| Author | Message | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2609 Registered: 7-2004 |
Here's the deal. I have an F-2B. I'm thinking of setting it up as follows: Guitar into F-2B > out both channels of F-2B to two channels of stereo power amp (Mesa 50/50?) > out each channel of the power amp to a 2x12 cab > 2 2x12 cabs placed a little separated on stage to get full sound/wide dispersion. Does this sound like it will work? Has anyone done something similar for a guitar? I also want to put an SF-2 (run in stereo), BBE Sonic Maximizer (also stereo), and a reverb into the mix. Do they get wired in betweeen the F-2B and the power amp or between the guitar and the F-2B? How is this done since the F-2B doesn't have an effects loop. Anyone recommend a good but not super expensive rack reverb unit? And, as long as I'm thinking of doing this, how about suggestions on a rackmount tuner? Bill, tgo | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5480 Registered: 5-2002 |
I run my SF-2 and reverb after the F-2B. For reverb, I use a TC Electronic unit. I recently acquired a Lexicon, but I haven't had a chance to set it up yet. | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Intermediate Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 189 Registered: 10-2006 |
For tuners, Peterson makes the R490 (strobe) & VS-R Stroborack (virtual strobe). Musician's Friend has them for $550 & $360, respectively. Peter | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2198 Registered: 9-2003 |
Been waitng for my StroboRack from Garbage Center's net site since May...they keep moving up the date. | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2200 Registered: 9-2003 |
You might wanna add a rack-mount combo power dist. center/power conditioner as well (Furman, Monster, etc.). | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1321 Registered: 10-2002 |
I've found the Korg DTR2000 tuner to be an excellent piece of kit. With all these extras, sounds like it'll need a set of wheels too ;-) Graeme (Message edited by jacko on September 04, 2007) | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1564 Registered: 2-2006 |
I would run, Guitar-F2B-SF2-reverb(if stereo/dual channel)-BBE-Power amp. If the reverb unit is mono I would run it in the effects loop but without the loop between the guitar and the F-2B. The other thing to consider is position in the rack. Some effects units if mounted directly above the power amp will pick up a humm or buzz from the amp. And with Kevin on the line conditioner, it's a must in my book. Olie | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 559 Registered: 11-2003 |
I run an F1-X, SF-2, Korg DTR-1000 Tuner, and a Furman AR-1215 Voltage Regulator in my rack. I run the F1-X into the SF-2, the Tuner into the effects loop of the F1-X, and then the SF-2 into the Power Amp (a QSC 1804). The Furman powers everything, and I strongly recommend a voltage regulator as opposed to a power conditioner. The power conditioner, as I understand it will protect you from spikes, etc. but it will not provide a constant voltage as does the voltage regulator. The AR-1215 take any voltage (I think it's between 97-140 some odd volts, but I'd have consult the technical stuff to be sure) and converts it to a constant 120V, meaning you have clean power regardless of what's going into it. I use a pedal board instead of a rackmount effects unit. Hope this helps, Alan | ||
| dtrice
Member Username: dtrice Post Number: 94 Registered: 10-2006 |
I didn't know about the Voltage Regulator fact. I always assumed the Power conditioner would regulate. Random questions, I use an Ampeg classic preamp (I live the vintage SVT sound). How does that compare with the Alembics (I assume the FX-1 and F2B sound the same). I've not dissappointed with the Ampeg, but I'm interested in picking up and Alembic preamp. | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1565 Registered: 2-2006 |
Alan is correct, use a voltage regulator. That's what I was thinking when I said conditioner. Olie | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 560 Registered: 11-2003 |
I got the AR-1215 based on the recommendation of Sean Beavan, a high school friend of mine who's worked with Marilyn Manson, Trent Reznor and others both on the road and in the studio. He was the one who advised me that a VR was the way to go if I wanted clean power, and that all a power conditioner would do is protect my equipment from spikes. The VR gives me constant power and protects my rig from spikes, something the power conditioner simply doesn't do. I'm not a technical guy, but I do know it works for me. Alan | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2201 Registered: 9-2003 |
Well, the regulator will fix line voltage sags/surges...to a point...the range is not infinite and it can't make something from nothing. Power conditioners should not only protect the equipment from spikes, but also filter-out some/most of the "hash" (noise) on the mains. Some even have isolation transformers that eliminate a "mechanical" connection between input raw mains power and the resulting clean output. That's what's meant by "clean" power. Of course, electronics work better when presented with the proper mains voltage. A VR will accomplish that automatically. | ||
| ajdover
Senior Member Username: ajdover Post Number: 561 Registered: 11-2003 |
You're right, the range is not infite (on my Furman is 97 to 141 volts, though they have models that will handle above and below that). And you're also right in that it filters out noise, which is what my Furman does in addition to power conditioning. This is what it says about it on the Furman site, should anyone be interested: "Description The 15 amp AR-1215 AC Line Voltage Regulator is intended to protect audio, video, computer and other electronic equipment from problems caused by AC line voltage irregularities-sags, brownouts, or overvoltages that can cause sensitive digital equipment to malfunction, or, in extreme cases, to sustain damage. The AR-1215 is designed to provide a steady, stable 120 VAC output. It accepts any input voltage from 97V to 141V and transforms it to a constant 120V, ±5V. Voltages beyond that range may also be converted to usable levels, depending on how far out of range they are. The AR-1215 can handle loads totaling up to 15 amps as long as the input voltage is above 124 volts. For voltages below that level, its capacity must be derated at approximately .15 ampere per volt. The AR-1215 has been designed specifically with the unique needs of audio and video in mind. Its technology differs from that of computer-oriented voltage regulators in many important ways. For Example: The AR-1215 does not use a ferro-resonant transformer, which would be heavy and bulky, radiate a large magnetic field, and be too frequency-sensitive to be usable with generators. Instead, it uses a use a design based on an eight-tap toroidal autoformer. The toroidal design assures minimal leakage of stray magnetic fields. The AR-1215 circuitry monitors the incoming line voltage with each cycle, comparing it to an extremely precise voltage reference, accurate to ±0.15%. If a voltage fluctuation requires that a different tap be selected, the new tap is electronically switched exactly at the zero-crossing, to avoid distorting the AC waveform. (Most commercial voltage regulators using multiple-tapped transformers switch taps at uncontrolled times, thereby creating voltage spikes, and often creating clicks that can leak into the audio.) Hysteresis of 1.5V in the switching circuits avoids “chatter.” The design is not sensitive to small errors in line frequency, making them ideal for use with generators. The AR-1215 also features power conditioning that is truly in a class by itself, thanks to the quantity, quality and configuration of the overvoltage suppression devices used. These include MOV's, high voltage inductors and capacitors, and precise high-inrush magnetic circuit breakers. This unique combination can safely divert large spikes as well as filter audible high frequency noise. An additional feature, Extreme Voltage Shutdown, senses dangerously high or low voltages and shuts down the output before any damage is done. The output remains off until the overvoltage or undervoltage is removed, with an LED indicating the shutdown condition. This invaluable feature provides positive protection to your equipment from accidental connection to incorrect line voltages (for example, 220V when 120V is expected-- a not uncommon hazard in the entertainment industries.) The AR-1215 has eight outlets on the rear panel, and one on the front panel. All outlets are regulated, spike-suppressed, and filtered against RFI with a 3-pole filter. There are no controls except the circuit breaker/on-off switch. A bar-graph meter comprised of 10 LED's indicates input voltage, while another LED indicates 'In Regulation' status (i.e., that the output voltage is within ±5V of 120V.) The unit is housed in a compact, single-space rack-mount chassis, 1.75” high and 8” deep and weighs only 12 lbs." It works for me! Alan | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 847 Registered: 2-2005 |
In the USA I do recommend a voltage regulator. These usually provide all of the functions of a power conditioner plus help with low/over voltage. I've been using a Furman AR15 for a while and it has help a lot in some of the dives I've played. As far as power conditioners by themselves I have seen different opinions. QSC says they are not required for their equipment as they already have all of the same capability built into their power supplies. I have heard other folks say it ain't so. I leave the decision up to you in this area. Keith | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5488 Registered: 5-2002 |
Daniel, the F-1X and the F-2B do not sound the same. The F-1X has a single tube stage, while the F-2B has two tube stages. The F-1X is a little "cleaner", while the F-2B is a little "tubier". | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 1567 Registered: 2-2006 |
Dave, did you just pen a new catch phrase? "Tubier".......hmmmm...I like it! Olie | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5490 Registered: 5-2002 |
Tubier (TM) | ||
| dtrice
Intermediate Member Username: dtrice Post Number: 103 Registered: 10-2006 |
Or would it be Tubier(R) ? | ||
| catfish_john
New Username: catfish_john Post Number: 3 Registered: 9-2007 |
I had a lot of the same questions and didn't know beans about it... I had Hard Truckers make a custom Birch Rack system for me and sent my gear down to them to make sure everything was optimized...they were unbelievable in terms of getting alot of vintage rack pieces and effects to work seamlessly even cleaning up some of the equipment which had unwanted noise...they were also incredably helpful in terms of setting up the rig to use with guitars that have an effects loop built in and those that don't...no I don't work for Hard Truckers but they thrive on the type of question/questions you asked above...call them, they love to dive into this kind of thing...cool dudes | ||
| gare
Senior Member Username: gare Post Number: 403 Registered: 11-2003 |
Bill Like Dave I have a TC Electronics XL One..great unit. I also aquired a Lexicon MX200, also a very nice unit at about half the cost. Since you're looking for reverb you wont need everything the XL One has. But for guitar you may want to hunt around for an older spring reverb unit, Furman and several other companies made rack mount units. They produce that nice Fender boing kinda sound..that might sound good with a Tubier(TM) sound. And a power conditioner/regulator of some type is a must. Gary |
