Author Topic: SF-2 (dumb?) Question (Read 436 times)

bassman10096 · « **on:** March 18, 2006, 10:37:27 AM »

I'm switching my rig around and I couldn't remember if I had ever configured it: F1-X-->SF-2-->Power amp. It would make my life simpler, but - will the signal out of the F1-X fry the SF-2??

Bill

palembic · « **Reply #1 on:** March 18, 2006, 02:50:55 PM »

In my set-up the SF-2 was linked via the effect loop of the F1-X and than poweramp. (F1-X used as Fregquency crossover for bi-amping)
The SF-2 has a pre-amp of itself that can be switched from lof to high gain IFF (!!!!!) I remember well.

Paul TBO

bassman10096 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 18, 2006, 03:11:33 PM »

Hey Paul! Good to hear yer voice...

I now have the SF-2 in the effects loop. It works great there, but I want (if I can) to run one signal without it going through the SF, and the other going through the SF. That way I could set the FX tone flat (to go into my ELF cab, which doesn't need any extra bass!) and take a split signal out to the SF-2 and then to the non-ELF cabs.

First, I'd split the full range signal from the F1-X full range output into two identical signal feeds. Then here would be the chains for each signal:

One signal would be: F1-X --> ELF integrator --> Power amp Channel 2 --> ELF cab

The other would be: F1-X --> SF-2 --> Power amp channel 1 --> non-ELF cabs

Hope that makes sense.
Bill

bob · « **Reply #3 on:** March 18, 2006, 04:22:35 PM »

The SF-2 manual shows several diagrams in which it is connected between pre and power amps. For what you're describing, you would go to CH A IN, set the switch to MONO, and use CH B OUT, giving you the 3 channel mixer setup.

(The preamp built in to the SF-2 only applies to the front panel instrument input, and is disabled if something is plugged into CH A IN on the rear panel.)

For what it's worth, I do use one channel of mine on the ELF path, and find it useful - you don't necessarily just add bass with this thing. But I suspect most people would find it more flexible to be able to use both filters on the full range cabinets.
-bob

bassman10096 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 19, 2006, 12:28:22 AM »

Thanks for the input, Bob. Do you use your SF after your preamp (e.g. preamp-->SF-->power amp)? Also, great idea, that reading the manual... Think I'll dig mine out and look it over.

Bill

bob · « **Reply #5 on:** March 19, 2006, 01:13:59 AM »

I was generously assuming your manual had been misplaced :-)

Actually, I don't have a preamp, and use the SF-2 for that purpose, with the internal gain set to 20 dB. Instrument (mono) plugs in the front, with switch set to Stereo. Channel A goes into the ELF processor, and the sub output goes to one channel of the amp, and then the ELF cabinet. Channel B goes straight to the other channel of the amp and drives the other cabinet full range.
-Bob

bassman10096 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 19, 2006, 04:06:06 AM »

Your generosity is very much appreciated. In truth, my manual was hidden from me by the gnomes who live in my basement whose only joy is seeing me speak before doing my research. I understand your setup now. I think I recall you mentioning this before.

Isn't it amazing that, on top of being the most sophisticated tone control ever built, the SF is also a fine preamp? Ah, if only it had a tube - just one - but a tube...That's right, a tube...

Bill

bassdr · « **Reply #7 on:** March 19, 2006, 11:15:35 AM »

That's why the Alembic Gnomes created the F1-X- so there will be a tube in the chain as God and Ron intended Michael

bassman10096 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 20, 2006, 08:00:34 AM »

A confession: Some nights, I dream of finding an SF-2 and an F1-X all together in the same single space rackable box...

David Houck · « **Reply #9 on:** March 20, 2006, 08:20:43 PM »

No problem going from the F-1X full range out into the SF-2.

If you haven't already, you may want to read this thead in the Must Reads section.

bassman10096 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 21, 2006, 03:57:12 AM »

Thanks, Dave. I had seen that thread. Actually, as I sheeepishly confessed above, if I had only read my SF-2 manual, I'd have had the answer you just gave me.

Would it be possible to post a scan of the manual in Must Reads? That could be helpful to those idiots among us who'd rather talk than read. It might also be very helpful (though redundant by now) for folks who are considering an SF-2 but would benefit from seeing Ron's suggestions and explanations about the SF-2.

Thanks for your response. Though I don't own an Alembic bass right now (ironically, I am wearing an Alembic sweatshirt as we talk), my F1-X and SF-2 are as much a part of my playing as remembering to plug in my bass...

Bill