I have played Peavey combo and piggyback amps since the early 80's, for durability, tone, and price they suited me and never let me down. I've usually used a Fender or Peavey bass with no effects and get a great sound easily. My favorite was my old Combo 300 (too heavy now) but I currently own a USA Basic 112 that gets that same great sound with little effort.
A couple of years ago a bought the Peavey Max 115 (still the latest model) and was excited to try it's pre-amp options including the TT Boost that turns off the horn and adds grit. It sounds ok but after experimenting I can't duplicate that nice full warm sound that my older US amps get. The TT Boost adds too much grit for me (even at lower levels) but without it the sound is too clean. The Punch (bass) button adds nice low end but it's hard to control and lacks tightness.
I tried adding an older Behringer Bass BDI 21 and got a LOT closer to my old sound, definitely solid-state but with a little added warmth, bass-y but still "tight" not boom-y. Then I took it one step further and bypassed the amp's controls and plugged the BDI 21 directly into the AUX in and that's the best and closest to my typical tone.
I am happy but wondering why I can't get this sound straight from the amp: the Behringer pedal only cost $25 years ago (what a GREAT device)! If any Peavey fanatics have experience w/the latest Max 115 I'd like to hear their thoughts. I'm still a Peavey fan and if there's an amp setting someone can suggest I'd like to give it a try, thanks!
A couple of years ago a bought the Peavey Max 115 (still the latest model) and was excited to try it's pre-amp options including the TT Boost that turns off the horn and adds grit. It sounds ok but after experimenting I can't duplicate that nice full warm sound that my older US amps get. The TT Boost adds too much grit for me (even at lower levels) but without it the sound is too clean. The Punch (bass) button adds nice low end but it's hard to control and lacks tightness.
I tried adding an older Behringer Bass BDI 21 and got a LOT closer to my old sound, definitely solid-state but with a little added warmth, bass-y but still "tight" not boom-y. Then I took it one step further and bypassed the amp's controls and plugged the BDI 21 directly into the AUX in and that's the best and closest to my typical tone.
I am happy but wondering why I can't get this sound straight from the amp: the Behringer pedal only cost $25 years ago (what a GREAT device)! If any Peavey fanatics have experience w/the latest Max 115 I'd like to hear their thoughts. I'm still a Peavey fan and if there's an amp setting someone can suggest I'd like to give it a try, thanks!
