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Average Price: $200

Budget/Beginner

$299

$1500+

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High-end

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Description

Elevate your live sound experience with the Crest 4801 Power Amp, a robust choice for professionals seeking reliability and exceptional performance. This powerhouse amplifier is renowned for its high-output capability, making it an ideal companion for large venues and demanding stage environments. With a design focused on durability and sonic precision, it ensures your sound is delivered with clarity and punch.

The Crest 4801 Power Amp features a rugged construction that withstands the rigors of live performances. Its efficient cooling system prevents overheating, allowing for continuous operation without sacrificing sound quality. Musicians and sound engineers alike will appreciate its versatility and compatibility with various speaker systems.

Equipped with advanced circuit protection, the 4801 is designed to safeguard against overloads and short circuits, ensuring your equipment remains in top condition. Its user-friendly interface allows easy setup and control, so you can focus on delivering an unforgettable performance. Whether you're powering a concert or a club gig, the Crest 4801 provides the consistent, high-fidelity sound you demand.

Key Features:

  • High-output capability for large venues
  • Advanced circuit protection against overloads and short circuits
  • Efficient cooling system for continuous operation
  • Rugged construction for reliability in live settings
  • User-friendly interface for easy setup and control
  • Compatible with various speaker systems

Product specs

Brand Crest Audio
Model 4801 1200-Watt Power Amplifier
Finish Black
Year 1990s
Made In United States
Categories Power Amplifiers
Electronics Analog, Solid State
Format 19-inch Rackmount
Number of Analog Inputs 2
Number of Channels 2

FAQs

What is the power output of the Crest 4801 Power Amp?

The Crest 4801 Power Amp delivers 1200 watts of power, making it suitable for a variety of live sound and stage applications.

How many channels does the Crest 4801 Power Amp support?

The Crest 4801 Power Amp is a two-channel amplifier, allowing for stereo sound reinforcement or dual mono configurations.

Is the Crest 4801 Power Amp rack-mountable?

Yes, the Crest 4801 Power Amp is designed in a 19-inch rackmount format, making it easy to integrate into standard audio equipment racks.

What type of inputs does the Crest 4801 Power Amp have?

The Crest 4801 Power Amp features two analog inputs, providing flexibility for connecting various audio sources.

What type of electronic components are used in the Crest 4801 Power Amp?

The Crest 4801 Power Amp utilizes analog, solid-state electronics, ensuring reliable performance and sound quality in live sound applications.

OZKÄR STALIN

OZKÄR STALIN

KURT COBAIN'S GEAR PARA EL TOUR DE IN UTERO NIRVANA MESA BOOGIE-CREST 4801-MARSHALL CABINET-PEDALES

Video thumbnail for KURT COBAIN'S GEAR PARA EL TOUR DE IN UTERO NIRVANA MESA BOOGIE-CREST 4801-MARSHALL CABINET-PEDALES by OZKÄR STALIN

KURT COBAIN'S GEAR PARA EL TOUR DE IN UTERO NIRVANA MESA BOOGIE-CREST 4801-MARSHALL CABINET-PEDALES

OZKÄR STALIN

OZKÄR STALIN

Video thumbnail for Hear Amp Distortion - Crest 4801 (Public) by Dave Rat

Hear Amp Distortion - Crest 4801 (Public)

Dave Rat

Dave Rat

Video thumbnail for COMO CONECTAR UN MESA BOOGIE STUDIO PREAMP/ CREST 4801 AMP (HOW TO CONNECT IT) by OZKÄR STALIN

COMO CONECTAR UN MESA BOOGIE STUDIO PREAMP/ CREST 4801 AMP (HOW TO CONNECT IT)

OZKÄR STALIN

OZKÄR STALIN

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Crest 4801 Power Amp.

Setup and maintenance

  • The Crest 4801 should ideally be set to "stereo" mode when used with a 4x12 cabinet to prevent overpowering, especially when the cabinet is set to 16 Ohms.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The power output at 16 Ohms is not specified in the manual, but it's estimated to be under 300 watts, which is still more than enough for a 200-watt cab.

    Source
  • The amp can deliver 400 watts per channel in stereo at 8 Ohms or 1150 watts when bridged at the same impedance, indicating its powerful output range.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report a perceived improvement in sound quality, with faster transients when running the amp at 16 Ohms, providing a tighter audio experience.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • When connecting the Crest 4801, use one channel for a safer setup; keep the volume moderate to prevent speaker damage.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
R

Beast of an AMP that's for DAMN sure

One of the most powerful amps that never dies. Nirvana used this amp to power his mesa boogie studio preamp at one point during the nevermind era. Only thing is its heavy as hell but its a 90's amp so what do you expect.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kurt Cobain uses Crest 4801 Power Amp

Kurt Cobain

Singer, Guitarist

Nirvana

...
Verified via Guitargeek

(from the website) "A detailed gear diagram of Kurt Cobain's stage setup that traces the signal flow of the equipment in his 1993 Nirvana "In Utero" tour guitar rig. This rig was compiled from extensive research culled from numerous concert photos, live footage, and old magazine interviews (both with Kurt and guitar tech, Earnie Bailey). This 1993 "In Utero" rig diagram by GuitarGeek.Com was originally commissioned for the May 2014 "Nirvana" issue of Total Guitar (UK)."

See how Krist Novoselic uses Crest 4801 Power Amp

Krist Novoselic

Bassist, Keyboardist

Nirvana

...
Verified via Photo

"Borrowed from Kurt's rig." as shared by Earnie Bailey, NIRVANA'S primary guitar tech.

See how Mick Mars uses Crest 4801 Power Amp

Mick Mars

Guitarist

Mötley Crüe

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

As told in his interview to Vintage Guitar.

See how Courtney Love uses Crest 4801 Power Amp

Courtney Love

Guitarist, Singer

Hole

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:59 in the video, you can see Courtney using Kurt Cobain's previous touring rig before his death, which consisted of 2 Mesa Boogie Studio Preamps, and 2 Crest 4801 Power amps. Courtney began using this rig after Kurt died.

Album Usage

The Crest 4801 Power Amp has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Crest 4801 Power Amp, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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