2 independent inputs/channels with 2 separate outs

[Insouciance]

Hello Talkbass,

Let me start out that I usually hang around in the effects section and am very inexperienced with amps. I apologize in advance if I say anything that is overly naive or plainly just doesn't make sense.

My question is this...is there a head out there that has dual channels with independent outputs?

I use a lot of effects, and want to run a dry rig so I never lose my low end, plus I really like my direct bass tone. I want to be able to plug into a splitter, and run one out through my pedals to the amp, while the other goes straight in. I know this is done often using two heads, but I want to know if there is a way to do it with one.

I see a lot of heads with two inputs, but the second input is usually a -15dB input for active basses. The same amps will also have have "channel a" and "channel b" outputs for cabs. Would one of these work?

Thanks for your help!
Insouciance.

[KJung]

Not a dumb question at all. What you are looking for is a true 'stereo' amp, which means two channels that can be individually assigned to two power amps, and hence two separate, independant cabinets.

This is very rare in the bass head world. There are many dual channel amps (i.e., two independant preamps), and there are plenty of 'dual mono' bass heads with two power amps (i.e., so you can run lots of cabs without having to resort to 2ohm operation).

However, there are very few true stereo all in one bass heads. Walter Woods made one years ago, and the only production model that I know of is the TecAmp Puma Bonafide.

The best way to get to where you want to go is probably buying two preamps (one voiced to be clean, and one voiced for grind or whatever), and then a good quality PA type power amp (Crown, whatever), and then two cabinets. Lot's of trouble and lots to carry around, but if you want true 'stereo' operation (by stereo, I mean two totally independant tones from the same bass at the same time), that's the only way you are going to get it.

Edit: I might have made this more complicated than it needs to be... there are quite a few two channel amps around... just not stereo amps. So, if you are fine having your distortion and cleans signal running into the same cab or cabs, a head like the Genz Benz Shuttle Max 6 or 9 would be perfect.

[zombywoof5050]

The Alembic F-2B is a stereo preamp. It has two channels that can be output separately in stereo or together in mono. You would use it with a standard 2-channel power amp for true stereo operation.

The Acoustic Image Clarus+ is an amp with two channels that both go out it's own mono power section. With an additional power amp, you can split the channels to separate cabs.

[Insouciance]

Great suggestions, this is totally doable!


Thank you so much! If any other heads or preamps come to mind, let me know!

[JimmyM]

2 svt's, 2 810's.

ok, maybe not the all in one deal you're looking for, but it'll work like a mofo!