Setting up my first rack system

[AnchorHoy]

Hey All,

Goin' straight to the practical for my very first post, so let me cut to the chase.....

Santa finally read my list for change, and was kind enough to send me the first building block for my long-planned rack system: an Ampeg SVP-Pro preamp. Due to arrive via the Brown Elves a couple of days from now

I downloaded the manual off the Ampeg website, which was reasonably informative, but there was an important question left unanswered:

I need to adapt the ¼" female preamp outs to three-pin XLR male for the input connections of a 2 channel power amp. Are the preamp output jacks ¼" TRS or regular two-conductor ¼" ?

Also, I haven't sourced the power amp yet but I'm leaning toward a new Crown XLS 402D as the best (and most reliable) bang-for-the-buck

Current speaker setup is a single Hartke 410 cab, and I'd like to eventually change up to two 2x10s or possibly 2x12s, more to keep the individual cab weight down than any other factor

This system is being put together for the purpose of starting to play out again after a long layoff from serious gigs. Strictly 'fun band' at this point, but I want to be able to cover everything up to medium sized clubs - blues, "acoustic" indie stuff, maybe some 60s and 70s rock covers if an opportunity presents itself and I'm a good fit with an existing band. Any venue bigger than about 250 people or so, I figure I'll end up sending a LoZ signal from the preamp straight to the PA anyway, and just use the cabs for onstage moniters

Comments on any or all of the above?

 

[mrtn400]

It probably would work with either, but I would just get TRS->XLRs.

If it's TRS, and you have a TRS cable: the tip is a signal, the ring is a signal, and the sleeve is ground.
If it's just TS, but you have a TRS cable: the tip is the signal, the ring is the same signal (it's redundant), and the sleeve is ground.

Also, that Crown will easily fill up a large club. If you want to save money for cabs, I would get the XLS 202D instead, which would still have a lot of power.

 

[bongomania]

The SVP Pro's outputs are unbalanced (TS), so you need a power amp that can accept an unbalanced input. Full stop. Once you've selected a power amp that can accept an unbalanced input, it will (almost by definition) have 1/4" input jacks, and it won't matter whether the plugs on the cable are TS or TRS. Try also to make sure the input sensitivity rating of the power amp is not more than 1V, for best compatibility with the Ampeg pre.

 

[AnchorHoy]

The SVP Pro's outputs are unbalanced (TS), so you need a power amp that can accept an unbalanced input

Roger that. So much for the Crown....

Judging by the comment from mrtn400, it sounds like I can also back off on the power requirements

Once you've selected a power amp that can accept an unbalanced input, it will (almost by definition) have 1/4" input jacks, and it won't matter whether the plugs on the cable are TS or TRS

Also good to know

Try also to make sure the input sensitivity rating of the power amp is not more than 1V, for best compatibility with the Ampeg pre.

Yep. I remember reading that important bit of info elsewhere on this forum. Good to have it confirmed

So, to recap:

--------------------------------------------------
Two channels @ roughly 300watts/4 ohms each

Input sensitivity preferably 1V or lower

Unbalanced ¼" input(s)
--------------------------------------------------

That narrows down the number of choices, and may cut back the cost some too, depending on what's available

We've got quite a few good music stores in my area (Central NJ) to choose from, one of which is right up the road from me and specializes in quality used gear. I figure on doing some more research online and then buying the power amp fairly close to home if I possibly can. Backwards, actually, from the way many folks I know go about things, but always my own preferred way of doing business

Cool Beans!
Almost time to go do some shopping

 

[pablomigraine]

Hey All,

I need to adapt the ¼" female preamp outs to three-pin XLR male for the input connections of a 2 channel power amp. Are the preamp output jacks ¼" TRS or regular two-conductor ¼" ?

I wouldn't recommend this. Either get a passive converter (has 1/4 female input and XLR male output), or just get a cable as suggested earlier. This is only neccessary if you get the Crown power amp, owing to the lack of a 1/4 input on that unit.

Also, I haven't sourced the power amp yet but I'm leaning toward a new Crown XLS 402D as the best (and most reliable) bang-for-the-buck

I strongly recommend the Link Removed. Its less expensive than the crown, makes more power, can bridge into 4 Ohms, is infinitely tougher (check THIS out!!) and just sounds better IMO. I toured with one for over 100 shows straight in a 16sp rack which was subjected to extreme heat, rain, sleet, and two tip-overs. Never a single problem. Best of all its has 1/4" inputs, so you wont need the converter.

Current speaker setup is a single Hartke 410 cab, and I'd like to eventually change up to two 2x10s or possibly 2x12s, more to keep the individual cab weight down than any other factor

Just save yourself years of dissatisfaction and discover what most of us have wasted Hundred$$ finding out:

BERGANTINO AE 410.

Loudest, fastest, tightest and greatest of the "Lite" enclosures in existance IMO, and will still cost you less than 2 Aguilar GS210's.

Getting an Ampeg SVP-Pro

This is a piece of junk and you will hate it. Everyone will make fun of you for using it. I recommend you dont even open the box and try it. Just turn right around and ship it out to me, and I'll be happy to save you the embarrassment. I'll even match what you paid for it. Remember, DONT try it first, just know it stinks and send it directly to me. Overnight. Please.

 

[markkoelsch]

I would recommend a Crown, but I would do a search for a used Powerbase or Powertech. You can find them pretty cheap, they sound great, are super durable, and they take a 1/4" input.