Slightly Off Topic - Need Ampeg Info

[4stringnosing]

Alright, after years of denial I've finally given in to the power of the dark side--I bought a used Ampeg 410hln Cab and a V4BH head. 1st impression is I love the cabinet, but the amp (which was totally refurbished with all new tubes, cleaning, etc.) seems a tad gutless (I'd heard 100 watts of tube power=300W of solid-state) so it's going back in favour of a Portabass 800. My flirtation with tubes lasted only two days and ended in tears! (Well, not really tears, but maybe a little frustration that I couldn't rattle any pictures off the walls )

My question is this: I've been trying to find out more info on the 410hln, but it seems to be some kind of rare beast. Is it pretty much the same as the (currently available) 410hlf? If so, what are the differences? Thanks, and now to go get that Ampeg tattoo I always wanted.

[rickaddict]

Hmmm....Does the cab really say HLN on it somewhere or do you think its an HLN because a salesperson told you it was an HLN? I've never heard of an HLN.

I'm not the most Ampeg-knowledgeable person here by a long shot, but I do have two Ampeg tube amps including an SVT CL with a 410 HLF cab. The HLF by the way, stands for Hyper Low Frequency(ies).

[4stringnosing]

Hmmm....Does the cab really say HLN on it somewhere or do you think its an HLN because a salesperson told you it was an HLN? I've never heard of an HLN.

Yep, it's written on the back in Sharpie. But seriously, Ladies and Germs... no, it's definitely an HLN. Made in USA, 4 OHMS, 500W RMS/1000W PROGRAM. I've compared it visually to the HLF and it looks absolutely identical to me. Strange...

Oh and further to my comments on the V4BH--I think I was being a bit harsh on it. It really does sound fantastic, but I like a clean, clean sound and with the gain set to no higher than 3/4 I just can't seem to get the volume I need from my BB1200. With my 4003, I'll turn up the gain to get some tube distortion and it sounds fantastic. Problem is I need an amp that works for both basses, especially the Yamaha, which I use 80% of the time. Bottom line is it would be great for someone who was looking for a dirty Geddy/Squire sound for their Ric.

[johnallg]

Using a compressor ahead of the Yamaha, you could do a bit of bass gain to equalize the output with the 4003. An Aphex Punch Factory is an inexpensive compressor that is very neutral and you can adjust gain independent to how much compression is going on. A thought. Another thought is to get a used SVT-2 Pro or CL and have 300W of wall shakin' thunder.

Also, the HLN is the earlier version of the HLF.

[doctorwho]

For future reference, this type of post should be in one of these sections: The Others, or Greg's Amplifier and Tube Tech Forum.

No harm, no foul.

[jps]

Forget the PB800, get a Markbass LM II.

[johnallg]

I see you're burning up that D string, Jeff.

[bnyswonger]

I've found the V4B gives me plenty of clean power with headroom, but I'm playing through 2 very efficient single 15"s - JB K145s. Modern cabs are made to take huge amounts of power and generally need more.

[4stringnosing]

I've found the V4B gives me plenty of clean power with headroom, but I'm playing through 2 very efficient single 15"s - JB K145s. Modern cabs are made to take huge amounts of power and generally need more.

I think that's exactly right. The more I play with the V4BH, the more impressed I am with the tone, but I don't think it can quite handle the cabinet. Perhaps I should consider one of the 300W Ampeg tube heads. Ah, decisions!

[4stringnosing]

Using a compressor ahead of the Yamaha, you could do a bit of bass gain to equalize the output with the 4003. An Aphex Punch Factory is an inexpensive compressor that is very neutral and you can adjust gain independent to how much compression is going on. A thought. Another thought is to get a used SVT-2 Pro or CL and have 300W of wall shakin' thunder.

1. Thanks John, I'll look into that. I've been using a Pod-like preamp and I've decided I want to get away from that and let the amp-head colour my tone. The only things I'll want to add would be a tuner and compressor (both built into my pod.)

2. From what I can tell, only difference between HLN and HLF is 500W versus 400W power-handling.

3. My apologies for posting in the wrong section--didn't see those sections mentioned, but I guess I didn't look closely enough.

[jps]

No need to apologize!

[johnallg]

Fred, the nice thing about the Aphex is you get true bypass, and no noticeable coloration of your tone. For $100. I leave mine in all the time.

Just something to consider.

[4stringnosing]

No need to apologize!

Hey I'm Canadian--if you were to grab my Ric and smash it to bits over my head, I'm culturally-required to apologise for getting blood on your shirt! (And I apologise for spelling "apologize" with an "s" and "color" with a "u" as I did earlier in this post. Sorry.)

[jps]

[beacon]

I think the HLN is just an earlier version of the HLF. You see them for sale in various places quite often.

I use the SVT-CL with the 410HLF for smaller venues and the 610HLF for larger venues. I assure you the SVT/410 will rattle pictures, windows and walls