2 Combos, awesome tone?

BassManDan101 · #1 03-25-2011, 04:25 PM

I need some guidance...
I have had a 50watt Peavey Max 115 Combo and a Trace Elliot Commando 15 150watt Combo.
Both sound lovely, but today I put the Peavey on top of the Trace, plugged my bass into the Peavey, and then, using a standard guitar cable used the "send" input in the peavey and connected the other end into the main input (passive/for the actual bass) of the Trace.
with some tonal fiddling, it came out with an absolutely MONSTROUS rock tone (punch of duff mckagan but still with a low thud of nikki sixx), exactly what I'm aiming for. It sounds fantastically cool and punchy/deep, especially impressive seeing as I'm using a Fender Mustang, not renowned for it's enormous tone. It also boosted the volume, meaning a PA mic-up is not even necessary in a gig situation.

However, my ignorance is not bliss. I'm no amp expert. can someone tell me whether or not this is harmful to the amps, or just not a good idea. hopefully, it's fine, because personally, whilst it's pointless for a 16 year olds bedroom, I LOVE IT!!! Thanks

Dan

**IvanMike** · #2 03-25-2011, 04:43 PM

What you're doing is OK, but there are some better wiring methods.

If both amps have effects loops, you can try plugging into amp 1, and connecting the effects SEND of amp 1 to the effects RETURN of amp 2. Generally, most effects loops are post EQ, so if this is the case with both units, all the EQ will be done with amp 1, and the only knob that will work on amp 2 is the master volume. (If one of the amps only has a line out, you can use this instead of the effects SEND).

Another thing you can try is plugging into amp 1, and plugging the tuner out into the front jack of amp 2.

What you're doing now isn't terrible, but you're essentially using two preamp stages on the second amp. This isn't terrible as long as you're careful with the input knob on amp #2, but can cause noise issues.

Mr. Foxen · #3 03-25-2011, 04:49 PM

Welcome to the joys of dual amping.

BassManDan101 · #4 03-26-2011, 05:05 AM

okay, thanks

i just need to know it's not gonna hurt anything

countrybass007 · #5 03-26-2011, 04:09 PM

For using multiple amps I've always used an A/B box. This has always worked good for my purposes and the controls on each amp operate seperately. This also enables the use of one or both amps as needed.

emurf · #6 09-07-2011, 04:29 PM

What settings are you using on both amps? EQ etc.