Advice on my rig, anyone?

R-o-D- · #1 04-06-2010, 08:21 PM

Hey guys.. caught a bit of the GAS.

Maybe upgrade my amp (pre amp / power amp) or get a new cab.. i dunno. (...save my money instead!?)

pre : BBE BMAX (solid state)

power : QSC GX5 (500 w into 2 channels)

cab 1 : AMPEG SVT-215E ( 2 x 15 4 ohms .. 400w sustain)

cab 2 : GK BACKLINE 2 x 10 (non-ported 200w)

Sounds good, I guess. Should i even be plugging in the GK?
Out of all the equipment I've listed.. what would be the weakest link? First I was thinking I'd get a 4-10 cab to go with the ampeg, but that would be too much **** to haul around. I play w/o a pick, and enjoy a "darker" sound most of the time. Most bars around here mic up the bass... Maybe I should go with a nice combo? Will a better preamp paired /w the QSC make a big difference? Anyone have any thought on that, or my rig overall?

Hollywars · #2 04-06-2010, 08:31 PM

I've heard bad things about the Backline line, and for a "darker" sound you want a ported cab. You might want to try another preamp.

68doghouse · #3 04-06-2010, 08:35 PM

If I were you, I'd consider getting a good preamp like the Sansamp RBI or a nice tube pre-amp, that will warm and maybe help you get that darker sound you're looking for. Good luck!

Redfruit1993 · #4 04-06-2010, 08:37 PM

I agree with Hollywars, a ported cab will sound much 'darker' and give a 'boomier' low end, whereas a sealed cab will have a smooth low end, with significant drop off in DB at lower Hz. I, too, have heard 'avoid backline' and 'GK cabs are good after the backline models' and such. However, this is hearsay, and the ears can only be the judge.

Sorry, im in a rush. Correct me if im wrong, tb

jetlaggemini · #5 04-06-2010, 08:40 PM

I'd definitely look at some pre-amps. The SVP is pretty sweet.

R-o-D- · #6 04-06-2010, 08:50 PM

So no objections to using a better pre /w my current power amp?

How much does the power amp actually color the sound?

Kael · #7 04-06-2010, 09:02 PM

This is what I would do if I were in your position.

1. Bridge the power amp (if it will) to get more headroom. Even if the cab isn't supposed to take that much power, unused headroom = a good thing. If that power amp won't bridge, trade it out for one that will.

2. Sell the 210. If you are using a 215, then a 210 is not really going to add much. It'll just get overpowered by the 215. There should never be a situation where a 215 isn't enough cab for anyone. If you ever do encounter a situation where your 215 isn't enough, you should be more concerned with saving your money for the hearing aids you'll need before you hit 40.

3. Perhaps get a secondary preamp with the $ acquired from the 210 sale. This way you will have two differing "amps" at your disposal. That BBE is a pretty clean preamp with old school interactive tone controls. Perhaps a tech 21 RBI or RPM as an alternate pre? Those two are reasonably priced.

I am presuming that you aren't ever just bringing the 210 for "small" gigs. If you are, I'd recommend getting a combo amp as using a pre/power setup for small gigs isn't exactly efficient.