Author Topic: F1-X Should I? (Read 432 times)

ichinumba9 · « **on:** May 01, 2003, 12:07:54 PM »

Hey Alembicians, I might be able to get my hands on a used F1-X for about $360. Is it worth it? I am kinda getting ready for my new baby. My custom Epic 4 is supposed to be ready this month, I think. I currently have a SVT-3 Pro running through 410 and a GK 700RB 115 combo amp. Should I take the plunge into pre/power amp land? There's so many choices in that arena. But if I do get the F1-X I would probably run it into my power amp IN on my SVT for now until I could save for a good power amp. What tonal differences do you think I will get compared to the gear I have now? Any comments will be much appreciated. Thanks.

dnburgess · « **Reply #1 on:** May 01, 2003, 03:48:40 PM »

I picked up an F1-X recently via eBay for $380. I think $360 is probably towards the low end of the normal trading range.

I am using it with a QSC PLX power amp and Acme speakers and am very happy with the tone. The QSC PLX range is the lightest of the mainstream power amps at 9kg/21lbs.

dannobasso · « **Reply #2 on:** May 01, 2003, 07:33:08 PM »

You can do with running the F1X with the Ampeg, but I would suggest getting the amp. I have 2 F1X's. I use them with Carver, Crest, Samson and QSC amps. I truly love the QSC's! Light baby, light. Sound is clean and clear. I now use a Epifani 310 and Acme 210. It is huge! But light and portable. I just lent out one F1X and a 1200 Samson amp to a friend who's Hartke is in the shop. The sound turned quite a few heads I'm told.
On the tone, it's very clean and allows your bass to sound like what it really sounds like. The built in crossover comes in handy for 2 cab set ups. Used to use a Trace 210 and SWR Big Ben 18. Big bottom... talk about mud flaps!

dnburgess · « **Reply #3 on:** May 01, 2003, 07:53:58 PM »

Just one other thought - In the latest newsletter from The Bass Player (Sydney) there were profiles of three of Sydney's top session / touring bassists. While none of them had Alembic basses (?!) - two of the three used Alembic preamps.

palembic · « **Reply #4 on:** May 02, 2003, 05:35:55 AM »

Ichinumba,
I'll put it this way!
If you're not buying please (plea-ea-ease, please-please-please) contact me because I do. It's already 2 times in the SWAP-department with absolutely NO reaction! I can find them on E-bay (US) with people not very keen on selling to EU (I really dunno why) but (sigh) I keep on losing the bids!
So BUY THAT THING OR I DO!
LOL!

Paul

PS: to change the volts from US to EU you have to open the F1-X and change some dip-switches I heard. Is that true??

Manfred · « **Reply #5 on:** May 02, 2003, 07:15:02 AM »

Hi Paul,

I'm interested in the last part as well.
If you hear anything about changing the 110 to 220V kinda let me know. I'm tired of using all these converters, they are so big.
But would it be that easy?

Best,
Manfred

peter_jonas · « **Reply #6 on:** May 02, 2003, 07:09:52 PM »

Hi All,

Yes, the F1-X does have internal jumpers that need relocating in order to switch the operating voltage. The last time I opened mine I am not quite sure I saw any markings on the jumpers, so you may need some guidance from the Alembic people. Although, if that is not forthcoming, it should not be too difficult to figure out how to do it. But don't forget mains voltage is dangerous (especially in Europe and under here in Australia), so make sure you know what you are doing.

SF-2 is no problem. It does not have an internal power supply. It needs 10.5 to 19.5 volts DC. Go and buy a local adapter for say 12 VDC, and you'll be fine. From the factory the SF-2 comes with a 15 VDC adapter, but that is not always easy to get. A 12 VDC adapter should work just fine. The one thing I have noticed though, is that the DC socket on the back of the SF-2 is a somewhat unusual size (at least here in Australia), but many of these adapters come with multiple connectors, and one of those should be suitable. A current rating of 200 mA (milli Amperes) or more is fine.

The DS-5R has a voltage switch on the back, so once again no problem.

As far as the FB-2 is concerned, I am afraid I have never seen one, but there is no reason why it should differ from the FX-1 in this regard.

Regards,

Peter Jonas

elzie · « **Reply #7 on:** May 02, 2003, 07:18:06 PM »

LOL danno!
Big bottom... talk about mud flaps!

I actually saw Spinal Tap in concert!

Manfred · « **Reply #8 on:** May 03, 2003, 05:06:50 AM »

Dear Peter,

May I thank you?

Manfred

dnburgess · « **Reply #9 on:** May 03, 2003, 08:25:00 PM »

If you email help@alembic.com they will send a picture showing how to jumper the power supply for your voltage.

ichinumba9 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 13, 2003, 03:12:38 PM »

Well, I got it and love it. Got it for $350 out the door. I'm using the power from my Ampeg for now until I can get a dedicated power amp. If it sounds this good with the Ampeg power I can't wait to hear it with a good power amp with more power.

I was wondering if anyone has experimented with different tubes in the f-1X? I read an article in Bassics magazine talking about 5751 tubes being able to sub for 12AX7's and are really nice for bass. Anybody try those or other tubes. Any suggestions or comments would be much appreciated. Thanks

dannobasso · « **Reply #11 on:** May 13, 2003, 05:19:55 PM »

I just replaced a 12AX7 in my Late 80's F1X with a Groovetubes tube. Only because that's all they had! Personally I think that keeping the components within the original specs is wise. I may spend a lot on gear but I don't spend a lot on repairs of electronics. Ron would be the expert on this, it's his circut. When replacing the tube I would support the circut board that the receptacle attaches to. You don't want any hairline cracks in the board, providing those lovely intermittant problems.