Author Topic: Power amp sugesstions for use with F-1X? (Read 271 times)

gregbump · « **on:** April 14, 2005, 08:53:56 PM »

I picked up an F-1X yesterday and just got done using it in a full band rehearsal. Holy smokes, the tone is amazing! I've now got fat, buttery bottom all the way up the neck on every string of my Europa.

I'm running the F-1X full range though the power amp section of my Ampeg SVT-III Pro for now, but I'll be looking for a stereo power amp to take advantage of the crossover.

I've got some experience with QSC, Crest, and Carver amps in a PA system, but I've never used any for stand-alone bass application. Do you guys have any brand/model recommendations?

I'm seeking mazimum tone here, so weight and price are lower on the priority list. Many thanks!

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 15, 2005, 05:18:10 AM »

I use a QSC RMX 1450 which I love with my F-1X (except I wish the RMX was lighter). For alittle more money I could have gone to the QSC PLX line which is lighter, but I didn't catch that in QSC specs until after I bought the RMX. There have been several discussions here on this topic earlier. Use the Search function in the upper right hand corner of the screen, or perhaps a fellow club member might point you at one or more of those threads.
Enjoy!
Mike

gregbump · « **Reply #2 on:** April 15, 2005, 07:02:07 AM »

Thanks for the feedback, Mike. I was on a painfully slow link last night, so the search function was too painful to use. Patience is a virtue, so I should have just searched this morning when I got to the office...

alanbass1 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 15, 2005, 08:53:36 AM »

There's an F-1X up on E-bay in the UK at the moment. I might just go for it. With regards to power amps, I have used a Crown K2 before and this is an amazing amp; all the control, punch and slam you could ever ask for. Only downside is the weight.

bob · « **Reply #4 on:** April 15, 2005, 09:58:13 AM »

Glad someone else mentioned the K2 - mine is fantastic, but I can't offer any useful comparisons. As long as weight isn't a big factor, you should definitely check it out.

dannobasso · « **Reply #5 on:** April 15, 2005, 04:15:16 PM »

I use plx's 3402, 1602, in 2 of my rigs [epifani 310-115 + acme b2 - b4 also bag end 18's] w/ f1x and sf2. The crests la and fa 900,1200 I used to use and still own gave an extra punch to the tone but the weight was a factor. I like the transparent quality and light weight of QSC. jm2c
Danno

gregbump · « **Reply #6 on:** April 16, 2005, 06:25:27 PM »

Thanks for the continuing feedback, guys. I used a Crest CA4 when I tried the F-1X in the store. At home I've yanked a PLX-3402 and an RMX-2405 out of my PA system, but neither one has the definition on the B string that I heard in the store...

The weight difference between the two amps (the PLX and RMX) is pretty substantial (20 lbs?), so I can understand trading off a smidge of tone for half the weight.

I, however, am on a tone mission! I'm going to try to track down a CA4 and a K2 locally, and see what happens.

alanbass1 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 17, 2005, 03:46:12 AM »

If weight is no issue, you must try a Crown K2. I reckon it will blow you away with the slam, definition and pure punch this thing packs. I'm actually coming round to thinking that I might just go this route myself.

palembic · « **Reply #8 on:** April 17, 2005, 04:00:15 AM »

Well ...as a matter of fact I am in the middle of a reaseach for a new PA too.
This moment Tweak Peaks is equiped with a Dynacord L-1000 Lineair amp.
Read about it here: http://www.dynacord.com/unterkategorie_e.php?id=58&subid=44

My problem with this outstanding amp -which is sold in the US under the name Electrovoice- is that it is TOO heavy. About 21 K's!!
I am starting to have spine problems and I am weight-sizing down Tweaks Peaks. Tha Glockenklang Quattro will be gone soon.
TYhe Dybacord is not gone yet.

As a replacement i thought about:
the QSC PLX-2402 but that one you know.
Or the
MC2-E15
See on http://www.mc2-audio.co.uk/e15/

BOth are powerfull amps and ...UNDER 10 K's

ALAS ...FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-AR above my budget to buy them new. I have to be in the market for a second hand.

Paul the bad one

gregbump · « **Reply #9 on:** April 18, 2005, 03:32:42 PM »

Well, I pulled the trigger today on a Crest CA-9. It's got more power than the CA-4 I used in the store, but it's the same basic amp. I did my best to track down a K2, but no luck. I know I loved the CA-4, I hope I can say the same for the CA-9 when it shows up.

Thanks again for all the advice.

gregbump · « **Reply #10 on:** April 22, 2005, 03:59:52 PM »

The CA9 showed up yesterday and I used it at rehearsal last night. My tone is better than ever, I couldn't be more pleased. My B string finally rings clear and tight.

This could actually be more amp than I needed, I think the CA6 might have been enough power... wait, what am I saying? There's no such thing as too much power!

Tomorrow night will be my first gig with the new rig. I look forward to seeing how well the tone translates through a PA. I've tried the F1-X's direct out into our small PA, and it's a bit hissy when I used the post setting. Hopefully a little fiddlin' during soundcheck will clear that up without compromisng the tone.