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Peavey MiniMega 1000

#1,181
MarkA said:
Tom, without engaging the Crunch feature or any of the other doodads (Kosmos, compressor), how would you compare the two amps in "harmonic interest" and in evenness/solidity/support of the notes across the registers of the bass -- i.e. are notes in the middle of the G-string as well supported as notes low on the A and E? How about pitch definition down low?

While I'm being greedy for information, how does the new Genzler amp (if you've had a chance to play with it) compare on those counts?

Danke,
Mark
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With the Cruch off, and everything set at noon, the MM is very even, and very full, from top to bottom. The Magellan 800 comes across as a bit more mid-forward (again, set with all controls at noon), due in part to its relatively aggressive high-pass filtering. The Magellan has a bit more inherent growl, as well (some midrange harmonic excitement, perhaps?).
 
#1,182
tombowlus said:
With the Cruch off, and everything set at noon, the MM is very even, and very full, from top to bottom. The Magellan 800 comes across as a bit more mid-forward (again, set with all controls at noon), due in part to its relatively aggressive high-pass filtering. The Magellan has a bit more inherent growl, as well (some midrange harmonic excitement, perhaps?).
Click to expand...
Thanks, Tom. Appreciate your perspective. Would you say that the MM stays as full on the G as the Subway? That, in the Subway thread, is one of the big points brought up in favor of that amp (and, to me, the sound of the instrument staying full and even through the registers, even as EQ is tweaked, is a hallmark of a well-designed front end in general).

Sounds like the Magellan has more "native" harmonic content than the MM -- how about the MM relative to the Subway? The Crunch feature I could maybe see myself using if it added some pleasing distortion/harmonic content without compromising the dynamics of the amp.

I really am trying to restrain myself, here. I could probably ask 20 questions about this amp right now -- well, ten, anyway.
 
#1,183
MarkA said:
Thanks, Tom. Appreciate your perspective. Would you say that the MM stays as full on the G as the Subway? That, in the Subway thread, is one of the big points brought up in favor of that amp (and, to me, the sound of the instrument staying full and even through the registers, even as EQ is tweaked, is a hallmark of a well-designed front end in general).

Sounds like the Magellan has more "native" harmonic content than the MM -- how about the MM relative to the Subway? The Crunch feature I could maybe see myself using if it added some pleasing distortion/harmonic content without compromising the dynamics of the amp.

I really am trying to restrain myself, here. I could probably ask 20 questions about this amp right now -- well, ten, anyway.
Click to expand...

I haven't specifically compared the response on the G string between the D-800 and the MM; at least, I did not focus on that. I will say that no part of the frequency range struck me as "weak" with the MM. Regarding harmonic content, the Peavey is far from sterile, but it definitely impresses you with its clarity, fullness, and balance from top to bottom. The headroom is quite apparent, as well, and the dynamics leave nothing to be desired, as well, IME/IMHO. Amazing amp for the money, and very competitive, regardless of price.
 
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#1,185
tombowlus said:
I haven't specifically compared the response on the G string between the D-800 and the MM; at least, I did not focus on that. I will say that no part of the frequency range struck me as "weak" with the MM. Regarding harmonic content, the Peavey is far from sterile, but it definitely impresses you with its clarity, fullness, and balance from top to bottom. The headroom is quite apparent, as well, and the dynamics leave nothing to be desired, as well, IME/IMHO. Amazing amp for the money, and very competitive, regardless of price.
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Groovy, Tom, sounds good. Thanks. Didn't mean to restrict it to the G, just that that's an area that people often bring up (thin G-strings).
 
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#1,187
I couldn't agree more with @tombowlus on the MM. I'm not usually one to sing the praises of most gear. I expect them to do "what they do." Some have their strong points, as there are different flavors of goodness to be found. But the more that I get into this new Peavey, compared to really good amps that I have owned and/or played with enough to form an opinion in the past, The MM can hold it's own with any and all of them. Heading into any gig, I don't feel that I am lacking anything amp wise.
 
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#1,188
MarkA said:
Groovy, Tom, sounds good. Thanks. Didn't mean to restrict it to the G, just that that's an area that people often bring up (thin G-strings).
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IMO and IME that has more to do with the bass set up, string choice, and cab choice than the amp.

From my time with the amp I would say you would really dig the tone with the crunch engaged and the compressor on around noon. Keep in mind the crunch option isn't supposed to be "metalzone distortion" it is additional harmonic content that is dependant on your input signal and gain setting.
 
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#1,189
tombowlus said:
With the Cruch off, and everything set at noon, the MM is very even, and very full, from top to bottom. The Magellan 800 comes across as a bit more mid-forward (again, set with all controls at noon), due in part to its relatively aggressive high-pass filtering. The Magellan has a bit more inherent growl, as well (some midrange harmonic excitement, perhaps?).
Click to expand...

It would be interesting to do a shoot out of sorts between the the Subway 800, The Magellan, and the MM. All three sort of hit the market at the same time ( finally ! ), similar price range and power.
 
#1,190
jnewmark said:
It would be interesting to do a shoot out of sorts between the the Subway 800, The Magellan, and the MM. All three sort of hit the market at the same time ( finally ! ), similar price range and power.
Click to expand...

Yes, indeed! I have had a fun time comparing those three (with the Berg B|Amp and the AI Clarus SL thrown in for good measure). The GK MB800, though not new, holds up well in this company, as well. Things are going to get really interesting when my Reiner Amplification Studio 1200 arrives!

It is a great time to be a bass player! :bassist: :bassist: :bassist: :thumbsup:
 
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#1,194
Wow, it came 2 days early. Initial impression: this thing hits like a brick S house. Time to jam.
 

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#1,199
Deadsound said:
been following your thread - appreciated! Only a matter of time before I order one...even if I hate the preamp (unlikely), all reports are this power section is impressive and a perfect match for greenboy cabs
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The pre amp is pretty amazing, if you actually like the sound of your signal before it. It doesn't have a lot of baked in tone that I am hearing, so it is perfect for my needs.
 
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#1,200
I agree with the pre being fairly transparent. I just did about a 20 minute run through. Very impressed. The power section slams and grunts like my big tube amps. Doesn't feel like a garden variety Class D to me for sure. There is some serious horsepower on tap. I think this amp will splinter inferior boxes if people aren't careful. I mean, damn, it's got some headroom.

The narrow Q for the "quasi" parametric mids are a nice touch for my style as I like to add just a touch of 1000 hz and notch a tad of 500 hz without bringing too many neighboring frequencies up or down. I've settled on the gain at about 10 o'clock right now with my Dingwall's'. Gives it just the edge and bounce I like. Compressor doesn't color the signal, just does its thing from just a touch to max squash when wide open. My Greenboy boxes don't need much from the Kosmos C but the A (sub harmonic generator) was a pleasant surprise. That thing had my windows rattling even at low volumes. I can see having some fun with that on certain tunes. Additionally, the Kosmos C (fake bass) really woke up my headphones and made the bass feel powerful through the cans.

I'm not a 100% sold on the crunch yet but when I engaged it and boost my high mids/highs it's giving me some great tones. Not sure if it will replace my B7K though.

Well, that's about it for now. Going to go back and try it with some different cabs and basses and report back. So far, I am very impressed. This thing (for ME) might just be that higher power Walkabout that I've always wanted. Slam city.
 
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