Tech21 Power Engine Deuce Deluxe...anyone using it?

[Bob_Ross]

I haven't seen any chat on TB about this amp since it was introduced ~2 years ago, wondering if anyone's using one, how they like it, what they're using it with, etc.

Full disclosure: My interest in it is primarily for use with guitar...but if it can also serve as a small bass combo (especially if I don't need to use a modeller/profiler/preamp with it) then it can replace my 40-year-old Polytone MiniBrute III and I may have no excuse for not getting one!

Thanks

Power Engine Deuce Deluxe – Tech 21 NYC

 

[Zachariah Jones]

I bought one a couple weeks ago. Not sure about it yet. Still under review. Have used it in rehearsal a few times, definitely need another cab to get the full effect of "available" 200w power. (Slightly shady marketing, what bassist is going to take 100w powered cab seriously, hence 200w?) Anyway, the DD gave some real good tone when I connected an Ashdown 4x10 cab to it. Considering snapping up the matching extension cab.
I'm using a basic EVO Ibanez 6 string bass, w/ stock active elec > tuner > a tube compressor > DD. Haven't found the sweet spot eq for the B yet. Hope to. Working on it.
Had a VT Bass sansamp preamp before, it didn't thrill, but I haven't drank the ampeg tone sim shake thus far in my life. HA. However, I did enjoy the reg programmable sansamp for a few seasons. Tech 21 has some great ideas.
Have a 3 hour outdoor gig tomorrow, so that'll tell the story. Definitely bringing the 4x10 cab along. Stay tuned.
P.S. the DD sounds way better than the Blackstar 15 powered cab, if that's even a fair comparison. Got rid of that thing post haste.

 

[Zachariah Jones]

I haven't seen any chat on TB about this amp since it was introduced ~2 years ago, wondering if anyone's using one, how they like it, what they're using it with, etc.

Full disclosure: My interest in it is primarily for use with guitar...but if it can also serve as a small bass combo (especially if I don't need to use a modeller/profiler/preamp with it) then it can replace my 40-year-old Polytone MiniBrute III and I may have no excuse for not getting one!

Thanks

Power Engine Deuce Deluxe – Tech 21 NYC

Check out the owner's manual. States that it will clip if the instrument signal is not compressed. I'm going to velcro my compressor pedal to the top. (I'm also trying to keep set/strike simple.)

 

[Zachariah Jones]

Well, the DD did okay, but it's just not as solidly clear at high volume as I want it. It did run the 4x10 for 4 hours last night. But, I didn't buy it to lug around a 4x10 with it, so it's getting returned. Back to the drawing board. I'm sure it's got plenty for electric guitar tone range. (To answer your original query.) Kind of bummed out, b/c the 24 pound cab feels nice.

 

[Jeremy Jones]

I just got one. I played a small gig with it and it was perfect! I have a rehearsal and a big gig this week. I will post what I find out.

 

[BlackVincent52]

I just got one. I played a small gig with it and it was perfect! I have a rehearsal and a big gig this week. I will post what I find out.

I would like to know more.

 

[Jeremy Jones]

So more info on this. For me with the right Preamp and amp/cab sim this thing is great!! Took me awhile to find it(I am using A Tech21 bass flyrig and/or The Zoom B1 FOUR) I used it on a large gig and shared it with another bass player. I will say what I was hearing out of it and what was coming through the PA was pretty darn close. I did add a GK 210 as an ext cab when I need that extra umph on stage.