Author Topic: Stacks (Read 518 times)

David Houck · « **Reply #15 on:** April 20, 2004, 06:11:30 PM »

I totally agree with Adriaan. Playing with guitar players that turn up too loud isn't much fun. After years of ear abuse I went to an ear specialist and had my hearing checked. The results were not good and I purchased some custom ear protection. Nothing changes your tone like a set of earplugs. That wonderful tone I have in the living room just disappears with earplugs and a couple of loud guitar players. I really don't care to play any more with guitar players who won't play at reasonable levels.

hollis · « **Reply #16 on:** April 20, 2004, 06:31:22 PM »

Oh yes.... I could not agree more, however,

The same may be said of bass players, keyboard players, drummers, etc.... although I am incline to agree that many guitarists are going under the false impression that volume makes up for lack of technique. I stop playing when someone decides that my eardrums are of no concern to them. When they ask me why I stopped, I tell them that it was obvious that the only person they wanted to hear was themselves so I just took away the obstacle. I don't really look at it as a them or me issue, rather, the idea is the overall blend. If they don't see (or I should say hear) it that way, I don't really need to be there anyway.

dela217 · « **Reply #17 on:** April 20, 2004, 07:54:56 PM »

Hollis - YES! I can hardly take that kind of stuff myself. Fortunately I have been blessed with working with some great musicians lately. We had a gig the other day, and I didn't even bring an amp! Just plugged into the PA. That's the way I like to do it.

Back to the original thread (sort of) I use a pre amp/power amp setup right now. I am using a Furman PQ-3 pre amp with a QSC power amp. All I am using with that is a Bag End 2x10 cab. I just sort of use it as a personal monitor for me and anyone else who needs to hear. The rest is taken care of by the PA. I am talking about big stages, outdoor festivals too. It don't take much. If it is a large stage, there is usually side fill monitors to take care of all that stuff anyway.

dannobasso · « **Reply #18 on:** April 20, 2004, 08:57:38 PM »

Each one of us here have our preferences and sometimes we purchase items suggested by fellow Gas Heads. So I'll pitch mine. I love the F1X. I have 2 and my first was purchased in 1990. Still sounds great. I've settled with QSC PLX 1602, 2402,3002,3402 amps due to power level, protection circuits, and light weight. I also have Crest LA and FA's (really heavy). MY cabs are Acme B4,B2, Epifani T310, T115. I am very happy with both makes. I have also developed a preference for 4ohm cabs. I play real loud with my band but use ear protection 100% of the time. I built up my gear with the idea that I have many options for virtually any situation that I am faced with. If you have the spare change, I would go for the bigger amps. You can always get bigger cabs and you'll be ready for them. BTW QSCPLX's warn about a 2ohm bridge load. They can (and have) pass DC and blow up your stuff! Just some thoughts.
Danno

effclef · « **Reply #19 on:** April 21, 2004, 05:51:54 AM »

OK, I'm a novice as well - but when I think of an amp clipping, what causes it?

Overdriving the input stage (with an active bass, effects box, or input gain turned up too high) can produce a square wave. This could cause a dangerous output signal at any volume level.

Clipping when the output stage is overdriven also seems a little odd - if I designed an amp, I would design it such that for maximum allowable input level (WITHOUT producing a square wave, in other words) would be amplified for a rated load (ohms) on the output stage, with enough headroom in the power supply and controlling circuits so the output wouldn't clip. Period. If you do that, there's no way an in-spec input can cause a dangerous output.

I guess that's not the case in the real world. Compromises have been made...

That being said, I would imagine the more expensive amps have more headroom.

But the advice to make sure the amp has more power than the speakers is probably right on target - if you don't turn the amp up beyond the speaker rating, then short of an input overdrive issue, it should not clip.

Sigh...there I go, wishing to find an SVT at a flea market again!

EffClef

mint_bass · « **Reply #20 on:** April 22, 2004, 02:30:15 AM »

thanks there is some great info here im going to read it again but i think i get it i will inform you lot what i am looking at before i buy it too so you can see what you think thanks for the help

andrew

alemboid · « **Reply #21 on:** April 22, 2004, 09:56:59 AM »

For great tone, definition and bass satisfaction try: Alembic F1-X preamp with Mackie 1400 amp and a Bergantino 322 speaker box (2x10, tweet & sub 12) you wont believe your ears! Use 2 Berg 322's in a stack and change the rotational direction of the earth!

Bryant

kmh364 · « **Reply #22 on:** April 22, 2004, 04:29:35 PM »

Just follow your ears. Whatever sounds good to you, sounds good to you! If you really need guidance, ask the pro's who make their living with their sound. The guys at Bass Central (i.e., Gard and Beaver) are experienced pro's that know their stuff. I asked Beaver Felton what he played. He said that he can play anything he wants (just check-out his site), regardless of cost, but he chooses Eden (so does most of his staff). I went with his recommendation. The stuff is awesome, their service was great, and I got a nice deal as well.

(Message edited by kmh364 on April 22, 2004)

locutusofborg10 · « **Reply #23 on:** April 26, 2004, 05:17:38 AM »

mint bass---see the new thread i just posted...maybe it'll help you a little more depending on what you're looking for..