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Problem With Overdriving Preamp Pedal

Thomasr098

Thomasr098

Jul 27, 2018
32
22
#1
I am currently trying out a new rig consisting of an active Music Man Stingray into an Ampeg SCR-DI preamp pedal into a QSC GX7 power amp into my cab. If I use the 15db pad on the pedal, I basically have to dime the amp to get a volume I can gig with out of it, though I'm worried that it would burn out the speakers in my cab as it is rated at 450 watts RMS at 8 ohms and the amp puts out a maximum of 800 watt RMS at 8 ohms. If I remove the 15db pad on the pedal, I can get more than enough volume out of the amp to gig with though I believe I am overdriving the preamp pedal as my tone is incredibly farty at any volume level.

I would guess this is happening because I am running my active bass into a second preamp which is then being over driven without the 15db pad. How could I get more volume out of my setup without sacrificing my tone? I normally keep the EQ on my bass flat and adjust my tone through the preamp pedal. I really would like to use both the Ampeg pedal and the QSC power amp if possible. The Ampeg pedal gives me the perfect tone and the QSC power amp gives me more than enough clean headroom for any situation.
 
#2
What's your gain on the SCR-DI set at? Can you back it down to the point the bass doesn't overdrive it? I've run some very hot basses with EMG actives through it without using the -15 db pad, and I can always get a clean sound.
 
#3
JimmyM said:
What's your gain on the SCR-DI set at? Can you back it down to the point the bass doesn't overdrive it? I've run some very hot basses with EMG actives through it without using the -15 db pad, and I can always get a clean sound.
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I've tried using the minimum gain on the pedal to the point that its barely on and I am still overdriving the pedal occasionally.
 
#5
Thomasr098 said:
I've tried using the minimum gain on the pedal to the point that its barely on and I am still overdriving the pedal occasionally.
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Dang, must be a screaming hot bass. Well shoot, wish I knew more about running those things through a power amp, but you are always welcome to call or email Ampeg CS and see if they can help.
 
#6
First of all, there’s nothing wrong with having the volume on the power amp all the way up, as long as the speakers aren’t being pushed too hard. So don’t worry about that. If you get a good sound and the speakers sound ok, the amp can be all the way up.

However, I’m looking at pictures of the SCR-DI and I don’t see a -15db pad. Am I missing something?
 
#7
PotsdamBass8 said:
First of all, there’s nothing wrong with having the volume on the power amp all the way up, as long as the speakers aren’t being pushed too hard. So don’t worry about that. If you get a good sound and the speakers sound ok, the amp can be all the way up.

However, I’m looking at pictures of the SCR-DI and I don’t see a -15db pad. Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
You have to open it up and it's got a jumper on the board to choose. Why they did that, I don't know, but I never use it so it doesn't affect me and that's all I care :D
 
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