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SVT-CL question

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by Thunzie, Jul 12, 2013.

  1. Jul 12, 2013 #1
    Thunzie

    Thunzie

    Feb 17, 2013
    Hi guys, will I do any damage to my SVT-CL by running it without a cab connected so long as it's only on standby? I ask because my CL is my main amp, but next weekend I'd like to run through my backup amp (a GK 700RB) just to see how it goes, but should I decide I want to switch back to the SVT-CL (warmed up on standby) mid set, so long as I connect the cab to the CL before I switch it off standby, will it cause any damage?
     
  2. Jul 12, 2013 #2
    RickenBoogie

    RickenBoogie

    Jul 22, 2007
    Dallas, TX
    You should never turn an SVT CL on without having a load connected, ever. So, no, do not run this amp unless the spkr cab is connected, and make sure the impedance matches as well.
     
  3. Jul 12, 2013 #3
    Thunzie

    Thunzie

    Feb 17, 2013
    Thanks RickenBoogie :)
     
  4. Jul 12, 2013 #4
    beans-on-toast

    beans-on-toast

    Aug 7, 2008
    From a safety point of view, you should never do it.

    From a practical point of view it is not necessary. If you decide to switch to the CL mid set, you can get by with a 30 seconds warmup on standby before switch into playing mode.

    From a technical point of view, you can do it. Only the tube heaters are energized when the amp is in standby. If the amp is turned off standby without a cab connected, the amp might be damaged.

    Why risk it?
     
  5. Jul 12, 2013 #5
    Thunzie

    Thunzie

    Feb 17, 2013
    If that's 'technically' the right answer - 30 sec min is ok to crank the CL, (in a pinch), obviously - thanks.
     
  6. Jul 12, 2013 #6
    beans-on-toast

    beans-on-toast

    Aug 7, 2008
    I know that I said 30 seconds, here is what the CL manual says:


    STANDBY: The Standby mode allows the tubes to warm or remain warm without high voltage being applied to them. This extends tube life. This switch should be OFF when first turning the amplifier on. Allow the unit to warm up for 20 seconds before switching to the ON position. During short periods of non-use, the amp should be put into Standby mode.
     
  7. Jul 12, 2013 #7
    two fingers

    two fingers Opinionated blowhard. But not mad about it. Inactive

    Feb 7, 2005
    Eastern NC USA
    Here's what happens in standby. There are several taps off the power transformer for various tasks in various voltages. IIRC the voltage for the filament in the tubes (the thing that produces the heat that allows the reaction within the tubes to occur) is 6.3V in many cases. When in standby, the only thing going on is those filaments are on, and nothing else. So, technically, you would be fine.

    But here's what I suggest. There is no way that the GK700RB will sound so horrible that you just can't stand it for one more song. (They are actually really nice amps.) So what I would do is just have the SVT set up and ready to go. If you suddenly decide you can't take the GK any more, just reach back and turn on standby and play one more song. It really only takes 10 to 20 seconds to warm them up good. That way you won't risk accidentally turning the thing on all the way and doing some real damage.

    Nobody in the audience will even recognize the difference if/when you switch amps. So stop sweating over it.
     
  8. Jul 12, 2013 #8
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Supporting Member

    Apr 11, 2005
    Apopka, FL
    Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
    :eek:
     
  9. Jul 14, 2013 #9
    Thunzie

    Thunzie

    Feb 17, 2013
    Best answer, thanks :) And I agree most punters wont notice the difference. But we connoisseurs certainly would :)

    Cheers guys - thanks.
     
  10. Jul 14, 2013 #10
    Thunzie

    Thunzie

    Feb 17, 2013

    STANDBY: The Standby mode allows the tubes to warm or remain warm without high voltage being applied to them. This extends tube life. This switch should be OFF when first turning the amplifier on. Allow the unit to warm up for 20 seconds before switching to the ON position. During short periods of non-use, the amp should be put into Standby mode.
    [/QUOTE]

    Hang on.... I'd read"This switch should be OFF when first turning the amplifier on" as meaning the amp should be powered ON, without standby in effect, for the first 20 sec.... surely they're actually trying to say that the minimum warmup (on standby) time is 20 sec.
     
  11. Jul 14, 2013 #11
    beans-on-toast

    beans-on-toast

    Aug 7, 2008
    The term standby on and off and how manufacturer's label the switch confuses a lot of people.

    What Ampeg means to convey is, power on with the amp in standby for 20 seconds. You want to give the heaters a chance to warm up the tube. Then turn the amp off standby into playing mode.