Just tried my KSR PA50

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ClintN667

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I've had my PA50 since yesterday and just plugged it tonight. I was using my HX stomp at the moment and I wasnt too sure on how to setup my patch (preamp or full amp block). Ended up trying both. Some amps did better on one setting and the preamp did better on others.

I gotta say, I freaking love this thing. It's actually smaller than I expected. I was able to reproduce the 2204 I built relatively easy, as well as my Leviathan. The NFB control makes a huge difference. I could take a an amp model that didnt sound too convincing and get it sounding great just by adjusting it. The top and bottom control function just like they did on my Orthos. I also have a Fryette PS2 and this thing eats the power amp portion of the fryette granted the PS2 isnt really meant as a standalone power amp. If I can find another attenuator/load box the PS2 will probably go up for sale. I have another Ceres showing up either tomorrow or Friday and I cant wait to hear them together.

The one thing the HX stomp/PA50 combo couldnt do was duplicate my Mark IV. Maybe I can get that going with the QC if it ever ships. I am really considering a syn-1 to pair with this as well(maybe an Uberschall or HBE).

All in all it was worth the wait and I'm really looking forward to experimenting more with it.
 

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That's awesome to hear man! If he made a 2x50 rack mounted one I feel like it would dominate. Run an Axe iii or vintage tube pre through it and sex.
 
I think he has mentioned doing a rackmount version. I gotta say the NFB control is the shit.
 
This thing looks great for pedal players. But man it’s expensive. Especially since I would need 2 to run stereo!
 
You are getting a Kingsley Ceres tweed preamp or a ksr Ceres?

The KSR does look really cool. I do have experience with using a Kingsley squire bf into the ps2 power amp. One cool think you can do with the ps2 is to route the power amp on the ps2 into its own reactive load. That allowed me to crank the power amp on the ps2 and get a lot more tube goodness.
 
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blackba said:
You are getting a Kingsley Ceres tweed preamp or a ksr Ceres?

The KSR does look really cool. I do have experience with using a Kingsley squire bf into the ps2 power amp. One cool think you can do with the ps2 is to route the power amp on the ps2 into its own reactive load. That allowed me to crank the power amp on the ps2 and get a lot more tube goodness.
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How did you run the PS-2 into it’s own load? I have a couple of PS-2’s and although I can crank the amps running into them, I can only have the PS-2 volume on 2 or 3 before it gets too loud for my apartment. What you are describing could be a game changer!
 
shamrocka said:
How did you run the PS-2 into it’s own load? I have a couple of PS-2’s and although I can crank the amps running into them, I can only have the PS-2 volume on 2 or 3 before it gets too loud for my apartment. What you are describing could be a game changer!
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This video shows exactly how:


Now you do need another power amp if you want to go to a speaker cab or an IR load if you want to run to a FRFR / PA setup. The key is this helps if you have a preamp. And this his how I used it. I had a SS Halfer TA1600 that I used then to run into the guitar cab.

I did have an idea if you are running a full amp head with a series effects loop. Assuming that the loop breaks the connection between your preamp and power amp on your amp head. You would take the send and send it to the line in on the PS2. Then take the PS output and loop it around to the ps2 amp load input like they show in the video. Then take the line out on the PS2 to the effects return on your amp head and connect your amp head to the your speaker cabinet. Not sure this really buys you much, but it is something to consider.

In a bunch of reamping tests (also called slaving) I have found that the power amp is critical, but not as critical as one might expect. The key is having enough power in that power amp that is driving the speaker. this is where the hafler power amp I described breaks down and something like a Marshall 8100 SS power section will work much better as will the 50W tube power section in the fryette PS2.
 
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This looks killer. Didn't know about this but havent been looking at gear. A couple of years ago I was dying for someone to make something like this. Saw a Fortin prototype but I don't know if anything ever came of it. Anyway would love to see this on a pedalboard. Seems like it would be small enough.
 
maddnotez said:
This looks killer. Didn't know about this but havent been looking at gear. A couple of years ago I was dying for someone to make something like this. Saw a Fortin prototype but I don't know if anything ever came of it. Anyway would love to see this on a pedalboard. Seems like it would be small enough.
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I imagine it would make your pedalboard heavy as hell lol
 
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