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Rich and full sound with low volume

modularblur

modularblur

Mar 13, 2019
40
34
#1
Hello!

I've got "a problem" but I think I've been making the wrong question all this time.

I've got an Ampeg PF-50T Bass Head + SVT-112AV Cabinet and I play a 2019 Fender American Professional Precision Bass. Somehow I'm not really happy with the sound I'm getting. This is mostly because I play in very low volumes (mostly at home or the office).

So, my question is: how can I get a rich and full sound with low volume!? What kind of extra gear would allow me to get a full fat sound, but... in a lower volume? Or it's just not possible?

Thank you!
 
#4
An EQ pedal would be the simplest and cheapest solution.
Attenuators will allow the tubes to run hotter at the expense of treble freq. which can get bled off as a result of the circuitry depending on the model and the price you’re willing to pay. For you this may be a good thing but may not be your best solution.
There’s a big difference between reactive load boxes and passive coil based models in both price and performance.
I use a compressor with the threshold and ratio turned way up and the output very low late at night. I can eq my tone as I like and then squash it tight so my volume is stable no matter how hard I dig in. The perception of volume and deep bass is still there despite the settings.
 
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#5
I would second the idea of a comp and a bit of EQ twiddling to get a very full tone at quite low volumes. Nothing is going to quite be like your rig turned up, but it can be done pretty easily.
 
#6
Increase the bass and treble at low volumes.
Some stereo receivers used to have a "Loudness" switch that would do just this. Modern stuff does it automatically, but there's usually a "Loudness Compensation" setting.
Since this isn't built into your head, you can do it manually.
Just remember to turn the bass and treble down when you crank the amp.
 
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#7
Hello everyobe. Thank you for the replies! So you say an EQ pedal and a compressor, or just an EQ pedal!?

Been dialing the Ampeg head, yet I can't seem to be satisfied with the sound. It's just now "full enough" in really low volumes. Of course that if I crank the volume... !!!! But unfortunately I really need minimal volumes here without having to use headphones.

Regarding pedals, can you be a bit more specific? Any brands/models for me to look at?

Thank you!
 
#8
My best low volume sound is plugged direct into on of my little powered desktop studio monitors. I have a M-audio BX5 (not a big endorsement just what I have). For some reason the line in seems to be instrument level and although it only has a volume, it will stand up to my Shuttle 3.0/10 and is really good at desktop levels. Just wont do much more than that. With a preamp I am sure I could get this to sound like thunder at a very quite level. The shuttle is pretty good too.
 
#9
There are two ways a tube amp gets to a "rich and full" sound to me.

1) Turn the master volume all the way up and use the gain for a volume knob. Run it as loud as you can practically. When those power tubes are really cooking there is a bloom to the tone that is great.

2) Turn the master volume way down. Turn the gain up until you get a slight overdrive. Then back down one notch. Adjust master volume to taste. This is more of a gain stage bloom.

Having both the gain and volume "sort of" turned up doesn't allow a tube amp to do what it does, to me. You need to push either the gain stage or the power stage.

These tones are different. But they're both great. I would suggest using the second option when you want to play at lower volumes. If playing at lower volumes is what you always do, perhaps look into the PF20T so it will be "cooking" at lower volumes.
 
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#11
modularblur said:
Hello everyobe. Thank you for the replies! So you say an EQ pedal and a compressor, or just an EQ pedal!?

Been dialing the Ampeg head, yet I can't seem to be satisfied with the sound. It's just now "full enough" in really low volumes. Of course that if I crank the volume... !!!! But unfortunately I really need minimal volumes here without having to use headphones.

Regarding pedals, can you be a bit more specific? Any brands/models for me to look at?

Thank you!
Click to expand...
well the EQ on the amp would be the first EQ I would focus on rather than adding an EQ pedal. Plenty of quality EQ control on your PF50t.
Compressor pedals are all over the place. There is a Compressor Review Megathread here on Talkbass with tons of info:
Compressor Review Megathread

I like and use a Cali76CB but there are tons of good options from many makers ... EBS, Boss, BBE, Ampeg etc etc
A compressor can give your low volume tone a bit of "push" that is missing when you lower the overall volume of the amp.
 
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