GK 800 RB - Do I need a preamp?

[Haroldo]

Here is a great Talkbass resource for navigating the rabbit hole of compressors:

Testing Compressors: Cali, Smoothie, Empress, Diamond, Keeley, FEA, Darkglass, Doc Lloyd, JHS & more

 

[Funk With Me]

Are you sure you have a 800 RB? No effects loop input or tuner output on the front of the picture below. The effects loop is on the back of the amp.

Maybe it’s a bootleg 800RB.

 

[Rockbobmel]

Get a compressor pedal to put in line before the 800RB.

 

[agedhorse]

What rack mount comp? Most are <47k input impedance which is pretty low for a passive pickup. Also, they typically need line level not instrument level.

 

[Downunderwonder]

compressor (rack mount back input and output)

is a big clue that this unit will only work well within the line level fx loop.

 

[MetalMaximus]

Like a steak — don’t put ketchup on it.

Much wisdom here!

 

[pravus]

I never understood the concept of adding a pre amp to an amp that already has one

If the amps are voiced at different frequencies you can get a lot of tonal variation. Theoretically you should just plug your bass into a power amp, especially if you have active pickups but no one seems to do that because they want the harmonic content the pre-amps add.

Isn't that what effect pedals are for?

Effects pedals are essentially pre-amps.

 

[Wasnex]

If the amps are voiced at different frequencies you can get a lot of tonal variation. Theoretically you should just plug your bass into a power amp, especially if you have active pickups but no one seems to do that because they want the harmonic content the pre-amps add.



Effects pedals are essentially pre-amps.

Plugging a bass straight into the power amp may sound great, but it would be unusual if the bass can provide a hot enough signal to push the amp to full power.

 

[pravus]

Plugging a bass straight into the power amp may sound great, but it would be unusual if the bass can provide a hot enough signal to push the amp to full power.

I'm sure you can get a buffer for that.

 

[Downunderwonder]

I'm sure you can get a buffer for that.

When it's a line level input required to your power amp a buffer won't do, you need a .....drumroll....preamp.

 

[garrett77]

OP: 700RB has the effects at the front face.

 

[2cooltoolz]

Isn't that what effect pedals are for?

A pre-amp by any other name...

 

[Jazz Ad]

You don't need a preamp. Chances are you don't need a compressor either.

 

[pravus]

When it's a line level input required to your power amp a buffer won't do, you need a .....drumroll....preamp.

So anything line-level is a pre-amp? Can you technically define a pre-amp?

 

[2saddleslab]

I never understood the concept of adding a pre amp to an amp that already has one

I would have thought the same. But just purchased an Ampeg SCR-DI so did lots of reading prior. Some on TB would use it as a preamp plugging into the effects send bypassing the pre from the power amp. Others plugged a preamp into the preamp on the amp allowing for more tonal possibilities.

I've been experimenting with both. And both ways worked but when plugging the SCR-DI into the front of my GK1001rbII with the GK set flat [with the help of Kro's graphs][which is not all knobs at noon, btw] it combined the power & punch of the GK with the thicker more vintage Ampeg tone. Then I can use the contour to suit the room. Lots of possibilities.

When plugging the SCR-DI into the effects send of the GK I had to crank the volume on the SCR-DI, which was easy enough to do but not sure how much headroom was available in a live stage situation. Probably plenty but I think I prefer have more tonal options using the entire GK1001rbII.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I would have thought the same. But just purchased an Ampeg SCR-DI so did lots of reading prior. Some on TB would use it as a preamp plugging into the effects send bypassing the pre from the power amp. Others plugged a preamp into the preamp on the amp allowing for more tonal possibilities.

I've been experimenting with both. And both ways worked but when plugging the SCR-DI into the front of my GK1001rbII with the GK set flat [with the help of Kro's graphs][which is not all knobs at noon, btw] it combined the power & punch of the GK with the thicker more vintage Ampeg tone. Then I can use the contour to suit the room. Lots of possibilities.

When plugging the SCR-DI into the effects send of the GK I had to crank the volume on the SCR-DI, which was easy enough to do but not sure how much headroom was available in a live stage situation. Probably plenty but I think I prefer have more tonal options using the entire GK1001rbII.
View attachment 3981865

This is a great example...but with one correction. If using an external preamp (SCR-DI) and wishing to bypass the resident preamp on the GK, you would plug into the Effects Return not the Send. As pic'd though, you're making the best of both worlds as the pedal and GK preamps "play nicely together". I've done the same with any number of combinations with my favorite being a BDDI feeding a Hartke 3500.

Riis

 

[2saddleslab]

This is a great example...but with one correction. If using an external preamp (SCR-DI) and wishing to bypass the resident preamp on the GK, you would plug into the Effects Return not the Send. As pic'd though, you're making the best of both worlds as the pedal and GK preamps "play nicely together". I've done the same with any number of combinations with my favorite being a BDDI feeding a Hartke 3500.

Riis

D"OH! Thanks for the correction. Good to know a similar setup has worked for you as well.

 

[Zooberwerx]

D"OH! Thanks for the correction. Good to know a similar setup has worked for you as well.

Yeah, plug the SCR-DI directly into the "return" and see what happens. According to the manual, it bypasses the EQ but inserts the signal before the "Boost". That may be a good thing. A/B the set-up with the one pic'd (front-loading the GK) and let us know which you prefer.

Riis

 

[Kukulkan61]

I would have thought the same. But just purchased an Ampeg SCR-DI so did lots of reading prior. Some on TB would use it as a preamp plugging into the effects send bypassing the pre from the power amp. Others plugged a preamp into the preamp on the amp allowing for more tonal possibilities.

I've been experimenting with both. And both ways worked but when plugging the SCR-DI into the front of my GK1001rbII with the GK set flat [with the help of Kro's graphs][which is not all knobs at noon, btw] it combined the power & punch of the GK with the thicker more vintage Ampeg tone. Then I can use the contour to suit the room. Lots of possibilities.

When plugging the SCR-DI into the effects send of the GK I had to crank the volume on the SCR-DI, which was easy enough to do but not sure how much headroom was available in a live stage situation. Probably plenty but I think I prefer have more tonal options using the entire GK1001rbII.
View attachment 3981865

My thinking is, you buy a certain brand amp because of its tonal character, GK has its punch and growl, Mesa is warm and thick etc. why change its tone with other pre amps, if you want Vintage Ampeg tone play an Ampeg amp, just sayin.

 

[2saddleslab]

Yeah, plug the SCR-DI directly into the "return" and see what happens. According to the manual, it bypasses the EQ but inserts the signal before the "Boost". That may be a good thing. A/B the set-up with the one pic'd (front-loading the GK) and let us know which you prefer.

Riis

Just did [trying not to pi$$ off the neighbors] and you are absolutely right. Using the effects send was quiet, using the effects return was much louder. Really appreciate that info, thanks!