JonnyM

[quote name='funkle' post='645952' date='Nov 5 2009, 08:13 AM']I'd run into that quote too, but in the thread I posted over in Talkbass, someone else has mentioned that, even in spite of taking this into account, the EA's appear to be less loud. I wonder whether it could be because the tone is very uncoloured. Nonetheless, this person felt, that into an Acme B2, his Markbass F1 was louder, even accounting for the settings of the volume controls. His words were to the effect that the EA Micro maxed out = Markbass F1 at 75%. Although I don't know if he formally checked this with an SPL meter. As you say though, there's only one way to ultimately find out... I'm going to see if I can get an AI Focus/Clarus and an EA iAmp Micro 550 in the same room as my Acme B2. I hope I don't have to buy both of them![/quote] It also comes down to what's loud enough for you in the real world ie your gigs, recording sessions etc. as opposed to just testing how loud various amps can go, at levels you'll never use. I for one have never come close to 75% of maximum with my LMII in a gig, more like 25%...maybe 38% . Since all my gigs have good monitors and full PA support, I get asked politely to turn down unless I'm on a big stage where a bit more oomph is needed. Another option I've considered is the Gallien Kruger MB2 500, but they seem very unreliable and it's hit-and-miss as to whether you get a good one- there's a massive Talkbass thread on the subject The AI gear does look great, if kinda pricey.

[quote name='walbassist' post='645672' date='Nov 4 2009, 08:31 PM']I was going to get a 2nd gen Micro, but the skinny on Talkbass is that it's not really [i]that[/i] loud, so I passed...[/quote] I've been considering the Micro too and was going to skip it for the same reason, but am now reconsidering after finding this on a site that sells EA gear: "Rather than have all the volume in the first turn of the knob, EA uses potentiometers that are more linear. This means you may actually have to turn the master volume all the way up to the 3 o'clock position when things get really, really loud. This gives you a more realistic measure of how much power you are using. Most other amp manufacturers (and think stereos, car radios, etc.) use a taper that puts all the volume up front. This is to impress unsuspecting customers trying gear in stores. "Wow, listen to how loud it is, and it's only on 2? ," he says, and thinks to himself, ”This thing must get really loud!!” Nope, they're just fooling with you. It pretty much stops getting louder around 5, and then only gets more distorted. EA thinks it's better to use the entire volume control. You'll otherwise never actually attain the mythic eleven. Is this an EA Exclusive?? We're not sure, but we think others should follow their example. Euphonic Audio says respect your customers, don't try to fool them. " I have a Barefaced Compact, which is pretty sensitive, so I'm tempted to give the Micro a try. Acmes, on the other hand, are, as walbassist says, reknown for sucking up the power, but there's really only one way to find out if the combination works...

Attention! I'm off to see Captain Manring (rolleyes.gif) this afternoon for a "Bass Masterclass" at Chappell's on Wardour St. at 3pm - free admission too, but you need to reserve: [url="http://www.chappellofbondstreet.co.uk/"]Chappell's website[/url]