[quote name='matt_citizenbass' post='824411' date='Apr 30 2010, 09:48 PM']i could never get it loud enough [/quote]
Crikey !!!!
My series 400 mk iv was shaking the stage floorboards last night. I've just checked the settings and the amp volume is up to 2, with still plenty more volume to go on my active bass. All the on board tone controls are practically flat !!!
I use mine with 2 x Aguilar GS 112's. The bottom end puts a foot on the floor that the whole band just sits on.
We did a sound check and finished before the DJ turned up. Once he got started, he pumped the volume and got that fat bottom end sound that you hear in the clubs through the big speakers. At that point, I was thinking to myself 'my bass is going to sound as thin as mist after this' Ha !!
When we eventuall kicked off, I just added a fraction more to the lower frequencies on the graphic and my bass matched that DJ, No sweat ! At the start of our second set, the DJ was just overrunning the disco classic 'Young hearts run free'. I generally avoid playing along with the records in that situation (just looks unprofessional to me), but I did do a bit to compare the sound. Fitted right in, dead solid. The drummer loved it.
I can't imagine a gig I would normally do that this amp wouldn't be able to cover, with plenty to spare. If a gig needs more volume than this amp can deliver, then frankly, I don't want to be in the same room with it !!!! It could probably break windows with ease. Ok, the open air Wembley gig may need more, but I'll sort that one out when I get up from the floor after hearing about the booking !!!
I'll honestly admit my previous opinion of Peavey bass amps was heavily coloured by the more modern cheaper range that some London studios have. They are quite probably the very last amps I would ever use, given the choice. But the 400 series of the 80's and 90's are at the moment, about the best amp I've ever come across for that type of very solid sound, which is precisely what I'm after.
I also have a Markbass Sa450, which sounds great through some EBS Neo cabs. The Hi-fi quality is fantastic and the tonal range is lovely. But I take the peavey to the gigs, despite the weight. It just delivers, in style.
In fact, I was so impressed with the mk iv that when a mkiii came up, I drove 150 miles to get it and consider that time and effort well spent to have a backup of such an awesome amp. I find the word awesome frequently over - used these days, but if an amp deserves it, I'll happily put the 400 series forward for the honour.
I'll bring mine to the London bash. I'm keen to see how it stands up against it's peers on the day.
T