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bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 859
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 10:37 am:   Edit Post

I'm switching my rig around and I couldn't remember if I had ever configured it: F1-X-->SF-2-->Power amp. It would make my life simpler, but - will the signal out of the F1-X fry the SF-2??

Bill
palembic
Senior Member
Username: palembic

Post Number: 2339
Registered: 9-2002
Posted on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 2:50 pm:   Edit Post

In my set-up the SF-2 was linked via the effect loop of the F1-X and than poweramp. (F1-X used as Fregquency crossover for bi-amping)
The SF-2 has a pre-amp of itself that can be switched from lof to high gain IFF (!!!!!) I remember well.

Paul TBO
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 860
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 3:11 pm:   Edit Post

Hey Paul! Good to hear yer voice...

I now have the SF-2 in the effects loop. It works great there, but I want (if I can) to run one signal without it going through the SF, and the other going through the SF. That way I could set the FX tone flat (to go into my ELF cab, which doesn't need any extra bass!) and take a split signal out to the SF-2 and then to the non-ELF cabs.

First, I'd split the full range signal from the F1-X full range output into two identical signal feeds. Then here would be the chains for each signal:

One signal would be: F1-X --> ELF integrator --> Power amp Channel 2 --> ELF cab

The other would be: F1-X --> SF-2 --> Power amp channel 1 --> non-ELF cabs

Hope that makes sense.
Bill
bob
Senior Member
Username: bob

Post Number: 597
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 4:22 pm:   Edit Post

The SF-2 manual shows several diagrams in which it is connected between pre and power amps. For what you're describing, you would go to "CH A IN", set the switch to MONO, and use "CH B OUT", giving you the "3 channel mixer" setup.

(The preamp built in to the SF-2 only applies to the front panel instrument input, and is disabled if something is plugged into CH A IN on the rear panel.)

For what it's worth, I do use one channel of mine on the ELF path, and find it useful - you don't necessarily just add bass with this thing. But I suspect most people would find it more flexible to be able to use both filters on the full range cabinets.
-bob
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 861
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 12:28 am:   Edit Post

Thanks for the input, Bob. Do you use your SF after your preamp (e.g. preamp-->SF-->power amp)? Also, great idea, that reading the manual... Think I'll dig mine out and look it over.

Bill
bob
Senior Member
Username: bob

Post Number: 598
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 1:13 am:   Edit Post

I was generously assuming your manual had been misplaced :-)

Actually, I don't have a preamp, and use the SF-2 for that purpose, with the internal gain set to 20 dB. Instrument (mono) plugs in the front, with switch set to Stereo. Channel A goes into the ELF processor, and the sub output goes to one channel of the amp, and then the ELF cabinet. Channel B goes straight to the other channel of the amp and drives the other cabinet full range.
-Bob
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 862
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 4:06 am:   Edit Post

Your generosity is very much appreciated. In truth, my manual was hidden from me by the gnomes who live in my basement whose only joy is seeing me speak before doing my research. I understand your setup now. I think I recall you mentioning this before.

Isn't it amazing that, on top of being the most sophisticated tone control ever built, the SF is also a fine preamp? Ah, if only it had a tube - just one - but a tube...That's right, a tube...

Bill
bassdr
Member
Username: bassdr

Post Number: 61
Registered: 10-2004
Posted on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 11:15 am:   Edit Post

That's why the Alembic Gnomes created the F1-X- so there will be a tube in the chain as God and Ron intended :-) Michael
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 863
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 8:00 am:   Edit Post

A confession: Some nights, I dream of finding an SF-2 and an F1-X all together in the same single space rackable box...
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 3502
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 8:20 pm:   Edit Post

No problem going from the F-1X full range out into the SF-2.

If you haven't already, you may want to read this thead in the Must Reads section.
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 864
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 3:57 am:   Edit Post

Thanks, Dave. I had seen that thread. Actually, as I sheeepishly confessed above, if I had only read my SF-2 manual, I'd have had the answer you just gave me.

Would it be possible to post a scan of the manual in Must Reads? That could be helpful to those idiots among us who'd rather talk than read. It might also be very helpful (though redundant by now) for folks who are considering an SF-2 but would benefit from seeing Ron's suggestions and explanations about the SF-2.

Thanks for your response. Though I don't own an Alembic bass right now (ironically, I am wearing an Alembic sweatshirt as we talk), my F1-X and SF-2 are as much a part of my playing as remembering to plug in my bass...

Bill

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