• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Using a TC electronic head as a power amp with an Ampeg?

D

DoomedDissenter

Aug 15, 2025
5
0
#1
Hello Talkbass forums, recently I purchased an ampeg svt 350 H, and have been absolutely loving it. The look, the tone, it's exactly what I want, except for one small issue being it's output volume. I play in a doom metal band, and yesterday I tested out this head, and found it to be barely capable of keeping up volume wise. Disappointing to say the least, but yet I really like the tone, so I guess here's my line of thought/questioning: Can I use the preamp out of the ampeg and put that into the instrument input on my tc electronic with the "active pad" engaged? I should note that the tc electronic head doesn't have an fx loop or anything like that, but it does have a lot more wattage and is a clean amp. Also, if I was hypothetically able to do this without destroying everything I own, would I need a speaker load on the ampeg? I understand this is not an ideal rig by any means but if this works it could kill two birds with one stone for me. Also be nice as it should be clear I don't know anything about amp slaving. Thank you.
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
#2
You COULD, but you would be stacking two fairly strong (and different) voicings.

if you really want to use the TC as a power amp, you can use the effects return (or ever the aux input) as an input. Those bypass the TC’s voiced preamp.
 
  • Like
Reactions: OzzeAsjourne
Upvote 0 Downvote
#3
agedhorse said:
You COULD, but you would be stacking two fairly strong (and different) voicings.

if you really want to use the TC as a power amp, you can use the effects return (or ever the aux input) as an input. Those bypass the TC’s voiced preamp.
Click to expand...
It seems that this TC head doesn't have an effects loop (which one is it?), no mention of an auxiliary in. You shouldn't need to have a speaker load attached to the Ampeg (I believe that one is solid state?).

I would only add that the low volume may be better addressed by using more speakers if you otherwise like the way the amp sounds.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
#7
Although I’m not an expert on cabinet efficiency I’ve used that particular Peavey cab and it wasn’t as loud as it was big and heavy. I would expect a decent 4x10 would be a much better match for your needs or trading the TC for a couple of pedals that can add more gain to you signal.
Unfortunately you’re a ways off with either head to achieve the doom you want.
A head to consider that would be cheap are old Peavey 300w Mark III’s or IV’s. Don’t be fooled by the stated wattage. They are loud.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
#8
Roland GR 88 said:
Although I’m not an expert on cabinet efficiency I’ve used that particular Peavey cab and it wasn’t as loud as it was big and heavy. I would expect a decent 4x10 would be a much better match for your needs or trading the TC for a couple of pedals that can add more gain to you signal.
Unfortunately you’re a ways off with either head to achieve the doom you want.
A head to consider that would be cheap are old Peavey 300w Mark III’s or IV’s. Don’t be fooled by the stated wattage. They are loud.
Click to expand...
I have a bass Big Muff and a Rat for general gain purposes, with a eq to select the frequencies I want, I definitely agree this cab isn't necessarily the loudest, also somehow a little bit muddy, but I also don't send it a lot of highs anyways. Thanks for the help though, will definitely checkout those heads.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
#10
The BQ500 does not have an effects loop. It does have an “Aux In” on a 3.5mm (1/8”) jack. My BH-250 also has this and the manuals for both amps say the exact same thing.

The AUX IN is a stereo auxiliary input. Any signal present on the AUX IN jack is played back through all BH250 / BG250-208 outputs. This allows you to play along with a rehearsal track, or you can practice to the beat of a metronome click.

The manual mentions using it to connect a phone, it’s a stereo input (TRS) with 10Kohm input impedance. Because it’s meant for”rehearsal”, it’s simply mixed in with the output of the preamp. The level has to be controlled by the connected device (in your case the Ampeg’s preamp out).

There is nothing said about where in the signal chain the Aux In is located nor the maximum input level.

tc-electronic-bq500-4585653-2272897074.jpeg


Any TC owners who have actually used the Aux In care to comment?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
#11
DoomedDissenter said:
Hello Talkbass forums, recently I purchased an ampeg svt 350 H, and have been absolutely loving it. The look, the tone, it's exactly what I want, except for one small issue being it's output volume. I play in a doom metal band, and yesterday I tested out this head, and found it to be barely capable of keeping up volume wise. Disappointing to say the least, but yet I really like the tone, so I guess here's my line of thought/questioning: Can I use the preamp out of the ampeg and put that into the instrument input on my tc electronic with the "active pad" engaged? I should note that the tc electronic head doesn't have an fx loop or anything like that, but it does have a lot more wattage and is a clean amp. Also, if I was hypothetically able to do this without destroying everything I own, would I need a speaker load on the ampeg? I understand this is not an ideal rig by any means but if this works it could kill two birds with one stone for me. Also be nice as it should be clear I don't know anything about amp slaving. Thank you.
Click to expand...
What are you running it into? Can you just get more speaker?

Edit: whoops just saw it. Trade that thing in for a pair of 410HE’s and you’re done.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Stylee Mousse
Upvote 0 Downvote
#12
Yes, since the owner's manual does not provide any block diagram or description of how the aux input actually works w/ the signal flow, it becomes a guessing game. Usually, it comes after the eq and before the master volume...
 
Upvote 0 Downvote

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back