TC Electronic BG250 Club (Part 2)

[Fretagain]

You can link BG250's together by coming out of the XLR output and into the 6mm jack input.

 

[Scottkarch]

Thanks. I realize that and that would probably be more powerful. Not sure what power it puts out into 8. Ohms vs 4.

It sure would be a tiny tower.

 

[eudaimonia]

With two 208s connected serial like Fretagain suggested you would have two toneprints. However, I think it would be more convenient to use the other 208 as a cabinet without going through second preamp and poweramp. You still would have more power.

 

[car_man65]

Or use them separate with stereo..(ric o sound maybe?) separate toneprint for each pickup would be nice

 

[Fretagain]

So it does!!! My 208 arrived today, so I had to try it out with all 4 basses. Sounds good linked together or "ric-O-sounded" in stereo. Only ever did that once before about 12 years ago.

 

[ticol07]

So it does!!! My 208 arrived today, so I had to try it out with all 4 basses. Sounds good linked together or "ric-O-sounded" in stereo. Only ever did that once before about 12 years ago.

Nice !!!!!!
So the 2 of them work well together ! That's an interesting information.
And how did you link them ? With a signal splitter or you used the DI out of one of them to send the signal to the other ?

 

[Fretagain]

Out of the XLR and into the INPUT jack. I asked TC if it was possible before doing it and they confirmed it was OK. Very late last night when I got round to doing the test, but it seems OK so far. The 208 isn't loud as others say, but it gives an excellent top end, which is what I was after as I have always used a Peavey set up with a 15 and 2x10 cabinets and was struggling to hear my cab on stage at times. My only criticism of the 115 and 210 is that you can't use extension cabinets, hence buying the 208. The BG250-115 handles my double bass in my rockabilly band as well with ease and at high volumes too.
Early days yet, but the 208 seems to handle the lows as well with no distortion, just a lack of overall volume. The 208 doesn't affect the sound of the 115 if you go PRE AMP out of the XLR (although I will experiment). I haven't had the chance to check if it affects volume, but will report back later when I do.

Many moons ago when I had a different Ricky I made a stereo splitter lead to use 2 amps, so I tried that out as well and it's excellent on first impressions

 

[eudaimonia]

Nice, and they are stacking beautyfully. Isn't it a perfect combination. You can use one or the other, or both, depending on needs.

 

[Fretagain]

I did the measurements first of all and the 208 is 3mm wider than the 115. I just moved the rubber feet from the bottom to the side as they are attached to the corner protectors and don't need redrilling to give clearance over the handle on the 115, plus it looks neater..

 

[eudaimonia]

If you want to remove the stickers, I suggest WD-40. I use it to clean my motorbike and it's also the best sticker removal I know.

 

[Low Class]

If you want to remove the stickers, I suggest WD-40. I use it to clean my motorbike and it's also the best sticker removal I know.

+1!

 

[Scottkarch]

Thanks for posting. That's very cool. Yes the 208 isn't nearly as loud as the 115. I do agree about not distorting. I've dimed it a few times at guitar center and I thought it sounded great, just not real loud. Very interesting concept. If you gig it live I'm really curious if the 208 will get lost behind the 115 or will add to the overall volume. I'm guessing you will notice the extra volume.

Post back if you can.

 

[Fretagain]

Gigging this weekend (sat and sun) so I'll let you know.

 

[ticol07]

Just to share because I know some others may be interested : regarding the way to eq the bg250-115 to obtain a more clear response from its cab, which is also interesting if you use a preamp in front of it, I had a very good tone at my today's rehearsal by setting Bass at -2, Mids at -1 and Highs at -1. It's not intuitive, but the tone was way more open and not a little bit honky and boomy as it can be with everything set flat. Very nice !!
And with a VT Bass in front of it, it was marvelous

 

[Freekmagnet]

My BG250-115 died right in the middle of a gig. Haven't even had the unit more than 3 months. That's too bad because I really liked this amp - I liked the size, the weight, the power, the tone, and the simple interface. It was easy to dial in a great tone, and as a bonus, the Toneprint feature was actually quite useful.

I gig petty much every weekend, and I need my gear to work. Having my amp fail after two or three months is simply unacceptable. I'm taking it back to GC tomorrow. Hopefully they will take it back. I'm prolly gonna end up having to learn to love safety yellow and buy a Markbass instead.

 

[Fretagain]

That's unfortunate to hear. TC stuff is very good quality.
I did a small gig last night with the 2 linked and can report back that the top end is now clearer, possibly because the rig is taller. You have to spend a bit of time getting the volume of each amp equal, or to your liking. I had hoped that one would control the other.
I use a different foot pedal that works the MK1 115, but the switches are different for the 208. Basically I now just use the MUTE button for the 208 as this mutes the whole rig and leave the preloaded compression TONEPRINT effects only, relying on my Zoom effects pedal for anything else I need.
I may load a couple of different effects and then use the "post EQ" XLR out to send to the 115 and mixing desk as well (if you understand)
You need 1 pedal for each amp, so for ease of use I control the whole rig with just the one.

I have a larger gig tonight, so will report back on sound and other issues tomorrow.

 

[Fretagain]

Handled the larger venue admirably. A bit boomy, but that is the venue sound and not really the amp. You lose dynamics when the volume is raised, but then my old Peavey rig did the same, so the TC is a keeper.
Next report will be with the Rickenbacker stereo setup when I play next weekend

 

[Fretagain]

Rickenbacker 4003, 1x15 and 2x8. Gorgeous. End of story.

 

[wisconsindead]

First gig with the BG250 115 last night. Backyard party so obviously it had more than enough power to handle the job.

Was planning to play the GK 212 combo that the other bassist was playing. I did a lil TB research on the amp and most of the threads I found were about the problems/amp farting out. So i brought the 115 just in case. Guy was a real ******* to me about his GK "you're not using MY poopie", followed by telling me I should just use his bass, not touch any of the settings and use his harmonizer delay thingy. Kind of the, I'm 50+ and you're just some kid mentality. Wasn't the response I was expecting when I introduced myself figuring he would be cordial about using his amp. Then about halfway through their set I was told his amp died. Pretty ironic. Its always funny when someone gives ya so much crap and then you still end up having to help them out. Nice guys finish first?

Anyway, the amp worked out great and it was cool to finally use it for a crowd.

 

[lakefx]

Now that I've had my BG-250 for over a year, I am still very impressed with the value this combo presents. Loud, great sound, and I got mine for just over $300. My only complaint is that the TonePrint started me towards the black hole that is effects.