Peavey MegaBass Club

[slapshot]

Is it possible to still get a number?

I bought my MB in 1988, along with the 2-18 x 2-10 cabinet to power my 1987 Dyna-Bass. I used that rig, along with a friend, for 5 years. Sounded as good, or better, than any rig I heard at the time. With the bi-amp engaged, it gave clean sound and ungodly volume. Sold the fridge and head when I got married. I would love another rig like that, but I'm sure the church congregation would flip. They already think my combo is huge, and it's only a single 15".

 

[EdBo]

I don't think anyone is passing out #'s. I made mine up,lol. #0714

I had that Fridge Cab in the late 80's, I think it was called a 3620. I also had a 1820 that sat next to it with two Ampeg V-4B's sitting on top of it. They were the same height. Best sounding rig I've ever owned. A wall of huge Bass Tone. Cranked up it almost sounded like a B3 organ with lots of rich harmonic content from the Tubes. I wish I still had that Rig. I was in the Navy and transferred to Sigonella Sicily and didn't want to drag it halfway around the world.
I've always wanted an 8 x 10 cabinet and I think I'm going to get one soon. Like I really need it, lol.

 

[Five String]

I don't think anyone is passing out #'s. I made mine up,lol. #0714

I had that Fridge Cab in the late 80's, I think it was called a 3620. I also had a 1820 that sat next to it with two Ampeg V-4B's sitting on top of it. They were the same height. Best sounding rig I've ever owned. A wall of huge Bass Tone. Cranked up it almost sounded like a B3 organ with lots of rich harmonic content from the Tubes. I wish I still had that Rig. I was in the Navy and transferred to Sigonella Sicily and didn't want to drag it halfway around the world.
I've always wanted an 8 x 10 cabinet and I think I'm going to get one soon. Like I really need it, lol.
View attachment 3370656

Wow. An actual 3620? 2 18's and 2 10's? Never seen one of those in the wild. I watched a youtube of Stevie Ray Vaughan at one point and his bass player had one. I finally split my 1820 for ease of transport but I eventually switched to just using the 18. It was amazing how it covered lows and highs and everything in between. The problem was you had to stand about 20 feet away from it in order to hear it.

 

[feschyn]

Hi. I purchased a MegaBass brand new back in the early 90s. My memories of it are kind of foggy. However, I am contemplating picking up another one that is available locally.

I have a question regarding the preamp outputs on the back of the head. Do the XLR (LOW and HIGH) preamp output jacks only function in bi-amp mode? I was wondering if one (or both) of them "defaults" to full range preamp output when operating the MegaBass in full range mode. If this is not the case, wouldn't you have to use a direct box with the quarter-inch preamp output jack in order to run into a PA mixing board?

 

[EdBo]

Both default to Full Range in Full range mode.
Here's the Manual in PDF form.

 

[feschyn]

Both default to Full Range in Full range mode.
Here's the Manual in PDF form.

Thanks for info!

 

[Giffro]

Wow. An actual 3620? 2 18's and 2 10's? Never seen one of those in the wild. I watched a youtube of Stevie Ray Vaughan at one point and his bass player had one. I finally split my 1820 for ease of transport but I eventually switched to just using the 18. It was amazing how it covered lows and highs and everything in between. The problem was you had to stand about 20 feet away from it in order to hear it.

I havent got a MB head (wish I did) only an old MKIV but the 1820 cab is a killer even with the MKIV head. I use a Fender Rumble 500C w/ 115 cab these days because of the lower weight, but for any large venues my Peavey rig still pushes more air and fills large rooms with ease. Great cabs the Peavey 3620's and 1820's with their Black Widow 18's and 2x10" Scorpions. I ran this rig for the best part of 30 years using a 5 string Peavey Dyna Bass and the rig is still in great shape.

 

[BassikLee]

That looks more like an 1810 cab. Smaller box, same speakers. Here's an 1820. I have two 1820s, one 1810, and three Megabass heads.

 

[Giffro]

That looks more like an 1810 cab. Smaller box, same speakers. Here's an 1820. I have two 1820s, one 1810, and three Megabass heads.

The back plate calls it an 1820 enclosure...i can get a pic if you like.

 

[BassikLee]

Interesting. Did you buy it new? You do see the difference in size, right? The 1810/your can is barely bigger than the drivers themselves, while the 1820/mine in the pic is much bigger. I can get pics of them together.

I'm thinking if you got yours new, it's a transition model. If you got it used, someone replaced the original crossover.

 

[Giffro]

Hey Lee..I bought it brand new in circa 1985 along with the MKIV head...both cost $1500AU so the whole rig in 1985 cost me $3000AU...heaps back then loll I would agree with you it maybe a transition model cab. It is original in every way aqnd Ive never had the crossover panel out. Definately maked 1820 enclosure. Bit hard to take pics at the moment as its buried in the spare room...funny enough but someone here last year on TB questioned the same thing. I can see the differences but the rear cab marking is quite clear...i will check though my Peavey Guitar book..there may be a mention of cab manufacture. It is interesting though Lee I must admit.

 

[BassikLee]

Yeah, pretty much anyone who's seen both will identify yours as an 1810.

 

[Giffro]

The aluminium side strips on your cabs look narrower as well...dunno if that makes a difference loll
edit. I'll drag it out tomorrow Lee (Easter Sat. here) and takes a pic..i'm intrigued now loll Darn thing weighs about 122 pounds as well lol
Giff

 

[BassikLee]

Both my 1820s are like that. I think they are toward the end of the run.

 

[feschyn]

Both default to Full Range in Full range mode.
Here's the Manual in PDF form.

If I'm in Full Range mode and am running my signal to the PA from the Low XLR PREAMP OUT jack on the back of the head, does the Full Range Preamp Out knob control the preamp signal level even though nothing is plugged in to the 1/4" Full Range PREAMP OUT jack on the back of the head?

 

[EdBo]

If I'm in Full Range mode and am running my signal to the PA from the Low XLR PREAMP OUT jack on the back of the head, does the Full Range Preamp Out knob control the preamp signal level even though nothing is plugged in to the 1/4" Full Range PREAMP OUT jack on the back of the head?

The full range Preamp output Knob only controls the level of the signal out of the 1/4" (only). It has no other function.
I find that the Block Diagram is the easiest way to understand the signal flow of everything.

 

[Basschich]

I am now the proud owner of a Peavey Megabass and 1516 cabinet!

I was recently gifted this setup, and I'm hoping that it's alright to ask here about an issue that I am having with it. I have been having a rough time finding what I need online/on youtube.

After adjusting the crossover frequency and making sure I was using the proper settings and outputs to the amp, I noticed that the overall volume wasn't nearly what I expected. As I was dinking with it the volume started to fade down to nothing, and now there is no noticeable sound when I turn the unit on. I have switched the settings and cables between biamp and full range, tried different cables, put a fresh battery in the bass, and tried using what I believe is called a trs to dual ts cable to connect an ABY switch in an attempt to bridge the send/return, on the off chance that was the reason for the lack of volume.

I would have to drive probably 350+ miles to find a shop that could help me out, and I'd love to avoid that if at all possible! Thank you so much for any ideas or help!
~Whitney

 

[Ayce]

That's the same setup I had once. Worked pretty good, and could really get loud if needed. As far as your problem goes, it could be as simple as a loose/bad capacitor to as bad as a failing power output transistor, or anywhere in between. Professional help may be needed.

 

[EdBo]

I am now the proud owner of a Peavey Megabass and 1516 cabinet!

I was recently gifted this setup, and I'm hoping that it's alright to ask here about an issue that I am having with it. I have been having a rough time finding what I need online/on youtube.

After adjusting the crossover frequency and making sure I was using the proper settings and outputs to the amp, I noticed that the overall volume wasn't nearly what I expected. As I was dinking with it the volume started to fade down to nothing, and now there is no noticeable sound when I turn the unit on. I have switched the settings and cables between biamp and full range, tried different cables, put a fresh battery in the bass, and tried using what I believe is called a trs to dual ts cable to connect an ABY switch in an attempt to bridge the send/return, on the off chance that was the reason for the lack of volume.

I would have to drive probably 350+ miles to find a shop that could help me out, and I'd love to avoid that if at all possible! Thank you so much for any ideas or help!
~Whitney

I'll re-read your post tomorrow afternoon and see if I can help you in any way. It's been a long day and it's nap time mow.

 

[chris4001asat]

If I'm in Full Range mode and am running my signal to the PA from the Low XLR PREAMP OUT jack on the back of the head, does the Full Range Preamp Out knob control the preamp signal level even though nothing is plugged in to the 1/4" Full Range PREAMP OUT jack on the back of the head?

I remember sound guys trying to use my XLR as a direct out to the board, but it always sent to hot of signal. I never understood why it was there. It was always unusable.