Rack setup questions

[soc_monki]

Oh ok, so they could be 50 watts stereo into two cabinets, or I have the option of running 100 watts into one cabinet?

Also, what's a good tube preamp, costing around 400 dollars, with really good hi-gain settings? Any of the Mesa or Marshall preamps?

you can find Marshall JMP-1's on FleaBay for around 400-500 sometimes. some Mesas, like the Quad, maybe around that price (i saw a few go for a little over 500 a while ago i think...). ADA MP-1s can be had for around 100-200, Peavey Rockmaster can be had for around 100-200. know that if you go Midi (JMP-1, MP-1, MP-2...) that you need a midi controller. i didnt want that, went with a Peavey Rockmaster so i could use my standard 5150 footswitch with it, and am REALLY pleased with the tones.

i made a short clip of the Rockmaster. http://www.soundclick.com/kisforkate i had just gotten it and hadnt fully gotten my tone out of it, but it gives you an idea of what it is capable of.

[Robotechnology]

Regarding tube vs. solid state power amplifiers. If you're going to gig with the setup, go tube as you'll actually get the output tubes pumping. If the majority of the time the rack setup is going to be in your bedroom at low volume then, I suggest saving your money and getting a solid state power amp as there really isn't going to be enough of a benefit to your tone for the difference in the money.

[soc_monki]

Regarding tube vs. solid state power amplifiers. If you're going to gig with the setup, go tube as you'll actually get the output tubes pumping. If the majority of the time the rack setup is going to be in your bedroom at low volume then, I suggest saving your money and getting a solid state power amp as there really isn't going to be enough of a benefit to your tone for the difference in the money.

but you can get affordable tube poweramps as well, like the Peavey Classic series...i got my Mosvalve because it was 125 bucks, and i couldnt pass it up! ill probably grab a Peavey poweramp one of these days when i can, cuz i like tubes LOL but the Mosvalve will always be there for backup. if you gig, its good to have a backup plan!

[jk2171]

Right, there are good, cheap tube power amps out there. However most people will make the mistake and look at the price first not realizing they bought a SS power amp and wanted a tube power amp. Just make sure you know what you want (SS or tube) and buy accordingly!

[charvelguy]

You only need a couple 1/4-1/4 one or two ft cables.
Another consideration is the effects loop. If you plan on adding outboard gear like a g-major, some older preamps ..like the MP1 do not have what is considered a good effects loop unless it is modded.

As far as the power amp adding distortion..It's really not much different than a tube amp.
Most your gain clip comes from the preamp section. If you get a lower wattage amp like a Mesa 20/20, then you'd likely push the amp to get some clip as well. Most amps are pretty clean with low distortion overall.

Think of a clean tube amp or SS amp.. it doesn't distort unless its pushed.. or you add a distortion pedal in the chain from your guitar to slam in front of that amp.

The Mosvalve is a mosfet circuit, its meant to emulate the warmth of a tube amp even tho its solid state since its designed specifically for instrument amplification. Pa SS amps.. very clean, low distortion.
Some guys like using those too.

Mosvalve did make an all tube amp too.. the 1192 I believe.
Some amps only have a 12AX7 for a tube in them.. like the ADA microamp, which supposedly adds some warmth to your application while still having the benefit of a SS clean output.

[Robotechnology]

Rocktron Velocity 120 is my favorite 1 rack space solid state power amp. My favorite low cost tube power amp is a used Mesa 50/50 which is a two space and can be had for less than a used 20/20 for some odd reason or another (well... not that odd, EVERYONE wants one!).

[soc_monki]

Right, there are good, cheap tube power amps out there. However most people will make the mistake and look at the price first not realizing they bought a SS power amp and wanted a tube power amp. Just make sure you know what you want (SS or tube) and buy accordingly!

thats where research comes in... anyone looking to buy something should research what they are looking for so they know exactly what they are looking at. that way, someone doesnt go in thinking a Mosvalve is a tube amp (even though it says Tube Works on it). a stretch probably, but im sure it could happen.

the Peavey Classic poweramps are tube though and pretty cheap. later im probably gonna get a good tube poweramp and one of them is on my list...as well as anything else i can find that is decently priced LOL

[Dave L]

Are you running a TBR? I used to have the SL version - kickass stuff.

Yeah, I´m running one of the first standard TBR1´s without the half-power switch... and I couldn´t be happier. I finally found something that´s got a perfect clean channel, does the low/mid-gain classic rock stuff with flying colors and absolutely screams when hit with a boost or overdrive. I´ve had it for almost three years, and I don´t think I´ll be shopping for amps anytime soon.

[hippietim]

dave l - that's a sweet setup - i'd like to score a TBR again one of these days...

[Dave L]

They´re definitely a well-kept secret, since you can score them pretty cheap if you happen across one. I run mine with a Visual Sound Route 66 (or a Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive and a MXR DynaComp) up front, a TC G-Major in the loop and a Marshall Powerbrake feeding a Marshall 1936 2x12". Pretty simple but very effective. It gets me everything from funky cleans and "session player" leads to Bryan Adams-esque rhythms and hair/pop metal gain.... all with just two channels, one or two pedals, an outboard processor and good use of pickup switching and volume/tone controls. Like I said, I couldn´t be happier!

[shredmonster]

Dude: One site: www.hugeracksinc.com

Everything you ever wanted to know on rack systems, amp switching systems. Has diagrams etc.... HUGE forum. Guys on there using all of this stuff when they gig and are very helpful and experienced.

[charvelguy]

what..no boobs?