Redefining Bass Amp Technology...

We Create Value.
At GK we believe new and old problems are best solved with new solutions, that take advantage of modern design and manufacturing technology.  Using modern methods insures we are able to deliver innovative products that are reliable, long lasting, and maintain good value.  GK products are designed and built like no other.  Throughout the design and manufacturing process we use the latest computer aided design and manufacturing technology, bringing you the best that American ingenuity can deliver.  From the outset of any new product concept, we are concerned with design for sound, function, and manufacturability.  The products resulting from this approach offer great sound (all the time), are extremely reliable, and moderately priced.  You don't pay for a bunch of elves that have to tweak each unit because of sloppy designs.  Our products are always forward looking, and often times are years ahead of the competition, giving them a long life, and good future value.  Having taken our own path, GK products enjoy a unique, unmatched sound, and years of reliable performance.  We call this… value.

Extreme Power!
For an amplifier to sound right, it must maintain cone control at all playing levels.  This is a technical term that translates to "out front sound".  As playing levels approach the power rating of the amplifier, maintaining  control of large multiple speaker cones requires tremendous current capability.  At least five times the amount required to meet the amplifiers power rating.  Our amplifiers typically develop five to ten times the current required for their power rating, and there for sound great even into the rails.  We accomplish this by using extra output devices, high current toroid power transformers, and sophisticated SOA protection circuitry.  Producing this kind of power generates heat, so we use a combination of power efficient, multiple rail amplifier designs, and temperature controlled variable speed fans, to  keep everything cool.  When push comes to shove, and you really need to lean on your GK, it will be there….. With Extreme Sound!

Low Noise
High power is wasted if the amplifier is noisy.  With today's horn loaded cabinets, noise has become even more important.  GK has reduced noise to negligible levels with its ultra low noise front end.  A discrete  differential FET input stage running on 70 Volt rails produces a signal to noise ratio greater than 90 dB.  Finally we use toroid power transformers that do not induce hum into guitar pickups.  This means you deal with less sizzle and hum, and have more freedom to express your self.

Active Equalizer
All GK amplifiers share a unique equalizer designed by Bob Gallien 20 years ago.  It is based on an active serial filter concept, and has proven its self equally competent on the road, in clubs, and in recording studios world wide.  It is easy and effective to use, never creating weird sounds, but able to bring out sounds unattainable by any other EQ concept.  Unlike graphic equalizers which are intended for room equalization and are only put in amplifiers because it is a no brainer for the designer, the GK equalizer was designed specifically to solve the problems bass players encounter.  It isn't good for any other instrument, but it is unbeatable for bass.

Voicing Filters
Complimenting the equalizer, all Gk amplifiers use voicing filters.  Three very special shaping circuits that are able to create a basic foundation on which to lay your sound.  Used in conjunction with the equalizer they provide exceptional sound contouring.

G.I.V.E. Technology
Another GK innovation first introduced on the 800RB, G.I.V.E. (gate induced valve effect) uses field effect transistors  in the signal path, biased in a particular way to take advantage of the FET gate effect.  This adds a warm color to the sound that is not normally present in solid state amplifiers.

Horn Bi-Amp System
Most players want a little growl in their sound, which comes from riding the rails.  Due to horn distortion, this technique does not work with passive full range systems.  In a 700RB or 1001RB HBA system, the horn is driven from a separate 50W power amp that doesn't distort when you push your sound to the rails.  This means you get all the growl, and keep the articulation from the horn.  The HMS system also put the horn control on the amplifier front panel, making your life just a little easier.

Paragon Drivers
Paragon means "model of excellence", which is exactly what these speakers are.  Each driver has been designed specifically for the cabinet in which it is enclosed.  Where high power and large magnets are required we use die cast frames for strength.  To keep the high power voice coils cool we vent them through the magnet.  The 10 inch drivers used on the 410RBH and 410RBS cabinets are 32 Ohms so they can be wired  in  parallel.  Most companies use off the shelf 8 Ohm drivers and have to wire them in series/parallel.  This causes them to interact with each other, limiting the ability of the amplifier to maintain cone control.

Advanced Cabinet Designs
All GK cabinets use extensive bracing and high quality materials to insure that the sound gets out,  and is not absorbed in a weak structure.  We took the time to understand the problems a modern musician faces in dealing with different stage situations.  This led to the rock back design on many models.  Finally to make sure they would hold up over time, we covered them in carpet, used 16 gauge steel grills, tooled  massive custom corners, and solid nickel plated castors.