of a GK 800rb, not necessarily fuzz. I also thought about it, and the type of shows I’m likely to play once we get our set together will be lucky to have PA support for anything other than vocals, OR if they do I’ll be lucky to get a single DI to the FOH. This is why moving the jumpers at the outset made the most sense to me, and I can always change it later.

Next, hooking it up to the power amp was easy enough but I didn’t realize just how HOT the signal coming out of the GED2112 would be. Luckily I was smart enough to lower my attenuators before I powered up and avoided causing any damage.

Using the -20db pad on the 1/4” drive out allowed me to set my attenuators on the power amp to unity and dial everything in without fear of blowing up my cab.

On the Crest Prolite I have the input from the (blended) “drive” section of the GED 2112 going to channel A, both A & B inputs set to “full range” and I’m using the bridged/mono out to feed my F212

I wasn’t able to use the power amp attenuator for channel A on the Crest Prolite 2.0 as a master volume like I had hoped, but it’s easy enough to use levels 1 & 2 to get where I wanted to be, and I don’t foresee any issues at a gig for the most part.

One thing that always bugged me about the BBE BMAX was there there was no mute function. Not a problem with the GED2112 and for me it’s more useful than having the option to bypass.

Overall I’m a very happy camper and I’m looking forward to hearing how it sits in the mix at rehearsal next week.

Thanks everyone for you input and assistance

 

[agedhorse]

In bridged mode, there is 6dB of additional sensitivity on the power amp.

 

[Hoyt]

In bridged mode, there is 6dB of additional sensitivity on the power amp.

Thanks for the info!

That actually makes a lot of sense. I have always used it in bridged mode with a Rane AP-13, BBE BMAX, or the EBS Stanley Clarke preamps and I’ve never needed to raise the volume at any gig (including outdoor fests) more than halfway.