Introducing the PowerStage 700 Bass!

[Mincer]

PowerStage 700 Bass is the ultimate solution for bass players seeking power, portability, and pristine sound quality. Check out the specifics here.

Designed by Seymour Duncan’s legendary engineer Kevin Beller, a lifelong bass player, this 700-watt bass head delivers unparalleled clarity and performance in a lightweight, rugged package. Whether plugging in on stage or in the studio, PowerStage 700 Bass provides tight low end and rich harmonics, with a footswitchable built-in overdrive for an extra layer of sonic versatility. A robust, bass-optimized EQ (treble, low mid, high mid, bass and presence) tailors your sound to any room. Need to switch between active and passive basses? You’re covered - PowerStage 700 Bass includes a convenient -10db pad control. Multiple output options (¼”, Speakon, XLR DI, and headphone) work for any setup, whether powering cabinets, going direct to a PA, or recording straight into your audio interface.



• 700 Watts of Power at 4 ohms
• Preamp voiced for a wide range of vintage & modern bass sounds
• Built-in Overdrive that can go from a light vintage saturation to full throttle bonegrinding distortion (with optional footswitchable control)
• Effects loop allows for post-preamp processing and easy integration with modelers and preamp pedals
• 4 band EQ, Sweepable mid controls, and presence button offer dynamic tone shaping possibilities
• Aux input
• Super lightweight and durable chassis for easy transport with our optional gig bag or rack ears.

 

[willitorres]

Every review I've seen says to put a preamp or modeler into the return input, but, doesn't it make more sense, since this is a power stage, to input the preamp or modeler in the front and bypass the EQ?
Would there be any pros/cons for using one or the other?

 

[Mincer]

Every review I've seen says to put a preamp or modeler into the return input, but, doesn't it make more sense, since this is a power stage, to input the preamp or modeler in the front and bypass the EQ?
Would there be any pros/cons for using one or the other?

Welcome to the forum!

It was designed to be used either way. If you put it into the front, you get the benefit of addition EQ without menu-diving on your modeler. That's the way I've used the PowerStage, and it sounds awesome that way. I don't understand why you'd go into the return at a gig. Going into the return, you'd lose the overdrive I believe, too.

 

[willitorres]

Welcome to the forum!

It was designed to be used either way. If you put it into the front, you get the benefit of addition EQ without menu-diving on your modeler. That's the way I've used the PowerStage, and it sounds awesome that way. I don't understand why you'd go into the return at a gig. Going into the return, you'd lose the overdrive I believe, too.

Thanks, happy to be here.
I will get myself this PowerStage and play around with it. I get my sound from the Simplifier Bass Station, and I have an awesome 2x12 TC Electronic cabinet. I have tried different heads but going through their returns never feels right and most of them have the volume control disabled when connected to the return, so I get less power.

 

[Mincer]

Yeah, I'd go right into the front of this. I can't think of any benefit of not doing that.

 

[donaldr]

Going in front is not doing the same as going in effects loop return, at least in regular bass amps.

Generalization here:

1. Front is mean to take an instrument level, Return is mean (usually) to take a line level.
2. If I put a preamp/modeler in the front, I would go into a gain stage and two EQ stages (the preamp + the amp).
3. Going in the Return should give the purest sound of a preamp/modeler.

Saying this, I see the innovative EQ Bypass button on this bass amp:

• If I play without FOH support, I would plug my preamp/modeler into the Front input and push the EQ Bypass button so I can control my sound at the preamp/modeler and benefit for a master volume, without additional EQ stage.
• If I play with FOH support I would also plug my preamp/modeler into the Front, send preamp/modeler DI to FOH and control my stage sound with amp EQ.
• If I play at home I would plug in the Return to control everything from preamp/modeler and have the purest sound. I would probably get a flat sounding cab.
• If I use a pedalboard without preamp/modeler I would plug in Front and use the builtin overdrive + builtin EQ as a regular bass amp.

 

[Mincer]

Still, if I have a modeler and an FRFR cab, I am going into the front end of any PowerStage.

 

[donaldr]

You have the bass version of the PowerStage or the regular one?

 

[Mincer]

You have the bass version of the PowerStage or the regular one?

I don't own one currently, but spent a lot of time with both using modelers.