Author Topic: Bass Output re: iAmp800 (Read 363 times)

stoney · « **on:** July 02, 2003, 05:15:28 AM »

A few months back I bought a Euphonic Audio iAmp800. I immediately noticed that the gain in the preamp section was very very low, like I've got to crank it to about 11 to get a good signal from my Brown Bass (discussed in previous post) Anyway, last week the active input totally died. Although I could just go through the passive input I decided I'd better get this fixed just in the queer event I'd like to sell it some day. So......
I sent it back to EA explaining my problem. I got a call the next day from Gary Gibilisco of EA and he spent considerable time with me explaining that the iAMP800 was sort of designed for basses with more than 9volts of output, more like 18 (!?)Anyway, he's going to set up my amp to suit my needs and was very kind about the whole thing since I told him I hadn't seen ANYTHING in the literature about that.

Can anyone tell me if they are familiar with basses that have more than 9volts of output. The Series basses probably do (I guess) but other than that I'm not aware of this and I really try to do my homework regarding basses/amps etc.

Thanks,
Stoney

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** July 02, 2003, 06:36:12 AM »

Bartolini and Aguilar make 18 volt systems. And I've heard of people hot-rodding some 9 volt systems to run 18 volts.

dean_m · « **Reply #2 on:** July 02, 2003, 07:00:37 AM »

Hey Stoney,

Yeah, there are a few systems that run on 18volts. My Warwick Streamer runs on 18volts. It's actually too hot for some inputs, even the padded ones. It distorts the inputs. I guess you can't buy an iAmp if you have an old P-Bass.

Peace,
Dino

stoney · « **Reply #3 on:** July 02, 2003, 08:35:38 AM »

Thanks guys, it'll be interesting to see what Gary has done to compensate for me. Anyway, I just checked the literature and theyre's NOTHING in there about this. If you talk to the guys at Bass Northwest or perhaps EA themselves, they may be able to tweek an amp for you if you're using a P-Bass. Otherwise, use a good preamp.

stoney

bigredbass · « **Reply #4 on:** July 02, 2003, 10:39:40 AM »

While I'm not that technical electronically, I do know that 9-volt basses don't put out 9 VOLTS, etc. I thought I understood that the 18 volt systems (not to mention the 48v phantom power in Series instruments) allowed more headroom internally to the onboard preamp(s). My understanding that REALLY hot guitar pickups might approach a little over 1 volt output, with some piezos more than that. Somebody finish this for me and straighten me out.

The general impression I get is that Euphonic has a ways to go reliability-wise. There are LOTS of road players here in Nashville, and they're NOT taking them out with them for that reason. Plus, there's no service for them when they blow out at a fair in Iowa.

J o e y

cntrabssn · « **Reply #5 on:** July 02, 2003, 10:58:56 AM »

Hello Stoney,

I no expert on this but here's my two cents worth...

I have an iAmp600, and I think the pre-amp input sections are similar. The active input has a fairly low input impedance, it's 10K ohms. This is probably what Gary was referring to, and might explain why you have to crank the input gain to get an acceptable level. Most active instruments work OK using the passive input and the pad. Passive basses (e.g. stock P-Bass) work best with the passive input (more gain, 1Meg ohm input impedance). I think the 10k impedance just may be to low for some onboard preamps to drive. In general, If the amplifier's input impedance is too low, you could experience loss of level, changes in frequency response and/or distortion from the source device.

EA mentions the input impedance in their spec sheet, but they don't mention how it might affect the instruments we use with their amps.

Thanks,

nate.

stoney · « **Reply #6 on:** July 05, 2003, 04:31:38 AM »

Hi All,
I got my iAMP800 back on Thursday night, just in time for a rehearsal. I'm running an Acme Low BII (4 ohms) and an Acme Low BI (8ohms). After Gary finished tweeking it, the power is amazing. Although I did NOT need a preamp to get the gain I needed, I opted to preamp with my new Presonus. What an incredible sound. The lows just thundered, mids and highs cut through nicely and were very controlable. The guys at Euphonic Audio really did right by me. I think they make a fantastic product for the price, size and weight AND, they are very customer oriented.

Stoney