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Topic: Telonics Preamp |
CrowBear Schmitt
From:
Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
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Posted 21 Jul 2010 12:01 pm |
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Greetings ! 
here's a shameless plug for the Telonics LeMay MK I preamp
after having gotten the Telonics vp, i decided to get a MK I preamp
got most of my rig in a rack
i've been fiddlin' w: this MK I since yesterday, figuring things out & finding some great sounds
it's purty darn hip, let me tell ya' - one can dial in some neat sounds
like peavey amps, one has to get by/understand the mids
that's been my real only hassle
so far on E9 my settings are
Preamp Gain : +4 to +6
Treble Level : +3 to +5
Mid Freq : +6
Mid Level : -4
Bass Level : +7 to +9
Blend : -2 ( this is the sweetener - purty neat ! )
Master Level : +5 to +7
Could i ask those of you who have a Telonics preamp, to give their impressions, critics, advice ? ( my Cajun cousins perhaps ?) 
otherwise, i wish to give a great plug & Thanx to David Beatey who really goes out of his way to assist all he can, those who invest & believe in his gear
btw, i've started saving €€€/$$$ as to invest in the rackable Telonics amp
Last edited by CrowBear Schmitt on 21 Jul 2010 1:56 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Gerry Simon
From:
Ohio, USA
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Posted 21 Jul 2010 1:51 pm
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| It sounds like a great preamp...any reason you picked the Telonics version over the LeMay ?? Do they have the same sound? What amplification are you using with it?? Thanks for sharing, Gerry |
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CrowBear Schmitt
From:
Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
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Posted 21 Jul 2010 1:58 pm
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i got the preamp from John LeMay Gerry
i use the " power amp in " on my Peavey Nash 1000 |
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Paddy Long
From:
Christchurch, New Zealand
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Posted 21 Jul 2010 5:17 pm
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Crowbear I got one in Dallas and just love it ... similar settings to you actually... the one thing I had a bit of trouble dialing in was the little impedance input adjustment ...everything sounded a bit woody til I got that in the sweet spot ! I think it depends a bit on what volume pedal your using, but I have the Telonics.
Have you heard any word on their power amp ?? they had an early prototype at Dallas but not sure when it will be available for purchase ...I hope it's nice and light !! 
_________________
14'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
08'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
94' Franklin Stereo D10 9+8
Telonics, Peterson, Steelers Choice, Benado, Lexicon, Red Dirt Cases. |
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Marvin Born
From:
Ohio, USA
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Posted 21 Jul 2010 5:59 pm
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I have one of the PA-200 power amps, along with a late model matching pre-amp and Telonics PRO pedal.
This is a sweet combo and the power amp weights 5.5 pounds. A three bay rack, power amp, pre-amp and Lexicon weight 24 pounds, including the speaker cables. Very clean and very quiet.
With the Telonics and other such pre-amps, you need to be careful of how you operate the special effects unit such as the Lexicon. You can have only WET signal coming from the effects. There is a Dry path through the pre-amp and if you have a second delayed dry path via the effects, there can be phase cancellation.
My A5 note on string three just about disappeared until I figured this out. This is not just a Telonics problem, the Revelation and other such analog pre-amps are similar in design in that they have a high quality analog signal path with no A/D and D/A converters in line.
This is my rack set up as a 4 bay with a tuner in the extra bay.
Marvin |
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Billy Murdoch
From:
Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.
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Posted 21 Jul 2010 11:02 pm
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I have the same pre amp which I use with My T.C.Furlong SPLIT 12
The LeMay built by Telonics is very good indeed and Dave Beaty is One Gent Extraordinaire.
As Paddy says,the trim adjustment for the impedance match does take a little time to get right.
Crowbear,Have You gigged at high volume or are Your settings for "home "use.I use mine at home and have a bit less bass than You and I also have the blend knob at +1 or 2.
I also have a Tonic pre amp which has a great sound,I use it for gigs,I do'nt like to say that one is better than the other,the main difference I hear is the "valve" in the Tonic.
Billy |
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CrowBear Schmitt
From:
Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
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Posted 22 Jul 2010 1:17 am
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Thanx Paddy
i'll check out & tweak the impedance input if needed
did'nt mess w: that one yet
BL710s on muh Zum - these are considered hot pus ?
Yes, i've been in touch w: David B on the amp
there have been some mods & improvements done on it
as we know, telonics counts on user feedback
what threw me off w: the Lemay MK I preamp are the mids
(as mentioned : like the Peaveys)
at first i found a predominance of honk -
to me mids give off honk - i don't particularly like or have that kinda sound - the basic clearness of a Twin w: reverb is my where i'm at
anyway, i'm studyin the phenomena...
set up : Instrument > Telonics vp > MKI preamp > Nash1000 "Power amp in"
effects are in the loop - tuner to preamp
i understood that the vp loop is for pot pedals
tried it, did'nt like it - went back to da chain gang
Billy, yes i did try it both ways
at high volume it kicks you know what - did'nt try it on a gig yet - i've only had the unit 4 days now
i'm dealing mostly w: low volume right now
Marvin, Thanx fer the tips on the effects - it takes a bit of testing & messin' round don't it !?
i'm gettin hip to the wet side & the dry side
stereo is the way to go
i've got the same rack set up as you
Top 1 : MPX1
2 : Stroborack
3 : Lemay preamp
4 5 6 : empty ( waitin on the telonics amp.......
so much fer now..... 
Last edited by CrowBear Schmitt on 22 Jul 2010 6:15 am; edited 1 time in total |
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john widgren
From:
Wilton CT
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Posted 22 Jul 2010 5:24 am Telonics
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Yes...I love my MKI preamp, and my FP-100. Dave Beaty and Telonics are the best.
_________________
Steel Guitar Services:
Live performance and recording. Instruments, repairs and lessons. Fresh bait/discount sushi.
(203) 858-8498
widcj@hotmail.com |
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Paddy Long
From:
Christchurch, New Zealand
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Posted 22 Jul 2010 3:25 pm
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Crowbear, thats good to hear about the power amp. I am using my Peavey DPC750 which I have had for about 17 years ..it's great but it's heavy and has a lot of fan noise (which is why I play loud to drown it out hehe !!)
I use my Telonics pedal through the loop, same as I do with my Rev pre rack ... I must try bypassing that and see if I like it better or not. The input impedance screw might need to be adjusted differently as well - (or might be bypassed) I will have to experiment.
Have only used it with my Zum with the Alooms, havent tried the Hybrid with Trutones through it yet.
_________________
14'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
08'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
94' Franklin Stereo D10 9+8
Telonics, Peterson, Steelers Choice, Benado, Lexicon, Red Dirt Cases. |
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Gerry Simon
From:
Ohio, USA
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Posted 22 Jul 2010 11:13 pm
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| Thanks Crowbear...am still wondering, if the f/x must be full on, like with a mixing board, how do you control the amount of f/x in real time, like during a tune with the preamp? A front panel pot for f/x would be nice...I have a Mesa Boogie preamp and they put that control in the back where it's hard to reach if real time control is needed ...and Paddy, why both a Rev pre and the Telonics? are the sounds or controls that much different? I'm trying to upgrade my equipment and it is very hard making decisions w/o actually playing thru this stuff during a gig at volume. I've had equipment sound good in my bedroom, only to sound like crap at a loud gig. Thanks to all, Gerry |
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CrowBear Schmitt
From:
Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
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Posted 23 Jul 2010 12:02 am
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Gerry, i get to mix the effects level w: the input pot on top left corner of the MPX1
i usually have to adjust it to each effect
what's amazing is, we spend all kind of $$$ on stuff, be it puters, cell fones, effect units, & other gizmos just to get ragged out w: the manual & learning curve
we end up most often, using these marvels at 20% of their possibilities
| Quote: |
| I've had equipment sound good in my bedroom, only to sound like crap at a loud gig. |
yes, i believe this is most common
experience being the best teacher, it's best to play out as much as possible, adapt ourselves & get learned
when i'm at home i got all the time to tweak, change & mess around
when i get out & play basically, i've got the presets done & ready, so that all i have to do is 1- usually compensate using the equalisation to adapt to the room & 2 - dial in effects, level, or whatever else as i go along - 3 - consider i'm havin' the time of my life
beware : an empty room will not be the same as a full one
so the sound check will have worked out only to find having to adapt to a full room when its showtime
now that's fun
(it'll make ya' or break ya')
using a PA w: everything miked ? big gig ?
using a PA for vocals & certain other thangs & relying on the sound you have on stage ?
both of course .... |
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Marvin Born
From:
Ohio, USA
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Posted 23 Jul 2010 9:13 am
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Gentlemen,
The Telonics PreAmp has a dry path for signal through the pre-amp. So you run the effects full Wet and then adjust the level of the effects with the pre-amp effects return level control, it is on the back. I listed this as an issue when I did the test report and I hope Telonics places the effects return control on the front panel in future models.
This is a parallel system, with the effects in one path running in parallel with the dry signal (in the pre-amp.) You operate the effects just like you would if you were running an audio mixer board.
My Lexicons have input and output controls. So I put the pedal full on, play and adjust the preamp input level for the desired level and then adjust the Lexicon input control just before the clip light comes on. I then set the Lexicon output control to 12 o'clock and adjust the Pre-amp effect return until I get the desired effects sound. From that point on you can use the Lexicon output control as your effects level adjustment when playing real time.
If you have a Lexicon MX-200 or similar unit that doesn't have a output control, You will have to use the input control as your level control.
Keep in mint two things,
1. The effect unit is running wide open into your system and any digital noise it has will be dumped into your power amp, so your over all noise floor is higher.
To test this, connect your effects system as you normally do. Turn up the volume just enough to hear hiss with no input connected. Then pull the effects cable going into your pre-amp and see if the noise floor changes. Keep the volume low in case there are any pops.
2. The input control actually, is an adjustment for the input level of the A to D converter in the effects unit. If the input is let rather low and you play softly, some signal can actually drop out of the A to D and not be passed through the effects system.
The solution to these two problem is to run the effects input control as high as possible, with out clipping. And then adjust the pre-amp return down to set you effects level. (you may have to play with both controls to get your sound.)
This will accomplish two things. It helps keep signals from dropping out of the A to D and it lowers the amount of digital noise going into the pre-amp.
I have an Alumitone pickup on my SD-10 Zum and you can put the pedal full on and it is dead quiet. But if you blow on the strings you can hear it.
The True Tones will sound wonderful, especially on C6, but the single coil hum will still be there.
I have experimented with putting the Telonics pedal in the pre-effects loop and just connecting it between the guitar and pre-amp. There is not much difference because the pedal is very low noise and very flat. I drive the tuner directly from the pedal tuner output and not from the pre-amp tuner output.
How is this for writing a book?
Marvin |
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Billy Murdoch
From:
Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.
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Posted 23 Jul 2010 12:44 pm
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Marvin,
Referring to Your post,
The Telonics PreAmp has a dry path for signal through the pre-amp. So you run the effects full Wet and then adjust the level of the effects with the pre-amp effects return level control, it is on the back. I listed this as an issue when I did the test report and I hope Telonics places the effects return control on the front panel in future models
According to the Manual, the control for the effects has to be applied at the effect unit.
I cannot find any control at the back of the pre amp.
Do You have the same model as I do?
http://www.john-lemay.com/2009_manual.pdf
Billy |
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Marvin Born
From:
Ohio, USA
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Posted 23 Jul 2010 1:04 pm
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Presently, I have the Mullen model pre-amp.
Marvin |
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Billy Murdoch
From:
Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.
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Posted 23 Jul 2010 1:06 pm
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Thanks Marvin
There are a few extras on the Mullen model.
Billy |
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CrowBear Schmitt
From:
Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
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Posted 23 Jul 2010 1:23 pm
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some info on the power amp (mono or stereo)
The power rating for the PA-4200/PA-200 Stereo Power Amp is as follows :
--------------------------Continuous Power = (Vrms ) 2 / R
190 W/channel ---------------------------Both channels driven
-----------------------------------------4 ohm Load,
-----------------------------------------@1%THD+N,
-----------------------------------------1kHz sine wave
240 W/channel ---------------------------Both channels driven,
-----------------------------------------4 ohm Load,
-----------------------------------------@10%THD+N,
-----------------------------------------1kHz sine wave
---------------------------Continuous Power = (Vrms ) 2 / R
380 W/channel --------------------------Both channels driven
----------------------------------------4 ohm Load,
----------------------------------------@1%THD+N,
----------------------------------------1kHz sine wave
480 W/channel --------------------------Both channels driven
----------------------------------------4 ohm Load,
----------------------------------------@10%THD+N,
----------------------------------------1kHz sine wave
Last edited by CrowBear Schmitt on 3 Aug 2010 7:39 am; edited 2 times in total |
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Tony Glassman
From:
The Great Northwest
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Posted 23 Jul 2010 6:41 pm
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Crow,
How does the Lemay compare to the Revelation pre-amp?
I've been really happy with a Rev / World 1.2 / 1501 x 2 set-up and can't imagine a better sounding system. Then again, I never thought I'd play any vol pedal other my Hilton but I just purchased a Telonics.
In search of the holy tone grail......... |
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Gerry Simon
From:
Ohio, USA
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Posted 23 Jul 2010 9:49 pm
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Thanks Crowbear and Marvin for a clear and logical presentation. I have noticed how EQ changes as the night progresses and the humidity rises from sweaty dancers, and as most bands tend to play louder as the nite goes on from ear fatigue or increasing energy, the feedback increases from the heavier air.
It seems strange that some preamps have that mix control in the back...I never set an effect and leave it for the nite; it is adjusted to every tune as is the timeing for echos and the amt of distortion I use...(I like set lists)
We are lucky, as a group, to have so many quality products being made for us by people responsive to our needs...Gerry |
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CrowBear Schmitt
From:
Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
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Posted 24 Jul 2010 1:08 am
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Tony, i can't tell you since i've never tried the revelation pre
i'm sure it's a worthy piece of gear considering Brad's quality reputation & the success in sales of his products
Paddy, i did mess w: the input impedance - (to the right of the factory one), dialed in a better setting & then adapted the rest of the settings
(pretty much the same ones)
pre amp gain +4/6
treble +2/3
mid freak : +6
mid level : -4
bass level : +7/9
blend : -3
master level : +5/7
Billy M, the model we have does'nt have that effects control on the back
the Mullen version has more to it than ours
from what i heard in the grapevine, Telonics is preparing to come out w: a preamp that has more to it than the MK I
so stick around....
ps: on the Telonics vp, one can set it so that when it opens, there's no dead spot but immediate sound
" minimum on " left side up front |
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Paddy Long
From:
Christchurch, New Zealand
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Posted 25 Jul 2010 4:01 pm
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Gerry, Tony, Crowbear, sorry for the delay, been on a road trip down south .... I have both the Revelation Pre (since 06) and the Lemay MkI and they are different beasts.
The Rev has been my main unit since I first got it and it is awesome...the tube sound is just outstanding and it is very versatile.
However, I got the MkI because it was light, and a 1 rack space unit ...I wanted to build a light weight rack mostly for fly jobs etc .. but I have found it to be very good, and now that Dave has updated the power supply to 24v it is spot on (we had some issues for us 240 volters with the earlier power supply) ! remembering that it is solid state vs Tubes here ...both Preamps are exceptional and I can dial in a really good tone with both of them ..it just takes a bit of time tweaking until you find the sweet spot. Also both Brad Sarno and Dave Beaty provide incredible support for their products - pretty much hard to beat!
Note: probably obvious, but I DONT have these 2 units in the same rack -- I have 2 separate rack systems
_________________
14'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
08'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
94' Franklin Stereo D10 9+8
Telonics, Peterson, Steelers Choice, Benado, Lexicon, Red Dirt Cases. |
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Paddy Long
From:
Christchurch, New Zealand
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Posted 3 Aug 2010 3:12 pm
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Crowbear thanks for the pics of the power amp, I checked out the prototype at Dallas and was impressed.
Whats the physical weight, and how about fan noise ??
The big question is, is it available in 240 volts ?? or perhaps a self-seeking voltage feature that a lot of rack mount units have these days ?? Something I haven't talked to Dave about.
_________________
14'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
08'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
94' Franklin Stereo D10 9+8
Telonics, Peterson, Steelers Choice, Benado, Lexicon, Red Dirt Cases. |
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Marvin Born
From:
Ohio, USA
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Posted 3 Aug 2010 5:23 pm
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The stereo PA-200 weights 5.2 pounds or about 2.358 kilos.
Each time the amp powers up, a different pair of fans starts. (there are a total of four) I have had the amp since April and I have never got it to move out of the first level temp control. As the temp increases, the second pair will start up, and when temp increase even more, the fan speed increases.
There are three lights, green, yellow and red that give a indication of the temp. Stage 1, (normal) the green light blinks, stage 2 is a solid green, then yellow and finally red.
So I don't have a clue what it sounds like with all the fans running. I played it for 3 hours at 82 degrees F and it never moved up the temp scale pass blinking green.
However, if the room is totally quiet and you turn on the amp you can hear a slight hiss from the fans that starts. Play a single note and you can't hear it.
Regarding the power source.
The manual says. "Standard versions are wired for domestic use only (120VAC) Export units will be available on special order in the near future."
Marvin |
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Paddy Long
From:
Christchurch, New Zealand
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Posted 3 Aug 2010 8:55 pm
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Thanks Marvin sounds good ...my old DPC750 is about 12 pounds and has quite a bit of fan noise so I can see a new Telonics Amp in my future
_________________
14'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
08'Zumsteel Hybrid D10 9+9
94' Franklin Stereo D10 9+8
Telonics, Peterson, Steelers Choice, Benado, Lexicon, Red Dirt Cases. |
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