crate powerblock

[Outlander]

I did a search but only found 1 mention of this by khabissel.
Has anyone else tried one of these.My Randall took a dump(it's old)and I'm considering the powerblock to amp my XTL.These are supposed to be fairly transparent aren't they?I thought I could use this while waiting to get the Randall head fixed and then keep it for a backup etc.
The thing would be great for small/medium venues.XTL,powerblock and G-Benz 2x12... short and simple.
Khabissel could you expand a liitle more on the tone you're getting and what you think of it.
Any other feedback would be greatly appreciated from the rest of you as well [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
I read the reviews on H-central and they are mostly pro as opposed to con.But I value the opinions of you guys here much more!

[IrfaanSE801]

Re: crate powerblock

Based on khabissel's review, I'm also picking one up next week to use with my XTL. From what I hear from a lot of people, it does the job very well. A lot of guys actually like it in their rigs. I'm going to be upgrading to a VHT power amp later on, but for now, for the $, ya can't go wrong with the Powerblock

[khabibissell]

Re: crate powerblock

How does it sound? Well how does the JCM800 you have dialed in right now sound? Rectifier? Plexi Lead 100? Well, that is just about what it sounds like through the PowerBlock. I have the output section set to poweramp 4x12, speaker emulation on (for now) set to Vintage 30's to match my Mesa 4x12. I'm sure you could go further, but it sounds good enough as it is. Plug your XTL into the effects send/return (these double as stereo inputs) jacks on the back. It bypasses the preamp section of the Powerblock just like it sould on any other amp. Also, remember that the volume of the rig is controlled by the global volume on the XTL.

That little power block has plenty of headroom for band applications... you'll be surprised. I've used in mono mode through 1 x and 2x12 cabinets, as well as stereo through the 4x12, all in full band situations.

I should mention this though. I dropped the unit (while in it's protective carry case from about three feet about two weeks ago. I've noticed a slight hum lately... could be a broken ground in the unit. It is not terrible, but I am considering taking it back to GC for an exchange.

Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase. I think anyone else would be too.

[paulbag]

Re: crate powerblock

Hmmmm...intersesting. At $200.00, this could be good. I also have the XTL but what does this sound like on it's own?

[i8guitar]

Re: crate powerblock

Another Powerblock user here...

Guitar->Boss GT-8->Crate Powerblock->Fender 1x12 closed cab

I run the GT-8 into the Powerblock's input instead of the fx loop...sounds a bit more alive and dynamic to my ears. No complaints and the price is right...

[paulbag]

Re: crate powerblock

How do you like it on it's own though...w/out the GT-8?

[IrfaanSE801]

Re: crate powerblock

I've actually heard they are not that bad on their own. I think my friend described it as having a pretty good rock n roll tone w/ the gain up.

[i8guitar]

Re: crate powerblock

[ QUOTE ]
How do you like it on it's own though...w/out the GT-8?

[/ QUOTE ]

Honestly, it sounds pretty decent on its own. With a humbucker equipped guitar, and the gain about 75 % I was able to get a nice medium crunch, somewhat Marshall JCM800 sounding in tone, not brittle in the high end like Crate amps of yore, but more "spanky" with a nice tight bottom end. For fun I plugged in a Metal Zone and it sounded pretty good too, but I think that pedal and its eq make nearly any amp sound decent.

[finnman]

Re: crate powerblock

Question:
I want to use the "Powerblock" with my "GT-5" and
"G-Flex 2x12" cab.
The Cab can do stereo.

But, the "powerblock" manual says:
"The CratePowerBlock (CPB) features 150 Watts into 8 ohms mono and 75 Watts RMS per side into 4 ohms".

The G-flex 2x12 has inputs for:
4 ohms mono... 8 ohms left- 8 ohms right.

I want to run the GT-5 into the "CPB" to get stereo to my 2x12.
Can I still use the "CPB" with my cab?
What do I need to do this [img]/images/graemlins/scratchhead.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/scratchhead.gif[/img]

[screamindv]

Re: crate powerblock

That might mean an 8 ohm speaker on each stereo side, the sum of which equals 4 ohms. The worst that will happen is that your power output will be slightly lower. It is OK to use speakers of a higher ohm rating. The problem is when you use speakers of a lower ohmage, they may ask for more power than the amp can give.
Screamin'