I finally sorted out my Tech 21 GED 2112

Eric Huber

Eric Huber

Aug 20, 2019
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Baltimore
#1
I was rather disappointed in the fact that the unit requires 2 separate amps in order to function at its max. I should have done more research before buying mine. The support at Tech 21 is first-rate and has patiently answered my questions. So I moved the internal jumper to the mix position. This basically mixes the drive and deep signals together into one output. It works ok but you lose some of the pre-amps versatility.
I was fiddling with the unit in an attempt to craft a specific sound when it hit me. I have an Ampeg BA-108 stashed in my closet. I reset the jumper and connected the drive section to my PF-500 and the deep section to my BA-108. Holy carrots batman what a difference. I now have a fully functioning Sanamp. The drive is well full and gritty while the deep is incredible. Now, I have lots of sound selections to noodle with. I have read a huge number of posts from people who were very disappointed as was I to realize that you really need 2 amps or a 2 channel amp to make this work. Practice amps are a whole lot cheaper than another PF500. In my case, it was closet fodder!!
 
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#2
Eric Huber said:
I was rather disappointed in the fact that the unit requires 2 separate amps in order to function at its max. I should have done more research before buying mine. The support at Tech 21 is first-rate and has patiently answered my questions. So I moved the internal jumper to the mix position. This basically mixes the drive and deep signals together into one output. It works ok but you lose some of the pre-amps versatility.
I was fiddling with the unit in an attempt to craft a specific sound when it hit me. I have an Ampeg BA-108 stashed in my closet. I reset the jumper and connected the drive section to my PF-500 and the deep section to my BA-108. Holy carrots batman what a difference. I now have a fully functioning Sanamp. The drive is well full and gritty while the deep is incredible. Now, I have lots of sound selections to noodle with. I have read a huge number of posts from people who were very disappointed as was I to realize that you really need 2 amps or a 2 channel amp to make this work. Practice amps are a whole lot cheaper than another PF500. In my case, it was closet fodder!!
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THANK YOU FOR THIS POST! I was about to order one today until I noticed the two amp scenario. Not interested.
 
#4
You can also combine the two preamps with an external 1/4" patch cable - run the 1/4" Deep output into the Effects Return with the "50/50" switch engaged. Your Drive output is now the combination of the two - use the Level 1 for overall level and the Level 2 (Deep channel) to blend the two channels. This is how I run my rig most of the time but a quick patch disconnect and I have two independent channels again.


John
 
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#5
John Swartz said:
You can also combine the two preamps with an external 1/4" patch cable - run the 1/4" Deep output into the Effects Return with the "50/50" switch engaged. Your Drive output is now the combination of the two - use the Level 1 for overall level and the Level 2 (Deep channel) to blend the two channels. This is how I run my rig most of the time but a quick patch disconnect and I have two independent channels again.


John
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Hmmmm . . I might be looking at these again. could you also use a “2 into 1” adapter to combine the two signals into an amp input?
 
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#6
John Swartz said:
You can also combine the two preamps with an external 1/4" patch cable - run the 1/4" Deep output into the Effects Return with the "50/50" switch engaged. Your Drive output is now the combination of the two - use the Level 1 for overall level and the Level 2 (Deep channel) to blend the two channels. This is how I run my rig most of the time but a quick patch disconnect and I have two independent channels again.


John
Click to expand...
Is this not the same as “So I moved the internal jumper to the mix position. This basically mixes the drive and deep signals together into one output. It works ok but you lose some of the pre-amps versatility.” To a novice like me it sounds like the same solution. If I buy one of these I want the full enchilada of sound.
 
#7
Ya you definitely want the full set. The drive just sounds better now. It sounded muddy before. I removed all my “cheaper” pedals and just use this. I hated the noise these other pedals injected. Remember this is an analog circuit not digital.
 
#8
Wanted the mention one last item. I noticed a jumper inside the chassis labeled "tight". I emailed Tech21 and as usual, I received a prompt response. Seems moving the jumper to this position makes the signal crisper. I haven't changed this one yet as I have to remove the unit from the rack box it's in to remove the lid. I plan on doing some recordings of the before and after signals this coming weekend.
 
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#10
The GED-2112 was designed to Geddy's specifications. Because he doesn't use amps and only plays though the PA system he requested dedicated outputs for both channels of the unit so the FOH can mix them accordingly. We realized that not everyone will be using the unit in the same way so we designed the unit with the ability to combine the channels for mono output. As mentioned earlier in the thread there are two methods that allow the end user to do this. We do not recommend the use of a Y or splitter cable to accomplish this.

I'm not quite sure what is meant by “So I moved the internal jumper to the mix position. This basically mixes the drive and deep signals together into one output. It works ok but you lose some of the pre-amps versatility.”
 
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#14
Ron Berenato said:
Is this not the same as “So I moved the internal jumper to the mix position. This basically mixes the drive and deep signals together into one output. It works ok but you lose some of the pre-amps versatility.” To a novice like me it sounds like the same solution. If I buy one of these I want the full enchilada of sound.
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It is the same solution except you don't have to open up the unit to do it so it's more flexible if you plan on being able to use the preamp with Drive and Deep to separate amps/speakers or combining them. If you plan on always running the channels combined using the internal jumper may be a better solution for you.

John
 
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#15
David McIntire said:
How about running the Tech 21 preamp into a stereo power amp, Deep to one channel, Drive to the other, then run two cabinets? That's the gear I have, and what I would do.
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Yup - this is what I do most of time. I have a Peavey IPR2-3000 that I run the Drive channel into the A side and the Deep channel into the B side. The A side drives my GK 212 and the B side drives my fEARful 15sub. There are some gigs where I need to use one of the channels to power a monitor so in that case I combine the Drive and Deep and send them to one channel.

Flexibility is a good thing!

John
 
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#16
John Swartz said:
tech21nyc said:
The GED-2112 was designed to Geddy's specifications. Because he doesn't use amps and only plays though the PA system he requested dedicated outputs for both channels of the unit so the FOH can mix them accordingly. We realized that not everyone will be using the unit in the same way so we designed the unit with the ability to combine the channels for mono output. As mentioned earlier in the thread there are two methods that allow the end user to do this. We do not recommend the use of a Y or splitter cable to accomplish this.

I'm not quite sure what is meant by “So I moved the internal jumper to the mix position. This basically mixes the drive and deep signals together into one output. It works ok but you lose some of the pre-amps versatility.”
Click to expand...

This is how I run my rig most of the time but a quick patch disconnect and I have two independent channels again.


John
Click to expand...

++++++++++++++++++++++

Is the above still the accepted method of running the unit into a single amp?

FJB
 
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