Crate Powerblock for $99 @ MF!
- Thread starter milkbone
- Start date
DankStar
Her Little Mojo Minion
Re: Crate Powerblock for $99 @ MF!
ah, now we're getting to the heart of it (with the last 2 responses, actually). yeah, with instrument-level, you couldn't tap into the full 75-watts. For a bit, I was thinking my pedal was putting out a line-level, but it's likely not. Makes sense. Lately, I've gotten used to calling my pedals "preamps" (especially my tube king, which might be closer to a rack pre in terms of what it can spit out). I'll stop worrying about what portion of that wattage is being tapped into with instrument-level stuff. doesn't matter really. thanks for the info (and erik)!
ah, now we're getting to the heart of it (with the last 2 responses, actually). yeah, with instrument-level, you couldn't tap into the full 75-watts. For a bit, I was thinking my pedal was putting out a line-level, but it's likely not. Makes sense. Lately, I've gotten used to calling my pedals "preamps" (especially my tube king, which might be closer to a rack pre in terms of what it can spit out). I'll stop worrying about what portion of that wattage is being tapped into with instrument-level stuff. doesn't matter really. thanks for the info (and erik)!
Last edited:
RW James
New member
Re: Crate Powerblock for $99 @ MF!
I did not know that! I had a Crate GFX amp with an effects loop that I used for my pedals. How did that work? Line level was going into the pedals I assume, and perhaps the same level coming out??? This must be why some pedals work better in one position or the other - that is in front or behind the preamp.
The fog is clearing...
I did not know that! I had a Crate GFX amp with an effects loop that I used for my pedals. How did that work? Line level was going into the pedals I assume, and perhaps the same level coming out??? This must be why some pedals work better in one position or the other - that is in front or behind the preamp.
The fog is clearing...
AdmiralB
New member
Re: Crate Powerblock for $99 @ MF!
The best setup for loops would be to have independent control of both send and return levels. Most amps don't, and what they send might be line, might be instrument, or something in-between.
Most analog pedals seem to do OK with line- (or close to it) level signal, but digital pedals typically don't.
The best setup for loops would be to have independent control of both send and return levels. Most amps don't, and what they send might be line, might be instrument, or something in-between.
Most analog pedals seem to do OK with line- (or close to it) level signal, but digital pedals typically don't.
devastone
Well-known member
Re: Crate Powerblock for $99 @ MF!
Your guitar wouldn't drive it hard enough to put out much at all, neither does your pedal for that matter. For pedals, the front input pushing the preamp of the PB is the best bet.
If you are running your 4 ohm cab off of the mono, 8 ohm minimum output, you are risking damaging the amp. A 16 ohm cabinet on that out would make it put out around 75W, but a 4 ohm cab is trying to pull more current than the amp is rated for.
DankStar said:
Your guitar wouldn't drive it hard enough to put out much at all, neither does your pedal for that matter. For pedals, the front input pushing the preamp of the PB is the best bet.
If you are running your 4 ohm cab off of the mono, 8 ohm minimum output, you are risking damaging the amp. A 16 ohm cabinet on that out would make it put out around 75W, but a 4 ohm cab is trying to pull more current than the amp is rated for.
DankStar
Her Little Mojo Minion
Re: Crate Powerblock for $99 @ MF!
nah, I'm running one of the 4-ohm-rated stereo sides outta the crate, with the assumption that you don't have to have 2 cabs hooked up (L and R sides that is). I realize that I can't acheive the full 150-watts with this setup, but my cab is not stereo, just a 4-12" with one input wired for 4-ohms. 75W will have to do. Perhaps I'll re-wire the cab down the road to be more flexible.
nah, I'm running one of the 4-ohm-rated stereo sides outta the crate, with the assumption that you don't have to have 2 cabs hooked up (L and R sides that is). I realize that I can't acheive the full 150-watts with this setup, but my cab is not stereo, just a 4-12" with one input wired for 4-ohms. 75W will have to do. Perhaps I'll re-wire the cab down the road to be more flexible.
devastone
Well-known member
Re: Crate Powerblock for $99 @ MF!
Cool, I'd hate to see a new toy go up in smoke:smokin:
Cool, I'd hate to see a new toy go up in smoke:smokin:
DankStar
Her Little Mojo Minion
ElUnoAstuto
New member
Re: Crate Powerblock for $99 @ MF!
Hey, I'm thinking about jumping on the band wagon, and I'm pretty sure I wanna' pull the trigger, it's your guys job to push me over the edge!
I assume that most of you know I'm leaving for the USAF December 5th, and will spend the next 2 years in dormitory situations. I have the guitar I want, my main issue is my rig. My biggest needs are: 1. Versatility 2. Portability 3. Bang/buck ratio
I don't like having too much $$$ tied up in gear, I like things I can get in and out of easily. I've got a $100 Strat, $200 Jackson, and $100 in pedals. I'm okay with that, cause I love my guitars, and the GNX1 fits my needs.
I have $425 wrapped up in my Peavey Valveking, and I don't feel like I'm getting my money's worth. Granted, it's a good sounding amp if you spend time with it, but for the bones, it's just not as stellar, now that I use it more in live situations.
I guess I'm really wondering how a PB would sound running a GNX1 or similar pedal.
And how long does the sale last?:laugh2:
Hey, I'm thinking about jumping on the band wagon, and I'm pretty sure I wanna' pull the trigger, it's your guys job to push me over the edge!
I assume that most of you know I'm leaving for the USAF December 5th, and will spend the next 2 years in dormitory situations. I have the guitar I want, my main issue is my rig. My biggest needs are: 1. Versatility 2. Portability 3. Bang/buck ratio
I don't like having too much $$$ tied up in gear, I like things I can get in and out of easily. I've got a $100 Strat, $200 Jackson, and $100 in pedals. I'm okay with that, cause I love my guitars, and the GNX1 fits my needs.
I have $425 wrapped up in my Peavey Valveking, and I don't feel like I'm getting my money's worth. Granted, it's a good sounding amp if you spend time with it, but for the bones, it's just not as stellar, now that I use it more in live situations.
I guess I'm really wondering how a PB would sound running a GNX1 or similar pedal.
And how long does the sale last?:laugh2:
AdmiralB
New member
Re: Crate Powerblock for $99 @ MF!
Until they're all gone, I think. They're closing out.
Until they're all gone, I think. They're closing out.
Re: Crate Powerblock for $99 @ MF!
Brutha, I WISH I could! I had a bad motocross wreck at 16 and knocked out some of my memory tanks.. lost alot of childhood data and ability to retain now.
Brutha, I WISH I could! I had a bad motocross wreck at 16 and knocked out some of my memory tanks.. lost alot of childhood data and ability to retain now.
ErikH
Well-known member
Re: Crate Powerblock for $99 @ MF!
Damn, sorry to hear that, bro. At least you survived. That's the most important part.
Damn, sorry to hear that, bro. At least you survived. That's the most important part.
beggar_guitar
New member
Re: Crate Powerblock for $99 @ MF!
I got mine last night. I haven't played with it just a whole lot. I used it solely as a power amp for my POD, but it worked perfect. This seriously is a fantastic amp for POD users or people with similiar units.
As someone stated earlier all your volume will be dictated by the preamp signal sent in so it isn't Incredibly loud. At least not to my ear. Not to say it isn't loud at all.
For what I am using it for it seems perfect. I'll mess with it some more today, but this is my initial review.
I got mine last night. I haven't played with it just a whole lot. I used it solely as a power amp for my POD, but it worked perfect. This seriously is a fantastic amp for POD users or people with similiar units.
As someone stated earlier all your volume will be dictated by the preamp signal sent in so it isn't Incredibly loud. At least not to my ear. Not to say it isn't loud at all.
For what I am using it for it seems perfect. I'll mess with it some more today, but this is my initial review.
flank
New member
Re: Crate Powerblock for $99 @ MF!
my dad just ordered one. He always wanted one since we saw it demo'd at Namm 2005, and now at this price, it was too tempting. Even as a practice amp, it sounds good. He's probably gonna get a nice 1x12 or 2x12 cab with some good speakers.
I'll report back on it whenever we get it set up.
my dad just ordered one. He always wanted one since we saw it demo'd at Namm 2005, and now at this price, it was too tempting. Even as a practice amp, it sounds good. He's probably gonna get a nice 1x12 or 2x12 cab with some good speakers.
I'll report back on it whenever we get it set up.
baritone
Well-known member
Re: Crate Powerblock for $99 @ MF!
What about some good headphones to go with the GNX1? But it would work perfectly with the Power Block also. There are small cabs out there that can handle the power of the PB.
As far as plugging into the effect return jack, there is no real risk of harm. You can plug your guitar straight into that jack, and the guitar's knobs would functionally replace the amp's knobs. If using a stompbox overdrive as the preamp, the sound may not be optimal because of the difference between line- and instrument-level signals, but there is no risk of harm. Some preamps/effects have a switch for different applications, but in some cases, a little adjustment of parameters is all that is needed to optimize the sound.
Hey, I'm thinking about jumping on the band wagon, and I'm pretty sure I wanna' pull the trigger, it's your guys job to push me over the edge!
I assume that most of you know I'm leaving for the USAF December 5th, and will spend the next 2 years in dormitory situations. I have the guitar I want, my main issue is my rig. My biggest needs are: 1. Versatility 2. Portability 3. Bang/buck ratio
I don't like having too much $$$ tied up in gear, I like things I can get in and out of easily. I've got a $100 Strat, $200 Jackson, and $100 in pedals. I'm okay with that, cause I love my guitars, and the GNX1 fits my needs.
I have $425 wrapped up in my Peavey Valveking, and I don't feel like I'm getting my money's worth. Granted, it's a good sounding amp if you spend time with it, but for the bones, it's just not as stellar, now that I use it more in live situations.
I guess I'm really wondering how a PB would sound running a GNX1 or similar pedal.
And how long does the sale last?:laugh2:
What about some good headphones to go with the GNX1? But it would work perfectly with the Power Block also. There are small cabs out there that can handle the power of the PB.
As far as plugging into the effect return jack, there is no real risk of harm. You can plug your guitar straight into that jack, and the guitar's knobs would functionally replace the amp's knobs. If using a stompbox overdrive as the preamp, the sound may not be optimal because of the difference between line- and instrument-level signals, but there is no risk of harm. Some preamps/effects have a switch for different applications, but in some cases, a little adjustment of parameters is all that is needed to optimize the sound.
aleclee
Major General GAS
Mine might be going back
Mine might be going back
I just spend some time with my PB and my smaller pedalboard. I must say I'm somewhat disappointed. When played clean, I hear a raspy distortion even when the gain is almost at zero. It's not a headroom thing per se but just some nasty digital-sounding clipping at all gain levels (though it gets masked by the amp's OD at higher gain levels).
I'll be retrieving my Buzzbomb cab from the studio next weekend and will try it out with its intended rig (POD -> PB -> BB). Let's just say that I'll be holding on to the shipping boxes. I'll have to decide whether it's really usable as a backup. I have a GK 250ML that makes a great stereo "head" so I'll have to A/B the two amps with my POD and BB to figure out whether the $99 is worth a little bit of weight and size vs. my GK.
Mine might be going back
I just spend some time with my PB and my smaller pedalboard. I must say I'm somewhat disappointed. When played clean, I hear a raspy distortion even when the gain is almost at zero. It's not a headroom thing per se but just some nasty digital-sounding clipping at all gain levels (though it gets masked by the amp's OD at higher gain levels).
I'll be retrieving my Buzzbomb cab from the studio next weekend and will try it out with its intended rig (POD -> PB -> BB). Let's just say that I'll be holding on to the shipping boxes. I'll have to decide whether it's really usable as a backup. I have a GK 250ML that makes a great stereo "head" so I'll have to A/B the two amps with my POD and BB to figure out whether the $99 is worth a little bit of weight and size vs. my GK.
devastone
Well-known member
Re: Mine might be going back
Re: Mine might be going back
That sounds weird, did you get the same thing bypassing your board and running straight into the PB? I'm pretty sure the PB is analog, although the class D output amp could possibly cause a "digital" type sound, but I didn't notice any. Good luck, definitely hang on to the shipping boxes until you decide!
Re: Mine might be going back
That sounds weird, did you get the same thing bypassing your board and running straight into the PB? I'm pretty sure the PB is analog, although the class D output amp could possibly cause a "digital" type sound, but I didn't notice any. Good luck, definitely hang on to the shipping boxes until you decide!
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