BassBod

Most of the time the Sansamps (BDDI and VT) are fine, but sometimes they have both picked up electrical noise (hums or digi stuff). I've found that only a transformer/passive DI works in these situations.

I carry Radial Pro1 passive - if I get noise or level problems from the Sansamp or amp DI out, I just run a jack cable from effects send/line out into the Radial. Has always worked perfectly...in fact, plan B should really be plan A by now 😳

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1468937815' post='3094481'] Presumably you could connect the tone-shaper or Pre-amp of your choice into the Return socket, thus using it as a pre-power set up. If you wanted. [/quote] Yes, effects return or line in (jack). I also use a Sansamp VT in front, if I'm doing a blues or jazz gig. I think of the R800 as a power amp with eq on the front. Works well with the old rack preamps, and it can just sit on top of a rack bag. I'm sure it could also be mounted on tray if you wanted to get it into a rack case, but I would'nt bother.

That's a lot less than I paid to the local PMT "on a deal" Despite that, I'm really pleased with amp..it's great.

It also adds some additional preamp valve gain early on, if I remember correctly?

It also adds some additional preamp valve gain early on, if I remember correctly?

Yep, been using the Retroglide 800 for a few weeks now, it's essence of a TE GP11 in a smaller format. Like the GP 11, to me it has no sound, as such..you get your sound with the graphic. It hasn't got the preshape/slap switch (don't miss it) and it doesn't have a transformer DI. I've still got a MIV GP11, and they are very much the same thing. The R800 also has less circuit hiss. Thomann were selling the R800 very cheap a week or two ago - worth a check?

Sounds like a loaner that got abused? SWR didn't use anything too exotic for speakers (even the Bag End units were probably made by Eminence) but the choice for replacement speakers was pretty limited up until a few years ago. The Bass Centre pricing was ambitious, but they were the only importer for a long time. Memory tells me that the Redheads were always £900-1200 even in the early/ mid 90's. That was a lot of cash!

Sounds silly, but I took an instant dislike to the very open weave grill cloth...didn't seem very gig worthy and reminded me of some dodgy stuff from the late 70's...Trucker?

It's a good idea to leave an extra space for cooling, although it does depend on the amp. If it gets hot often, use a 3u bag? You can also put a 1u vent above the amp - looks better and adds a bit more rigidity.

Maybe..there are some screws, but I didn't fiddle...do you mean the screws that hold the transformer frame together?

SWR Redhead..

Good to hear..I'm a recent convert. Nice when a company does more than they have to. Years ago Trace Elliot collected and repaired a one year old amp to sort out a known manufacturing issue, and said don't take it to the dealer as they will try and charge..one phone call completely sorted the problem.

The Rock Bags are crap. The Gator 2u is ok

I suspect heat has been part of the problem with the transformer in the Redhead. No fan, due to its studio origins. The fans in the power amp, and Basic 350 are all pretty noisy, but I'm sure that can be improved a lot by fitting higher quality modern versions. The Studio 220 has no fan, but it's also a low wattage and takes time to warm up. SWR always intended the 2u amps to go into 3u rack spaces so the cases would conduct heat away quicker. That's why the rack mounting holes are a bit awkward in many 2u cases.

Tell me about it! Out of all the SWR bits I've got around only one has proved tricky. The Redhead, which is a fairly early version..has a hum which has been diagnosed as coming from the mains transformer (probably just showing its age). Its not a terrible hum, but it is beaming into the preamp circuit so will be present on the DI send etc. Good news is I can still source a direct replacement from the USA maker of the factory transformer, bad news is that after shipping and added import costs its almost as much as I paid for the amp. I could source a UK made equivalent a lot cheaper. Really should make a decision on this one..... [attachment=223470:IMG_1013.jpg]

Lovely cab, but it's a heavy bugger...

Steve W Rabe sold up a long time before Fender took over, he had another small company Raven Labs which made high quality DI boxes and EQ /mixers. He gave that up after a few years, as I remember it one of the main reasons was the hassle of constantly trying to source high quality components, when the global electronics industry was going for low spec, low price, enormous volume production. If you look on UTube, there are some SWR promo videos, although the basses don't sound great and there are mullets everywhere 🙈

It's heavy, and an awkward shape...but sounds great. At the time, it was portable and an amazing sound for 2x10" speakers. It's still sounds very good, as long as you use restraint with the tweeter and aural enhancer.

One more...BB combo, new speakers but still sounding great 😎

That doesn't sound good - did it have an accident?

It's alright, I saved a few for future generations 😜

Raise the action a bit, or try using flat wounds...both could avoid the problem. Some re-frets are almost impossible to see, but of course, it will matter to a true collector...and they are the ones who pay real money for original examples.

Try changing the valve, they are cheap and you can do it yourself. Also, run a cable through the effects loop (from send to return). Most people don't use these, and the contacts can get dirty and mess up the pre/power amp signal. If that doesn't work get it to a tech for diagnosis.