aaronlyon Posted March 13, 2018 Share Posted March 13, 2018 I build a solid state amp for use with Helix, and installed it inside my 2x12 cab, so I have a convenient combo of sorts. Parts came from parts-express.com, and include: Sure Electronics AA-AB31194 1x300W Class D Audio Amplifier Board - T-Amp Qualtek QPDF-320-36 Switching Power Supply 36 VDC 8.8A 320W Single Output The sound is as I expected: low noise floor, good clarity and punch, plenty of power to spare. I am less happy about the fan in the power supply, which will never be noticed on stage, but is audible in my quiet room, and therefore a bit annoying. I may wire a fan on/off switch. I played loud for an hour, and there is no appreciable heat felt in the chassis. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeolivercgp Posted March 13, 2018 Share Posted March 13, 2018 Wow -- thanks for sharing this information! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aaronlyon Posted March 13, 2018 Author Share Posted March 13, 2018 Forgot to mention, total weight of amp, power supply, and aluminum backplate is 4 pounds 5 ounces. Very light! I did add a switch for the fan--now I can silence it for in-house practice. Nice addition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dragonfet Posted March 13, 2018 Share Posted March 13, 2018 I very much like this idea, but I'm curious: It seems as if it was an open-back cabinet and you've plugged the hole with that plate. Did that change the sound significantly? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aaronlyon Posted March 13, 2018 Author Share Posted March 13, 2018 I very much like this idea, but I'm curious: It seems as if it was an open-back cabinet and you've plugged the hole with that plate. Did that change the sound significantly? It's an Avatar cab with an oval opening--I already had the hole covered by plywood to make it a closed back cab, which I prefer for this cab. I just swapped the plywood for the aluminum backplate. Not much change, if any. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roscoe5 Posted March 15, 2018 Share Posted March 15, 2018 Very cool! I've been looking at the Dayton plate amplifiers, but they are $200+. The one you used is only $40...awesome! https://www.parts-express.com/cat/full-range-plate-amplifiers/333 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aaronlyon Posted April 9, 2018 Author Share Posted April 9, 2018 I built a second version of this rig—this one is a 1x12 open backed cab with Jensen Neo Tornado speaker in a pine cabinet. So total weight is 27 pounds including SS power amp. Back saver! I have now had a chance to play a live gig with this rig with great results. From Helix I go 1/4” out to cabinet for stage volume, and via cab/mic block to XLR out direct to PA. Sounded great to me with my 64ears IEMs in one ear. Band members were happy, FOH guy was happy, I got compliments from two guitarists from other local bands, and from venue owner afterward. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aaronlyon Posted April 9, 2018 Author Share Posted April 9, 2018 Photos: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikisb Posted April 9, 2018 Share Posted April 9, 2018 Great job, even if i prefer for me a complete and ready solution (as i'm a electronic noob except pickups ;) ) and a dsp managed two way setup to use the Helix even for bass, acoustic....... So i've chosen for me a Hypex module with a coaxial driver. But i congratualate to build this solution for just a few bucks - that's hard to beat. A proposition to make things more long term stable: Putting the electronics in a separate compartment to reduce vibrations probably would make their live longer. There's a pretty shockwave storm inside a cab. I know that most combo amps are build open too, but that's no argument. (well - where are the smileys gone?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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