Chienmortbb

As some of you know I have used and evaluated many class D modules over the years and some of them included mains Switch Mode Power Supplies. One in particular, from a long established Chinese company would work intermittently but most of the time it would go into the protect mode. I had contacted some buyers of this amp in Europe to check that they were happy and to get their opinions on the amp. In all cases they gave a glowing report. I contacted the company and re-read the specs and noticed that the upper limit for main voltage was 240V. As @agedhorsementioned a few posts earlier, we used to have a nominal mains voltage of 240V before joining the EU but sensibly WE persuaded the EU that mains voltages should be harmonised. It was of course a compromise but it did remove those two pesky 220/240V taps on amplifiers, reducing costs. As an aged dog myself, I grew up with 240V and sort of assumed that the particular amp would work in the UK. I contacted the company and they were very helpful. As a retired Electronic Engineer, I still have much of my equipment (boasting again) and I was able to talk to them on a technical level and we soon sorted the problem out. The point here is that there are some good Chinese companies, but many either do not understand out local conditions or simply don't care as they are just resellers. So the lesson is, understand and study the specs and buy from reputable sellers. There are Companies here in the UK, Europe and the USA that sell low cost amps and if they sell them, they are responsible for them. However the safe bet is to buy from reputable brand from a reputable seller.

http://matrixproaudio.com/xt-1useries.html So this should suit with a decent pre-amp?http://matrixproaudio.com/xt-1useries.html

Although I fall into the trap myself, I should point out that the output devices in amplifiers can all be used in any class of amplifier, so for example linear mosfets can be used in class A, Class B, Class A/B, Class D, Class G and Class H. So can Thermionic Valves and Bipolar Junction Transistors. However switchng mosfets are are the best option for Class D and Valves/Tubes are not recommended. I am 70, use class D heads and am quite happy with them. Yes I was gutted when my beloved Sound City 100W was stolen but the trouble I have had with valve amps over the years, added to the cost of valves, make a valve amp totally uneconomic for me.

Seems like everyone is eg Mackie Thumps quoted at 1000w using a class D chip that the maker rates at 450W (probably about 300W)

My only comment that the EQ/Tone Stack is totally different on the GK and takes some getting used to, in my experience.

I would add that our band has two guitarists their amps have line outs rather than DI out. One amp is a Fender combo the other a Roland Blues Cube. On one gig where we needed to put the amps through FOH, I forgot my DIs but always carry a home made isolating box containing two isolation transformers. We tried putting the guitar amps though the mixer directly but the Fender output was so noisy. I put my little isolator box in and it was as quite as a noisy mouse. Had I had my Orchid DIs they would have gone in front of the amp and there would have been no problem.

And it runs off battery or phantom power.

Maybe but when tape came in the BBC called the operators sound recordists to distinguish them form the recorder itself. Perhaps mixist would fit but engineer would not.

Sound minister, sound person sound man sound woman but not Engineer.

Yes my amp is set flat and all the tone/eq shaping comes from either the bass or effects.

I think you need to get the hoof bass sound right before even thinking about adding effects.

I bought some Hipshot machine heads and not only did he chnage them to 2L2R for me but sent them to arrive next day. Super seller and great communication and follow up. Machire heads were nice too.

I have two of the orchid classics and they are superb.

I remember when I walked in to audition for my current (pub) band they almost laughed at my little 1x12. I said i did not need 2 but the did not believe me. I took a second cab to first reheasal and did not plug it in. They are a good bunch and took it in good humour when I showed them that there was no lead to the second cab. I cannot think of a venue that woukd need more than my single 12" BC112 MK3, it can go deafening if needed but then really a good FoH is needed together with good wetware* driving the mixer. *In IT wetware was the human using the computer, yuo hd hardware, software and wetware.

Supergrass never did anything for me, I mean I asked several times if they would mind taking the bins out, but no! Honestly they could write a half decent pop song but th vocals wre like a mezzo soprano buzz saw.

I just deleted that post as I realised it did not add to the discusion.

Are you sure?????

Yes most old school cabs have very little dispersion, as do many boutique cabinets. I am not a great fan of using say QSC or RCF PA cabs for bass but the dispersion is much much better and a good bass cab should be too.

Wow you get chips with skins on without putting it in the rider? A good cabinet should have the dispersion that allows you to hear on or off axis although I agree that the benefit of a cabinet onstage, at the any O2 venue is as least debatable. A really good monitor such as Martin (other brands are available) will suffice for bass. Finally all the other things are insignificant unless the sound person brings their A Game and best set of ears.

I agree that action is a letter of taste but it should not be adjusted with the truss rod. The truss rod is to adjust the relief. Action is adjusted by adjusting the height of the bridge saddles.

I assume it won't fall over if you lean it agin the wall. Seriously I nearly bought one of those but went for a Marcus Miller M2 instead. I will be posting a long term review of it later but would be interested in your initial thoughts on the HB. The problems with new basses, expensive or not, usually have the following: Action too high Nut slots too high Cheaper basses often have sloppy machine heads and on the HB LP I bought this was certainly the case. Apart from that it is a superb guitar. Anyway I will post a link to the M2 review on this thread once I publish it and look forward to your longer term thoughts on the Marquis.

How does that affect the max power curve @Phil Starr?

It is likely to be a generic part. If you can measure it you may find a Cliff or Neutrik replacement.