Almost. With the controls at ten o'clock the P-15 is closer to the tone of a REDDI but the P-15 has a tone of its own, pretty much the sound of a Ampeg B-15. Which is what got me going on this entire topic. It wasn't until I read that the REDDI was compared closely to a B-15. Then with my first hand experience I had to bring to attention that the P-15 was much closer if not on the mark for that true B-15 sound.
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This is where I laugh a little, what B15? Different models sounded different, even similar era units sounded different from one another. Maybe the P15 sounds closer to your favorite or what you'd imagine an ideal one sounds like and that's cool or close to the one you have or had. But to blanket statement that all B15's sound the same and the P15 sounds more like the white unicorn stretches it a bit to far for me.
Holy hair splitting Peter Palm. It's bass. Every Fender P bass sounds different too but they all have that foundation sound of a Fender P bass. Just like in this video all of these Ampegs sound different but they all sound like an Ampeg. The Broughton sounds like an Ampeg more than a REDDI does. I've used different B-15's from different years and the P-15 nails it. Alicorn included. Giggle
The two bias settings alone sound pretty different to me.
I would say it's slightly more obvious than hair splitting.
I would say it's slightly more obvious than hair splitting.
Obviously a different sound between the two. However if I want the 64 out of the P-15 I can boost the bass control beyond noon and if I want more of the 66 I can turn the bass control below noon and boost a little of the treble control. Also I've found that the volume knob can also manipulate the overall tone in both situations as well.
As I stated before both bias still have that "Ampeg" sound.
As I stated before both bias still have that "Ampeg" sound.
It should also be noted that The P-15 is the actual circuit of the B15 preamp, I am sure @Azure Skies can tell us which model. But, it's the preamp circuit. Also, on a B-15, there will be variations depending on the preamp and power tubes you use, just like any other amp.
And, given that even same era units sound different from unit to unit, it really is hair splitting. It's like arguing with someone who owns a B15N because their B15N does not sound exactly like your B15N. It's really pedantic.
And, given that even same era units sound different from unit to unit, it really is hair splitting. It's like arguing with someone who owns a B15N because their B15N does not sound exactly like your B15N. It's really pedantic.
How would you ever know if an original B-15 had the bias still set to factory standards?
The hum balance is not a bias control.
The component drift on older amps make it unrealistic to make statements about the differences in bias voltages in an A/B comparison.
IMO/IME
Azure Skies
Commercial User
The P15 is based on the later iterations of the B15N with the Volume control after the first gain stage, and the tone stack after the second gain stage.
It isn't so much of a bias voltage difference as a topology difference. The later versions were fixed bias (negative voltage bias), whereas the older versions were cathode biased.
With all due respect to Josh and his terrific DI, if you're trying to tell us that the REDDI doesn't sound like Ampegs, I will have to laugh. The entire reason I got one is because it was a way for me to have the Ampeg tube amp sound in my DI line after being forced to give up on only micing or running speaker level DI's out of my Ampeg tube amps because of incompetent sound techs we're forced to work with sometimes. And you know those things you plug it into...those things called "mixing boards"? You can change the sound as needed with one of them, too.
Never a fan of the Reddi, it's too "one tone", the p15 though is extremely intriguing, I wants
Pretty sure that nobody said that. According to some people in this thread, however, it seems that somehow only the REDDI is capable of reproducing some sort of Ampeg magic. It's like the REDDI has magic that will make it sound like whatever B-15 you prefer without any adjustment. It's like it senses which B15 schematic and component variations you are looking for and automatically adapts to that. The P-15 is apparently incapable of doing that. Or so a lot of people in this thread seem to think.
No. I am not trying to tell any of you that the REDDI doesn't sound like an Ampeg. What I am "telling" (not trying to) you is that the P-15 does a better job at it. I understand people like different things. People really like things that were the first and at one time the only thing that was around to accomplish said sound. But times have changed as they always do and will continue to. That change has resulted in a product that does a better job at said sound, along with a few other features at a much better price.
Now I could be way off the mark with this but if some of these producers, engineers and "seasoned" pros & bass heroes actually had a chance to sit down with both of these units and put them through the paces maybe just maybe they would have a different stance about the two. The only reason why I say this is because the folks that I have showed this product to overwhelmingly agree that it is all the hype that I portray it to be. I'm not gonna go off on a long "toot my own horn rant" with name drops and studio experiences but the people of which I speak are very much so industry guys and gals.
If someone of the stature of Sheehan has only just now had a chance to use a REDDI first hand then that says a lot right there. Also I'd be willing to bet if that same said Sheehan unplugged himself from a REDDI and immediately plugged into a Broughton his eyes would light up with interest.
Dude, don't talk down to me. I got plenty of experience with both playing at a fairly high level and using Ampeg gear for close to 40 years. I own stellar examples of the two most prized vintage Ampegs on the market. I am no dummy. Don't talk to me like I am one.
"What I am "telling" (not trying to) you is that the P-15 does a better job at it. I understand people like different things. People really like things that were the first and at one time the only thing that was around to accomplish said sound."
So my opinion is strictly based on the REDDI being the first DI to accomplish this goal, and only your opinion is the right one? Well I guess I'll head to the outhouse then go draw water from the river and heat it up for my weekly bath. If that's not talking down to me, I don't know what is.
Get over yourself Jim. Your condescending remark about "mixing boards" like I'd forgotten what the shag those are is about the same. But you don't see me whining about the way I was spoken to do you?
If you want some talking down to, well then here ya go. My P-15 is a far superior unit then your beloved REDDI. That's was a period after REDDI in case you missed it. You might have however many years under your belt but that has poopie to do with this. You wanna know why because out of ALL your years playing a bass guitar you have exactly ZERO experience with a Broughton. So go crying to the mods about being picked on or better yet go ahead and advertise the fact that you'll be putting me on your ignore list too. Since that's what folks that do that sort of thing like to do around here. Also if you've got no experience with both units hands on then do not come into this thread with your all so mighty Ampeg wisdom.
If you want some talking down to, well then here ya go. My P-15 is a far superior unit then your beloved REDDI. That's was a period after REDDI in case you missed it. You might have however many years under your belt but that has poopie to do with this. You wanna know why because out of ALL your years playing a bass guitar you have exactly ZERO experience with a Broughton. So go crying to the mods about being picked on or better yet go ahead and advertise the fact that you'll be putting me on your ignore list too. Since that's what folks that do that sort of thing like to do around here. Also if you've got no experience with both units hands on then do not come into this thread with your all so mighty Ampeg wisdom.
This is all so relative, I have played on many recordings and used a reddi once, ampeg never, so what's all this fuss about? Man, one of the best sounds i got on a track was an MIM jb plugged into a hartke a100 miked with a 58 lolol
