Hello, so my backup rig is an Ampeg B2RE and I just ordered the BBE BMAX preamp. Should I plug the BMAX into the "Effects Return" or the "Power Amp In" sections. I understand that if using the fx return, the Ampeg will still be coloring my signal, and if i use the power amp in, the Ampeg will only be amplifying the BMAX signal. Will either way work? Has anyone used this combination before? Thank you in advance.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Preamp with B2RE
- Thread starter martarmetal
- Start date
I'm your man on this one. I have two USA made Ampeg B2REs that I use (almost) exclusively for their power sections (I consider their kinda sterile sounding built in preamp more of a spare than anything else). I activate the power section of my B2REs through the Power Amp In patch point on one of them and through the Effects Return patch point on the other. If patching via the fx return colors the sound, I can't hear it. The only difference I can discern is that patching your external preamp via the Power Amp In overrides ALL the controls on the B2RE whereas patching via the Effects Return allows the B2RE Master Volume to remain enabled. I exploit this by plugging my Alembic F-1X (which has no master volume) into the Effects Return on the B2RE which enables me to run the F-1X volume control at the level that yields the tone and/or DI level I want yet I'm able to control the overall volume with the Master Volume on the B2RE. I have my other B2RE in a rack with an Ampeg SVP CL and an Aguilar DB659 preamp, both of which have gain/master setups so I plug those two into the Power Amp In jack on the B2RE. One fine point to consider when using the Power Amp In patch point is turn off transients. I've found that with my non-Ampeg preamps, I'll get a fairly loud (and I assume damaging to the speaker) turn off thump sound when shutting down both the external preamp and B2RE at the same time via a power conditioner whereas this will not happen when using the Effects Return patch point with the Master Volume on the B2RE set to zero upon turning off the entire setup.
A (now defunct) club I used to play at regularly with several bands had a nice house PA and provided a backline as well. The house bass amp was a Mesa Boogie 4x10 powered by an Ampeg B2R (the 100 watts less powerful predecessor to the B2RE). Anyway, a bass buddy of mine played there a couple of nights before I was to play and told me that the preamp section on the house B2R was acting kinda funny so I brought one of my mini racks loaded with an Ampeg SVP CL and an Aguilar DB659 and used the SVP CL that night. It sounded really good and from then on out, I brought my own preamps to that gig and vowed to find myself a USA made B2RE (I have like zero faith in Pacific rim Ampeg gear after all the poor reliability war stories I've heard on this and other forums). Luckily, these gems (at least from the standpoint of their power sections) seem to be poorly regarded, readily available and cheap (I got one of mine for $200 w/SKB 2 space rack and the other one for $150). It's nice to see that the "secret" is getting out on the use of the B2RE as a power amp.
A (now defunct) club I used to play at regularly with several bands had a nice house PA and provided a backline as well. The house bass amp was a Mesa Boogie 4x10 powered by an Ampeg B2R (the 100 watts less powerful predecessor to the B2RE). Anyway, a bass buddy of mine played there a couple of nights before I was to play and told me that the preamp section on the house B2R was acting kinda funny so I brought one of my mini racks loaded with an Ampeg SVP CL and an Aguilar DB659 and used the SVP CL that night. It sounded really good and from then on out, I brought my own preamps to that gig and vowed to find myself a USA made B2RE (I have like zero faith in Pacific rim Ampeg gear after all the poor reliability war stories I've heard on this and other forums). Luckily, these gems (at least from the standpoint of their power sections) seem to be poorly regarded, readily available and cheap (I got one of mine for $200 w/SKB 2 space rack and the other one for $150). It's nice to see that the "secret" is getting out on the use of the B2RE as a power amp.
I run my B4R the same way...only use it as a power amp for my larger rack for big out door stages. I have it set up to use with several different preamps for different kinds of gigs. I run whichever preamp I want to use at the time through the effects send/return and just use the master volume on the B4R as you would on a power amp.
pbassnut, thank you for the clear, detailed information. That was exactly what I was looking for. I was under the assumption that patching through the effects return jack would still utilize the B2RE's tone settings and preamp coloration. I was wrong. I will be using the BBE BMAX patched into the effects return because I would like to control volume using the B2RE and tweak volume with the BMAX. I would also like to avoid the "popping" noise that you mentioned when using the power amp in section. Thank you both for all your help.
I hated the sound of my B2RE until I bypassed the preamp and used the power section with a Sansamp RBI. Sounded killer and I used this for years.
I agree that the B2RE is lacking tonal characteristics in more than one department. I dont necessarily hate it, I was able to squeeze out a hi-fi-ish tone but not anything to impress me. Its a good, reliable bass amp but I think a good pre will make it a great little amp. I will be using this set up as a back up rig but mostly to add to my studio as something new to mess around with. You can never have enough options when it comes to recording. Thanks again for everyones help!
I run my B4R the same way...only use it as a power amp for my larger rack for big out door stages. I have it set up to use with several different preamps for different kinds of gigs. I run whichever preamp I want to use at the time through the effects send/return and just use the master volume on the B4R as you would on a power amp.
Nice rack!!! How do you like that Trace Elliot GP7 SM preamp? I see those going for fairly reasonable coin from time to time. I like the Trace Elliot stuff and have a V-Type preamp (my "poor man's" Alembic F-1X) that just kills.
I love it. It works wonders with my Rics but for some weird reason I am not really able to dial in my MIA 75RI Jazz very well with it. But yeah I love it. Very versatile and not just a funk guys pre. I can really do a lot with that graphic EQ and I am usually not a graphic EQ guy. I have an Alembic F1-X in another rack that I gig regulalry and it is by far my fave...but all of these are tied for a very close second.
