Seymour Duncan PowerStage 700

[Harle]

I use my 700 with my Axe 8 through an FRFR speaker. Tonight I have a gig, but just been told the club/bar speakers are passive. Can I use my passive mixer, into the 700 and power the speakers? My powered floor monitors will just run through the Aux out. If the 700 can run the FOH speakers what problems, or other advise can the forum give me. The speakers are Peavey and I'm presuming can put out 1000 watts at peak.
Thanks

 

[Mincer]

Re: Seymour Duncan PowerStage 700

Welcome to the forum!

It should work just like any power amp, although, you probably figured that out by now since it is late. Just make sure you have the right ratings on the speakers connected to the PS 700 so it doesn't overheat.

 

[Vyrndsd]

Re: Seymour Duncan PowerStage 700

I have some general questions about SD Powerstage 700 for which I couldn't find reassuring answers here or when I tried google.
So:
1. In it's quick manual stays: "Always make sure that the channel you are sending signal to is connected to a speaker cabinet, otherwise you could damage the PowerStage 700"
Somewhere I read that it is some kind of "oversafety" instruction so I shouldn't be worried about... Elswhere I read as it is a solid state amp it doesn't need it... But than why it is not confirmed in the manual?
I don't have a cabinet at home and I would like to use it for recording or playing purposes with my pedals, with or without it's cab sim (as I like using impulse loaders).
2. Do all the 4 knobs (bass, mid, treble, level) have any effect when I use the XLR outs only?
3. Does it give somep natural, warmer and high quality base clean sound when I only use the XLR outs? If yes what do you think/what are your experiences is there a real difference using SD 700's real power amp vs some kind of power amp VST simulation?

Thanks

 

[Mincer]

Re: Seymour Duncan PowerStage 700

Welcome to the forum!

If you don't get someone here who can help with the answers, certainly contact SD directly @ M-F 8:00-5:00 PST +1(805)964.9610 or email them.

 

[Riley]

Re: Seymour Duncan PowerStage 700

I have some general questions about SD Powerstage 700 for which I couldn't find reassuring answers here or when I tried google.
So:
1. In it's quick manual stays: "Always make sure that the channel you are sending signal to is connected to a speaker cabinet, otherwise you could damage the PowerStage 700"
Somewhere I read that it is some kind of "oversafety" instruction so I shouldn't be worried about... Elswhere I read as it is a solid state amp it doesn't need it... But than why it is not confirmed in the manual?
I don't have a cabinet at home and I would like to use it for recording or playing purposes with my pedals, with or without it's cab sim (as I like using impulse loaders).
2. Do all the 4 knobs (bass, mid, treble, level) have any effect when I use the XLR outs only?
3. Does it give somep natural, warmer and high quality base clean sound when I only use the XLR outs? If yes what do you think/what are your experiences is there a real difference using SD 700's real power amp vs some kind of power amp VST simulation?

Thanks

1. I double-checked this with our engineers and you are correct that the manual is taking an overly cautious tone. I've also personally used PS700 without speakers connected with no ill-effects, so you should be totally safe there.
2. The EQ and Volume controls do not affect the DI signal from the XLR jacks. My understanding is this was done because generally speaking EQ would be applied at the board by the sound guy, and it may not require the same volume and EQ adjustments as the loudspeaker outputs do.
3. The pre-amp is in the signal chain when using the DI outputs, so you are gaining some benefit (if you like the sound of the pre-amp) by using it in your signal path, even when going direct.

Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[rbc]

Re: Seymour Duncan PowerStage 700

I'm kind of curious. If you don't mind saying, what kind of lineup are you using in front of the PowerStage 700?

 

[Riley]

Re: Seymour Duncan PowerStage 700

I'm kind of curious. If you don't mind saying, what kind of lineup are you using in front of the PowerStage 700?

Not sure if this was meant for me or the other poster, but I was using PS700 with an AxeFX Ultra for a while, which worked really well. It replaced my Mesa 50/50 power-amp, because it's so much smaller and lighter and, to my ears, the sound was just as good. I've actually sold my AxeFX and moved back to a tube amp these days, but for that use I'd highly recommend the PowerStage -- full disclosure, I do work for SD, but I would recommend it even if I didn't.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Seymour Duncan PowerStage 700

Ha, I am using an AX8..I've tried the PS170 with it, and it is amazing. But I go direct to the PA these days and use IEMs.

 

[rbc]

Re: Seymour Duncan PowerStage 700

Not sure if this was meant for me or the other poster, but I was using PS700 with an AxeFX Ultra for a while, which worked really well. It replaced my Mesa 50/50 power-amp, because it's so much smaller and lighter and, to my ears, the sound was just as good. I've actually sold my AxeFX and moved back to a tube amp these days, but for that use I'd highly recommend the PowerStage -- full disclosure, I do work for SD, but I would recommend it even if I didn't.

I originally meant the first poster, but I'm generally curious about other users of the PowerStage 700. I've been thinking about one to complement my amp simulators. I'm into Rockman gear and other kinds of analog amp sims, but I know there are lots of other options out there these days.