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Peavey MiniMega 1000

#601
Gotcha, so even if production really might start this week, there is no way for you to guesstimate delivery. Ok. I do appreciate your honesty BbbyBld! I'll keep an eye on the thread to future updates. I suppose I've waited over a year for one, I might be able to wait a few more months.

I will say the hearts of the people at Peavey are always in the right place. They can only do what they have time to do. With all the wickedness that technology brings, dealing with EMI at the manufacturing level has got to be insane. As a professional Audio/Video contracting firm that has been an Architectural Acoustics and Media Matrix dealer for close to 20 years, we've seen Peavey conquor some tough tasks and lead the industry.
 
#602
BbbyBld said:
I wish the Mini Mega was my only responsibility so that I could have gotten it out there sooner. The biggest holdup has been my power section (PV1000 module). As of now, it is used in 10 new products, is slated to be used in at least 5 more, and is on the table to be sold as an OEM power module to select companies. The design went through many revisions, more than I've ever had to do on any single design in the past. The biggest challenge when it comes to designing a high power class D amp is EMC, or electro-magnetic compatibility...in the USA, that means FCC testing. On top of that, the PV1000 module has to pass EMC testing with no shielding at all because the packaging of some of the products don't allow for it. I'm here to tell you that's damn hard. I am happy to say that I figured out how to make it happen, and we have been releasing a lot of products.

The module is rated at 1000W because that's what it puts out continuously into a resistive dummy load. Not many power amps are rated that way anymore. When playing music, it puts out 1500W into a speaker load. 1500W would be the rating if we used modern rating practices. Delivering the power at the price point is not the issue.

There is an engineering issue. On top of designing this module and others, and helping with guitar amps, and helping with customer service, the entire bass amp/cab product line is my responsibility. I'm only one guy.:)
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This is nice to hear, Bobby. I appreciate that. Is this going to be utilized in any of your stereo power amps?
 
#603
Is this going to be utilized in any of your stereo power amps?
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Possibly, and I hope so. I worked on the PV1000 on and off for 3 years. I learned a lot through the process, so if I were to start over, I think I would do things a little differently to reduce the size, improve efficiency, etc. I'm working on some new power amp technologies specifically for upcoming bass heads (that will probably also be shown way too early ) that I hope will make their way into our next generation rack power amps and Media Matrix stuff, combined with some of the tech from the PV1000.

I got thrown into the SMPS/class D fire 6 years ago when a colleague left the company. I was more of a preamp / systems engineer where I sort of did everything except the power amp. I had to learn a lot of stuff really fast to finish some products, and I sort of got addicted, especially to the whole high power thing--MORE POWER! The problem is that I have been seeing myself approaching a fork in the road where I will have to choose between being the "bass guy" or "power guy". I like the idea of both, but I don't have time for both, and the long delays with these new amps are proof of that.
 
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#604
BbbyBld said:
Possibly, and I hope so. I worked on the PV1000 on and off for 3 years. I learned a lot through the process, so if I were to start over, I think I would do things a little differently to reduce the size, improve efficiency, etc. I'm working on some new power amp technologies specifically for upcoming bass heads (that will probably also be shown way too early ) that I hope will make their way into our next generation rack power amps and Media Matrix stuff, combined with some of the tech from the PV1000.

I got thrown into the SMPS/class D fire 6 years ago when a colleague left the company. I was more of a preamp / systems engineer where I sort of did everything except the power amp. I had to learn a lot of stuff really fast to finish some products, and I sort of got addicted, especially to the whole high power thing--MORE POWER! The problem is that I have been seeing myself approaching a fork in the road where I will have to choose between being the "bass guy" or "power guy". I like the idea of both, but I don't have time for both, and the long delays with these new amps are proof of that.
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Thanks for keeping us in the loop. I also noticed that someone posted the Peavey catalog and it is showing a new 2x12 cab in addition to the new 1x12 cab. SWEET.
 
#605
I got thrown into the SMPS/class D fire 6 years ago when a colleague left the company. I was more of a preamp / systems engineer where I sort of did everything except the power amp. I had to learn a lot of stuff really fast to finish some products, and I sort of got addicted, especially to the whole high power thing--MORE POWER! The problem is that I have been seeing myself approaching a fork in the road where I will have to choose between being the "bass guy" or "power guy". I like the idea of both, but I don't have time for both, and the long delays with these new amps are proof of that.

It's quite understandable since Bassists, while a good market, don't compare in numbers to people buying Class D power these days in powered speakers, powered heads and power amps. The technology you are responsite for is vastly critical to Peavey's ability to maintain and keep up or ahead of the Jones'. Or rather, it's much bigger than bass amplification numbers can generate. That sort of candor bought the MegaMini yet another week. I just hope I don't run out of scotch waiting.
 
#606
BbbyBld said:
Possibly, and I hope so. I worked on the PV1000 on and off for 3 years. I learned a lot through the process, so if I were to start over, I think I would do things a little differently to reduce the size, improve efficiency, etc. I'm working on some new power amp technologies specifically for upcoming bass heads (that will probably also be shown way too early ) that I hope will make their way into our next generation rack power amps and Media Matrix stuff, combined with some of the tech from the PV1000.

I got thrown into the SMPS/class D fire 6 years ago when a colleague left the company. I was more of a preamp / systems engineer where I sort of did everything except the power amp. I had to learn a lot of stuff really fast to finish some products, and I sort of got addicted, especially to the whole high power thing--MORE POWER! The problem is that I have been seeing myself approaching a fork in the road where I will have to choose between being the "bass guy" or "power guy". I like the idea of both, but I don't have time for both, and the long delays with these new amps are proof of that.
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Two of these power stages in a single rack space? PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZE. It would be a stealth IPRS 3k. I'd rack two of them and use one for FOH and the other for bass. I already split a single 3k this way for most of my gigs...
 
#608
tombowlus said:
And Peavey is damned lucky to have you, IMHO, Bobby! :thumbsup:
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Ditto...and the rest of the gang, too! I used to get PO'd at Peavey back in the 80's when product announcement to shipping was measured in years. I had the first pair of 1810s in this area on order for over a year and the first Foundation for even longer. Still, I was a very happy camper when I did finally get them.

Kim
 
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#609
BbbyBld said:
The problem is that I have been seeing myself approaching a fork in the road where I will have to choose between being the "bass guy" or "power guy". I like the idea of both, but I don't have time for both, and the long delays with these new amps are proof of that.
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Tom is right, Peavey is damn lucky to have you.

You should be the Bass Power guy. Convince them to do a run of T-40's, and T-50's with the original pick ups (the elusive T-50 is a bass I would do monstrous things for). You already have this minimega and the new 1516 cabs, which I hope/think will turn some heads when people really understand what they can do.

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#610
BbbyBld said:
Possibly, and I hope so. I worked on the PV1000 on and off for 3 years. I learned a lot through the process, so if I were to start over, I think I would do things a little differently to reduce the size, improve efficiency, etc. I'm working on some new power amp technologies specifically for upcoming bass heads (that will probably also be shown way too early ) that I hope will make their way into our next generation rack power amps and Media Matrix stuff, combined with some of the tech from the PV1000.

I got thrown into the SMPS/class D fire 6 years ago when a colleague left the company. I was more of a preamp / systems engineer where I sort of did everything except the power amp. I had to learn a lot of stuff really fast to finish some products, and I sort of got addicted, especially to the whole high power thing--MORE POWER! The problem is that I have been seeing myself approaching a fork in the road where I will have to choose between being the "bass guy" or "power guy". I like the idea of both, but I don't have time for both, and the long delays with these new amps are proof of that.
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Can you (or anyone) provide a clue as to what these heads will sound like? I've never played a Peavey bass head, and have no clue what it would compare to. I've used Hartke, Ampeg, and Fender in my day. I'm interested in a few of the lighter weight options including the TH500, MiniMega, GK MBFusion 800, and the Fender Rumble, but haven't been able to demo any of them yet.
 
#611
backin82 said:
Can you (or anyone) provide a clue as to what these heads will sound like? I've never played a Peavey bass head, and have no clue what it would compare to. I've used Hartke, Ampeg, and Fender in my day. I'm interested in a few of the lighter weight options including the TH500, MiniMega, GK MBFusion 800, and the Fender Rumble, but haven't been able to demo any of them yet.
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Hey, this may help. It's from another Peavey related thread.....

BbbyBld said:
Mini Max is voiced punchy and clear to get the most out of the 400W. For reference, the preamp is the same as the Max II combos, so try one of those and you'll get the basic idea.

Headliner 1000 is voiced flat with a typical Peavey EQ setup. Think Tour 700, Kilobass, and T-Max. This is for people who like traditional Peavey heads.

The Mini Mega is powerful and thick down low, but slightly hi-fi up top. This was inspired by my time spent repairing and then gigging a '73 SVT belonging to a buddy. The SVT lows were addictive, but I felt like I was missing a lot of clarity in the mids. I'm not saying that it sounds like an SVT as far as tone, but I wanted to capture the playing experience. I also wanted this amp to feel fast if that makes any sense. Playing feel is top priority for me on any amp, and is the main thing I notice rather than tone. To me, tone is easy. Just play a bass that you like the sound of!
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Finally! New Peavey bass heads, and MINI! | TalkBass.com
 
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#612
backin82 said:
Can you (or anyone) provide a clue as to what these heads will sound like? I've never played a Peavey bass head, and have no clue what it would compare to. I've used Hartke, Ampeg, and Fender in my day. I'm interested in a few of the lighter weight options including the TH500, MiniMega, GK MBFusion 800, and the Fender Rumble, but haven't been able to demo any of them yet.
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Peavey amps have always sort of sounded alike. from my first MkIII, MkIV, three different MegaBass heads all sounded similar short each revision offered a cleaner more "hi-fi-ish" tone. My bassist for one of my acts, uses a Pro1000 amp. I think that was the series before the "Tour" line came out. The Pro sounded just like my Mega, only a little cleaner and a little louder. Nice features if you want to lug a heavy amp, but I would think that is why all of us are here on this thread because none of us wants to haul a 30lb plus amp head anymore.
 
#613
The rack case that I have my Peavey Kilobass in weighs significantly more than the Kilobass itself (15 lbs.). You're absolutely right that portability combined with the power has my interest peaked.
 
#619
Two of these power stages in a single rack space? PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZE. It would be a stealth IPRS 3k. I'd rack two of them and use one for FOH and the other for bass. I already split a single 3k this way for most of my gigs...
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It would be theoretically possible to put two modules in one chassis and make a power amp that was switchable between 4 and 2 channels, but in my opinion, active power factor correction would be needed to make it worthwhile.

does your module use BTL to reach 1000w or is it a true mono block?
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There are a few different versions of the same module, mono (BTL), stereo, and electronically switchable between mono/stereo. The version used in the Mini Mega is locked mono. Some of the products need 500W x 2 into 4 ohms, which requires a higher rail voltage. The Mini Mega version is essentially 500W x 2 into 2 ohms since it runs 1000W BTL into 4 ohms, which requires a lower rail voltage.

BTL is one of the main contributors to mini-ness, which is probably why most micro heads run that way. The voltage rating requirement of the components is less, so physically smaller components may be used. International safety regulations specify minimum voltage spacing between circuit board traces, so lower voltage allows for increased PCB trace density. Less heat sinking is needed because there is less voltage across the MOSFET's. The MOSFET's become easier to drive at high speed, which reduces EMI and increases efficiency. The other advantage to BTL is less bus pumping that the power supply has to deal with. Bus pumping rears it's ugly head the most at low frequencies.

Maybe a difference in terminology, but I would consider the Mini Mega version to be a BTL mono block.

(the elusive T-50 is a bass I would do monstrous things for).
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I want a T-45. I didn't even know it existed until recently.
 
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#620
CL400Peavey said:
Tom is right, Peavey is damn lucky to have you.

You should be the Bass Power guy. Convince them to do a run of T-40's, and T-50's with the original pick ups (the elusive T-50 is a bass I would do monstrous things for). You already have this minimega and the new 1516 cabs, which I hope/think will turn some heads when people really understand what they can do.

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A sub 10lb T-40 would be so awesome...One of the all time most underrated basses, IMO
 
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