Problem With Peavey Amp

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ahoustondj

ahoustondj

Mac Daddy DJ
Aug 13, 2007
20,235
3,465
Texas
Maybe someone can shed light on this problem for me. I have a Peavey Amp PV 1500 in my rig http://www.ourdjtalk.com/album.php?albumid=8&pictureid=482
Every time I use it, it gets into clipping real fast. This is before I even start the gig. It is supposed to be 300 watts per ch 8 ohms.
I can switch it out with my BGW or Unsync which are both 200 w per ch 8 ohms and the other two amps do not clip even at much higher levels.
Has anyone experienced this with the Peavey Amps?
This happens when I am using any of the following speakers with it:
Bose 802s as mains or Highs http://www.ourdjtalk.com/album.php?albumid=8&pictureid=46
JBL PRX 125s http://www.ourdjtalk.com/album.php?albumid=8&pictureid=214
JBL Bass Bins http://www.ourdjtalk.com/album.php?albumid=44&pictureid=481

At the time of clipping I am getting signal from Mixer to EQ to Electronic crossover or direct to amps. Nothing (Signal sources) is maxed out.
It only happens with the Peavey. The sound is not distorted or anything and for the most part the clip light stay on but the amp functions beautifully.
 
I found out a couple of times that sometimes it may not be the component or what you think is happening at all. The interaction between components requires some detective work sometimes.

Consider trying the PV-1500 with a different mixer and a different pair of speakers with no EQ or crossover to see if it's in fact the amp malfunctioning.

I have the same amp and I opened it up, cleaned out all the dust, put the cover back on and it worked like new. It's not a real powerful amp IMO so getting it to clip is pretty easy. There are some very good deals on newer, more powerful amps so my PV-1500 will be going on craig's list for $200. It would be fine to use with studio monitors or small speakers that don't require much power. 300wpc@8ohms just doesn't cut it anymore IMO.
 
The Wizard Of OZ said:
I found out a couple of times that sometimes it may not be the component or what you think is happening at all. The interaction between components requires some detective work sometimes.

Consider trying the PV-1500 with a different mixer and a different pair of speakers with no EQ or crossover to see if it's in fact the amp malfunctioning.

I have the same amp and I opened it up, cleaned out all the dust, put the cover back on and it worked like new. It's not a real powerful amp IMO so getting it to clip is pretty easy. There are some very good deals on newer, more powerful amps so my PV-1500 will be going on craig's list for $200. It would be fine to use with studio monitors or small speakers that don't require much power. 300wpc@8ohms just doesn't cut it anymore IMO.
Click to expand...

Depending on the size of system used for a particular venue, 300 watts per channel is not bad when you are running dedicated frequencies, in other words 2 way, 3 way or 4 way electronic crossover networks. 300 watts for a tweeter cabinet is a lot.
 
ahoustondj said:
Depending on the size of system used for a particular venue, 300 watts per channel is not bad when you are running dedicated frequencies, in other words 2 way, 3 way or 4 way electronic crossover networks. 300 watts for a tweeter cabinet is a lot.
Click to expand...

Yes, exactly. I wouldn't let go of a lower power amp that could be used to drive mids or tops when bi-amping. If there's a problem with the amp you could get it serviced for less than it would cost to replace. :)
 
MBM said:
What are you setting the input levels to, and what are you driving it with, mixer, cross-over
Click to expand...

Remember now that its only the Peavey that is doing this. None of my other amps clip at this point even when I increase the gain.
Here is what is used.
Traktor (has a very "hot" output signal).
To Behringer VMX 1000 (Channel slider about 1/3 up, Channel Gain and Master Gain at about 1/2
To DBX 2231 Gain about 1/2 (levels flat with just a tweak on bass and mid to hi frequencies)
To 1)Amp or
to 2)Bose Controller then signal out to Hi Freq. amp (PV 1500) & Lo Freq. Amp (Unisync)
or to 3) Ashly 3 way Crossover then signal out to Hi Freq. amp (PV 1500), to Midrange Freq. Amp (Unisync) & Lows Freq. Amp (BGW)
 
I'd have to disagree about being able to repair the Peavey for a lot less than buying another amp. Example, Samson PG3800, about $300-$325, twice the output of the PV-1500. Qsc Gx5, 500wpc@8ohms, street price about $325-$350, better amp, more power, lighter and brand new. Take an amp in for repair and I bet it costs at least $150 and you still have an old underpowered amp. Now I don't bi amp or tri amp so that's why I consider it to be underpowered.
 
The Wizard Of OZ said:
Now I don't bi amp or tri amp so that's why I consider it to be underpowered.
Click to expand...

Trust me! Once you go there, you'll never want to go back. Clarity is much better and you'll hear frequencies that go unnoticed in full range systems. The amps will love you for it as they do not work as hard to cover so many frequencies as in full range systems.
I will still prefer bi amping and tri amping with passive cabinets.
 
I may try that someday. Right now I'm going for ease of load in, simplicity of setup and light weight so one amp is all I'll be carrying. I already get lots of comliments and I'm not even using an EQ or a crossover.
 
Unity gain on the PV1500 is 1.12 volts if you mixer or something else inline is putting more than 1.12 volts into the amp it is going to show compression (not clip) the DDT lights will start hitting at 6 DB before actual clip, they will be solid at 3DB before clip!

You will need to match the gains on all a,ps in your system with the unity gain (0DB) level on the mixer, at +3DB all the amps should be showing the clip, protection or compression lights just starting to hit at the same time.

This can be done by setting the board at +3DB with all the amps turned to infinity and then slowly increasing the gains until the "clip" lights just start to hit.

But you need to set the gains for each component in the chain at 0DB ie. crossover gains, compressor gains. etc.
 
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