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Topic: Tone difference between 160 w and 500 MosValves? |
Olli Haavisto
From:
Jarvenpaa,Finland
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Posted 11 Jun 2001 12:12 pm |
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Hi,
Since so many of you are using the MosValve power amps and some of you might have played through both the 2x80 and the 2x250 models I`d like to know if there`s a difference in tone,played at a moderate level.In bigger places I always mike or DI to the PA.I have played trough the smaller model and it seems to be pretty loud 80 watts,like it`s rated the same way as tube amps are?
Thanks!
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Olli Haavisto
Polar steeler
Finland
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Larry Bell
From:
Englewood, Florida
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Posted 12 Jun 2001 5:34 am
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Olli,
I'll speak for my buddy Mark Van Allen who, I believe, is on the road. I would suggest contacting him at flyingmonkey@mindspring.com and/or visit Mark's website
Mark was using the lower output MosValve last time I saw him and I can tell you he sounds GREAT. He plays a lot of large, often outdoor gigs where he is reinforced by a large PA system. Not sure if he ever uses it without micing through the PA, but his rig (Mullen or Carter D-10 and a Fender T- always sounds good to my ears. Last time I saw him he was playing through one Peavey 15 and one Peavey 12 cabinet.
I have a MosValve 500 in a very large and HEAVY rack and I play mostly small, local club gigs, so I rarely haul it out. I usually rely on my late 70s Session 400 with one or two Peavey 15 cabs.
I don't intelligently speak 'RMS' or any of that sound engineer jargon, but I agree with you that the MosValve amps sound louder than transistor amps with the same power rating.
Hope this helps.
LTB
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Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Emmons D-10 9x9, 1971 Dobro
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Bill Rowlett
From:
Russellville, AR, USA
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Posted 12 Jun 2001 2:39 pm
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Olli,
I have both models of the MosValve amps. There is little difference in the apparent volume that you get between the two amps. I find the difference to be in the attack or punch available from the big amp and in the bass response for big chords. The tone of the two amps is the same, and at low to medium volume levels they play much alike. You can play most any size gig with the small amp and sound good. Both models have that sweet tube-like tone. Even though I love the light weight of the 80 X 80 amp, I find myself hauling the 500-watt amp around because it just seems to play better. You can cut through with authority when you need to and it's sounds wonderfully full.
Hope this helps,
Bill.
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Dan Tyack
From:
Olympia, WA USA
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Posted 13 Jun 2001 7:13 pm
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I've got to disagree here.
If you always play gigs where you can be miked though a good PA, then there isn't a lot of difference. You may need to come through the monitors for a good on stage sound.
If you are playing unmiked with a loud modern country band, then there is a huge difference. The smaller amp is likely to be overwhelmed, especially if you play C6th. Any transistor amp that is played to distortion is going to sound like *&^%$$. So unless you are always miked, it's worth the modest price and weight increase to go with the larger amp.
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www.tyacktunes.com |
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Bill Rowlett
From:
Russellville, AR, USA
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Posted 14 Jun 2001 10:47 am
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No disagreement with me. I almost always play through a house PA, so I didn't really consider that in my response. I still consider the 500-watt model to have slightly more punch and a better full range response when used as a live personal monitor. In the mid to high frequency range that one typically perceives sound as loud, the 80 X 80 will produce a lot of oomph for its rating, however for those accent notes and kickoffs, the 500 watt model excels with more overhead and reserve power. I once played a big outdoor gig with the 80 X 80 MosValve powering front monitors facing me and 2 Nashville 400s right behind me. I was in the house mix out front, but I couldn't hear a note that I played the whole night. I've never had a problem with the 500-watt model onstage, but I don't like playing at a high stage volume level with any size amp. Conversely, I've done some pretty large dances unmiked with a single 50 watt 65 Bassman head. Again, the full range response is not always there.
Don't let anyone tell you that the 500-watt model isn't heavy, especially in a rack case. I think that the 80 x 80 model is one of the great bargains in the used $/watt arena. It a great sounding amp and I use one for my keyboards at home. Both amps have a transparent sound and are a pleasure to play.
Bill |
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Olli Haavisto
From:
Jarvenpaa,Finland
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Posted 19 Jun 2001 10:26 am
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Thanks everybody,
I found a used 500 for a really good price and while it is a bit heavy I love having headroom to spare.
Olli |
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Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
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Posted 19 Jun 2001 10:50 am
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I can't compare the two, but I have a 500 and wouldn't consider a smaller amp. You need the headroom - not that you are playing that loud, just to give it the balls it needs.
I get asked that on my Nashville 400, I usually have the input gain at 4 and the master at 6. It's there for headroom and sustain with the volume pedal when needed. With the Nashville my "normal" volume pedal setting is about half way. |
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