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Topic: Has anyone tried the Matrix GM50 |
Murray McDowall
From:
Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia
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Posted 11 Jul 2013 4:34 am |
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Surely someone in Britain has tried the Matrix GM50 Power Amplifier?
It is made in Britain, it's a class AB amp with a switch mode power supply, very light weight at 2.43 kg (5.36lb).
It is the amp for a Self Powered Speaker, similar to the TC Furlong SPLIT.
120W RMS into 16 ohms.
250W RMS into 8 ohms.
400W RMS into 4 ohms.
http://matrixguitaramplification.com/products/gm50/
Many thanks,
Murray. |
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Murray McDowall
From:
Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia
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Posted 15 Jul 2013 3:29 pm
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| ANYONE AT ALL!! |
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chas smith R.I.P.
From:
Encino, CA, USA
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Posted 15 Jul 2013 7:12 pm
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I have a Matrix GT 1000 FX, in my rack, that I love.
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Paul Sutherland
From:
Placerville, California
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Posted 17 Jul 2015 7:49 pm
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This is an old thread, but I'm looking for input from anyone that has used one of these units, specifically the Matrix GM50, to make a self powered speaker. Seems like it would match up well with any of the high end preamps available for steel guitar.
Thoughts? Comments?
_________________
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing. |
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Paul Sutherland
From:
Placerville, California
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Posted 24 Jul 2015 12:09 pm
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I took a chance and ordered a Matrix GM50 power module. It arrived yesterday and I spent a few hours mounting it in the back of a Peavey Session 400 cabinet (minus the Peavey head of course). I also cut and installed a new 1/2 inch Baltic birch baffle into the cabinet, and then topped it off with a Telonics 4 ohm 15 inch speaker, to handle the 400 watts of the amp. Just too much power to run a JBL.
The total cabinet weighs 33.6 pounds per my bathroom scale. Basically I made a poor-man's TC Furlong Split.
This Peavey/Matrix/Telonics cabinet sounds fantastic in combination with a Sarno Black Box, Octal V8 preamp, and Wet Reverb. I'm getting a tone quality that reminds me of some of the things I hear from Paul Franklin; very creamy and smooth, with unbelievable clarity.
So far I've only played it at bedroom volumes with the gain on the Matrix set at about 50%. The gain on the Octal is barely on. I can't wait for the gig tomorrow so I can open it up a bit.
_________________
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing. |
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Paul Stauskas
From:
DFW, TX
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Posted 24 Jul 2015 4:35 pm
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Sounds like a winning combination Paul. Could you post a picture of your rig?
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My site |
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Paul Sutherland
From:
Placerville, California
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Posted 24 Jul 2015 6:41 pm
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I mounted the Matrix sideways/horizontal, as you can see. Seems to work just fine.
_________________
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing. |
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Ray DeVoe
From:
Hudson, FL
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Posted 25 Jul 2015 5:52 am
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Hi Paul
I wanted to ask what the dimensions are on the matrix power module and is the fan quiet on the unit. You installed it in a large cabinet so you should get a really decent sound out of it.
I also have been running a V8 but it is teamed up with an El Capistan delay and a wet reverb. I run it through a Furlong 15" split with 8 ohm JBL K 130.
Thanks
Ray D
_________________
Zum SD 10 Hybrid, Zum D 10 Hybrid, Emmons SD 10 P.P.
SMS: Revelation & Classic Preamps: Furlong 12" Splits.
Webb 15" Splits: Telonics 500 C: Head and 12" cabinet: |
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Paul Sutherland
From:
Placerville, California
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Posted 25 Jul 2015 7:57 am
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The GM50 is 12 & 1/4 inches long, 6 & 1/4 inches wide, and 2 & 5/8 inches deep. I don't notice fan noise, so I'd say it's pretty quiet. The amp makes a pretty substantial pop when I turn the V8 from standby ("Wait") to "Run", even when the gain is turned down on the V8. I guess I should turn down the gain on the Matrix first. More feedback after today's gig.
_________________
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing. |
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Charley Paul
From:
California, USA
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Posted 26 Jul 2015 10:19 am
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I have a Matrix GT1000fx. I used to own a GT800fx, which I believe is the stereo version of the GM50. Great amps. Light, transparent, powerful.
My Matrix GT1000fx sounds great with every preamp I throw at it. I have tried a Tech 21 Blonde, Ethos Clean, 11 Rack, and a JHS Colour Box.
The "trick" to making the Matrix respond in a pleasing way, and tame any harshness is to dime the Master Volume on your preamp, and use the Gain knob as a volume knob.
I am awaiting a Mesa Formula Pre to use with my GT1000fx and a Telonics loaded 1x12. I have a feeling that pairing the Matrix with a tube pre will be heaven. The Mesa Formula has a decent Blackface inspired clean channel. I found one on eBay for cheap, so I wanted to try a tube pre with the Matrix before I dropped the big bucks on a top shelf tube pre such as a Sarno, FYD, or other.
Matrix is a great company, as well. I had a problem over Christmas with my GT800fx, and instead of fixing it, they sent me a brand new one. Great customer service. Great products. Have fun! |
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Paul Sutherland
From:
Placerville, California
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Posted 26 Jul 2015 10:50 am
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I'll have to try your suggestions Charley. I did exactly the opposite at the gig last night: I ran the Matrix at full power and ran the V8 pre gain at about half.
The Matrix Gm50 worked perfectly. The total rig sounded very good and I love how light and easy to move it is. But I'm not sure if the tone was better or worse than my other set ups: A Twin with JBLs, and a Milkman Mini with a JBL. They are all really great sounding amps. Pretty tough competition.
I should probably do a bunch of recording, both at home and at gigs, so I can really hear what the audience is hearing.
_________________
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing. |
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Ray DeVoe
From:
Hudson, FL
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Posted 26 Jul 2015 11:38 am
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Hi Paul
Getting the gain and levels set right is really necessary or you won't have the right feel or "curve" of your volume pedal and your sound will be kind of "harsh" with the power amp maxed out. I really never run the Furlong modules much more than 1/2 way. They start to add a little white noise after that point. I would also suggest turning your power module on after warming up and turning on the V 8. That will eliminate the pop that could eventually harm your speaker.
Thanks for the dimensions on the GM 50. I had a set of 15" Webb cabinets with re-coned 8 ohm JBL K 130 speakers that I wanted to add power to so I borrowed the modules out of my Furlong 12" splits and they barely fit in. It would not have been possible at all if the speakers had not been "front mounted" in these cabinets.
I may eventually try out a pair of GM 50's in these cabinets though in order to place the 12" splits back into working condition. I would need to mount the modules into a new lower panel like you did in order to make it work out where the fan could get air flow. You did a nice job of reworking that cabinet.
Your rack system is made up of great components. I'm sure you can get a great sound out of it once you experiment a little. The GM 50 is described as using Mosfet's with a tube like tone so it should really round out the terrific sound of the V8.
Ray D
_________________
Zum SD 10 Hybrid, Zum D 10 Hybrid, Emmons SD 10 P.P.
SMS: Revelation & Classic Preamps: Furlong 12" Splits.
Webb 15" Splits: Telonics 500 C: Head and 12" cabinet:
Last edited by Ray DeVoe on 27 Jul 2015 2:17 pm; edited 2 times in total |
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Paul Sutherland
From:
Placerville, California
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Posted 26 Jul 2015 4:50 pm
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Great looking set-up Ray!!
I've spent most of today going back and forth between the Sarno/Matrix/Telonix rig and my Milkman Mini with a K130. They sound fairly similar, but the Milkman has a slight edge in that the high G# string is a little less shrill. Both sound excellent.
_________________
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing. |
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Ray DeVoe
From:
Hudson, FL
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Posted 26 Jul 2015 5:05 pm
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Just a thought.
Do you think that the difference could be in the speaker. The Telonics is a really good speaker but its not a JBL K 130.
I own a Telonics 15" and have tried it in my setups several times but I always end up going back to the K 130.
Woody Woodell In Nashville TN re-coned all of the K 130's that I have and although they are not " original" they sound great.
You also have some nice equipment. Its hard to beat that all tube tone but the gap is closing with the development of the new octal preamps and super efficient power amps.
Ray D
_________________
Zum SD 10 Hybrid, Zum D 10 Hybrid, Emmons SD 10 P.P.
SMS: Revelation & Classic Preamps: Furlong 12" Splits.
Webb 15" Splits: Telonics 500 C: Head and 12" cabinet:
Last edited by Ray DeVoe on 27 Jul 2015 2:30 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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David Mason
From:
Cambridge, MD, USA
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Posted 27 Jul 2015 4:23 am
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This got me there a little better:
http://usa.matrixamplification.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=gm50
Dang, it is a bitty thing. 400 watts for 379 dollars is quite a feat! I'm sure it could be made to sound really great by a really good musician. That whole "Solid state - but it sounds like tubes!" rap has been around for a very long time. They said this about their big boy:
| Quote: |
| Whilst still delivering the same flat response as the GT800FX, the GT1000FX has been modified to respond even more like a valve power amplifier, giving a "looser" feel and a more open sound that we genuinely believe to be the closest a solid state amp has come to valves! |
I do like people who use the word "whilst" and pull it off, but this does beg the same ol' question:
What, specifically, have they modified on a perfectly accurate, pristinely clean, flat-response solid state amp to make it "sounds like tubes?" It's "looser?" It's "more open?"
Umm. How about the total harmonic distortion? How about the compression ratio under full load at 4, 8, and 16 ohms? There's not really a whole lot else you can fiddle, unless your snorking the EQ curve, in which case that "flat response" is just a teensy bit suspect. I'm sure it works just fine...  |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 27 Jul 2015 9:52 am
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this discussion really makes me wonder what you all have gained with your endeavors. do you all feel you have risen noticeably far above your performances with previous amps?
considering your new setups compared to say a peavey nashville 400 or session 400 as reference, has it improved your sound to the point where the audience can hear a marked improvement in your performance?
it is my experience that a great player is a great player and that is what people notice. and that is true for many players i've heard with very common and affordable amps.
so i guess mt question is, is this an obsession or a true benefit?
are you a better player now? |
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Ray DeVoe
From:
Hudson, FL
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Posted 27 Jul 2015 10:36 am
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Hi Chris
I follow a lot of your threads and you make some good suggestions and points at times.
I will be the first to agree that you can take any decent steel guitar and any Nashville 400 or equivalent equipment and get a decent tone. This "search" for the "ultimate" tone is more of a personal thing. Something like guys and their hot rod cars or whatever.
It's a personal quest for many of us even though we will never be a Paul Franklin or John Hughey. We just like to achieve the "tone" that we want to hear. The forum is a great place for all of us and sharing product spec's, knowledge and experiences helps all who are following the same path.
Respectfully
Ray DeVoe
_________________
Zum SD 10 Hybrid, Zum D 10 Hybrid, Emmons SD 10 P.P.
SMS: Revelation & Classic Preamps: Furlong 12" Splits.
Webb 15" Splits: Telonics 500 C: Head and 12" cabinet: |
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Paul Sutherland
From:
Placerville, California
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Posted 27 Jul 2015 10:43 am
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Chris: I hear the difference and that's good enough for me, since I mostly play for my own satisfaction.
_________________
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing. |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 27 Jul 2015 11:52 am
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i understand you, ray. and paul..
i guess that struggling through this career on a minimal budget from day one taught me to gain satisfaction from a different perspective.
i suppose if i had money to burn i'd have a few new things too.
however, my question still stands for the hundreds of other tone chasers out there.
i really feel that due to the fluctuating environments and circumstances of playing, especially in live performance, getting a 'pretty darn good' sound is about as good as it's goind to get.
  smiley faces all around!  
does the end justify the means? |
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Ray DeVoe
From:
Hudson, FL
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Posted 27 Jul 2015 12:24 pm
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You are totally correct Chris as to getting the best out of what you have to work with. I played through a Nashville 400 and RV 3 recently that was on stage at a gig and it did the trick. Not what I am used to tone wise but there was nothing wrong with it. I used Session and Nashville 400's for years before moving on to Evans amps and then tube preamp setups. The most important part of the sound chain starts with the skill set of the player behind the steel. From there on, its a matter of fine tuning what the player can produce.
In todays steel playing environment, I would never be able to replace the equipment that I currently have. As a matter of fact, I don't buy anything anymore unless I sell something first as I just can't justify any more expenditure, equipment wise. I still do play in a band but the income is limited compared to years ago when I lived in the central TN area. I'm certainly not trying to make a side living out of this anymore at 66 years of age. I'm just trying to satisfy myself.
Have a good evening and good hearing from you.
Ray D.
_________________
Zum SD 10 Hybrid, Zum D 10 Hybrid, Emmons SD 10 P.P.
SMS: Revelation & Classic Preamps: Furlong 12" Splits.
Webb 15" Splits: Telonics 500 C: Head and 12" cabinet: |
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Paul Sutherland
From:
Placerville, California
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Posted 27 Jul 2015 12:45 pm
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Chris: I don't have money to burn. I received a modest inheritance recently (we all know what that means), and I decided to invest a portion of the money in some top flight equipment to enhance my playing enjoyment and possibly my career, if that's even possible when one is officially a senior citizen. I have been very favorably impressed by virtually all the items I've recently purchased. I could play with the old equipment because it is certainly serviceable and sounds pretty good. But this new gear does sound better.
The comments and posts on this forum over the years certainly have helped guide me into making wise purchases.
Practice time and time on stage will always be more important.
_________________
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing. |
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Ray DeVoe
From:
Hudson, FL
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Posted 28 Jul 2015 2:23 pm
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Hi Paul
Below is a picture of TC's original 15" split as a reference as to how he mounted the module in an open back cabinet. The module had brackets that mounted from the back instead of the front mount style like in his closed back 12" models.
I purchased just one of these during the short time he produced a 15" version. This powered cabinet has seen many years of use and it's held up well. I'm not even sure that there was more than one of these made. I've always "kicked" myself for not buying 2 at the time.
One of the GM 50 power modules would probably work well mounted in the side of an offset cabinet like this. That's probably the route I would take if I was starting a powered cabinet from scratch.
I only put the modules in the Webb's as I wanted more than one powered 15" cabinet. The Webb cabinets sound really good but the Furlong cabinet has a slight bit more going for it due to it's larger size. TC made great products and it's sad to see them no longer in production.
keep us in the loop as to how your setup works out.
Ray
_________________
Zum SD 10 Hybrid, Zum D 10 Hybrid, Emmons SD 10 P.P.
SMS: Revelation & Classic Preamps: Furlong 12" Splits.
Webb 15" Splits: Telonics 500 C: Head and 12" cabinet: |
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