Amp Suggestion for Bass Pod XT Live? Need combo for shows.

SabreATK · #1 08-24-2011, 11:58 AM

HI, I am an ex-guitar player who is playing more and more bass, and I'm looking for a suggestion for a good combo that I can use with a Bass POD XT Live.

I have been using the XT Live into my mixer and powered Behringer Truth Monitors, for practice and recording. Sounds really nice. But I need something for band practice and small shows.

I had a Line6 LowDown 110 that I returned because it was noisy, and I didnt think it would ever be big enough for practice with a rock band. Instead I have been using the XT live into the powered monitors.

I can get a Peavey Tour TNT for $399 w/ coupon at guitar center, but because I'm using the XT Live, I would be bypassing the amp section anyway. And I dont like that the peavey is made in China.

Can someone recommend a good used combo that is better than the peavey that I can use for band practice? I know more about guitar amps than I do bass amps.

oldcatfish · #2 08-24-2011, 03:59 PM

Your situation is a bit different than most, since you just want to amplify your current XT's tone. So here are two suggestions.

I think your best bet for a combo is something very full range. Probably something like one of the larger Roland Keyboard amps. Buy used to save money. They are loud, but a bit heavy.

Personally, I'd get a small power amp and a couple of lightweight cabs. Use one with practice and smaller venues and two for larger ones. You can choose a combination that will fit any need. Quiet band= 2 1x12 cabs, medium loud= 2 2x10, louder = 2 2x12, 2 1x15, or 2 4x10.

What's your budget?

SabreATK · #3 08-24-2011, 04:17 PM

Thanks. I'm trying to keep it under $500. Figure I can get more used than with new, but the Tour TNT115 for $399 new might be hard to pass up.

I'm not clear how I would use the XT Live with the amp's built in pre. I suppose I could just run direct to the FX-in, but then I would be losing all the preamp controls, and may lose the EQ, depending on where it is in the stack.

Since I am using the XT Live I figured I could just get something large and powerful without a preamp section. Maybe a keyboard amp is the answer? Or maybe I would like the preamp section on the TNT 115 (or other amp) to not use the XT live settings.

rummy · #4 08-24-2011, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SabreATK

Thanks. I'm trying to keep it under $500. Figure I can get more used than with new, but the Tour TNT115 for $399 new might be hard to pass up.

I'm not clear how I would use the XT Live with the amp's built in pre. I suppose I could just run direct to the FX-in, but then I would be losing all the preamp controls, and may lose the EQ, depending on where it is in the stack.

Since I am using the XT Live I figured I could just get something large and powerful without a preamp section. Maybe a keyboard amp is the answer? Or maybe I would like the preamp section on the TNT 115 (or other amp) to not use the XT live settings.

Check with your amp, though. Some amps FX in take you directly to the power section while bypassing the EQ, some put it before the EQ. If I were to use a Pod live, I'd make sure the amp of your choice has FX in that bypasses amp's tone controls. If you go used, you can definitely find a power amp and a cab for under $500. That would really shine.

But who knows? You may like the pre amp section of the Peavey and may do without the Pod.

oldcatfish · #5 08-24-2011, 06:34 PM

I am assuming that you want to stick with the XT. If not, there are a lot of combos that would work well, including the Peavey.

Another advantage of powered speakers and power amp with the XT...it also can double as a killer guitar rig.

SabreATK · #6 08-24-2011, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldcatfish

Another advantage of powered speakers and power amp with the XT...it also can double as a killer guitar rig.

I beg to differ! I have played guitar for many years, and the amp sims are only approximations of real guitar sounds and have all sorts of problems. (Mostof the problems relate to dynamics, noise, and just not feeling right. I have Guitar Rig4 which is supposed to be good, oh well...) I mic up a real tube amp and use different pickups, mics, and speakers to get the tones I want.

OTH, the bass sims sound good to me, probably because I dont know anything about bass tone.

Ignorance is bliss.

SMUTWORLD · #7 08-24-2011, 09:13 PM

Get a couple good powered speakers to use with POD XT.
I use 2 JBL PRX 615m's in small/mid situations, tilted back like monitors. Plenty of horsepower for small/mid stages.

SabreATK · #8 08-25-2011, 12:07 PM

I ordered a TNT 115 from GC, $399 with coupon, can't wait for it to get here. Should be enough amp for the forseeable future.

dhsierra1 · #9 08-25-2011, 12:20 PM

solid amp and a good choice for a lot of situations. I've used them and other PV combos over the years and have never been disappointed (and I'm a big GK fanboy)

And as a previous poster mentioned, you just may like the PV preamp section so much you may dispense w/the Pod

SabreATK · #10 08-25-2011, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhsierra1

solid amp and a good choice for a lot of situations. I've used them and other PV combos over the years and have never been disappointed (and I'm a big GK fanboy)

And as a previous poster mentioned, you just may like the PV preamp section so much you may dispense w/the Pod

Yeah, that would be nice.

The other reason for getting the TNT is that is has an FX loop, and i noticed a good number of bass amps dont have FX loops. I plan to put the XT Live into the loop, and put the preamp into the loop of a switcher, that way I could turn off the preamp and use the models or vice versa.

Or (im guessing) I will like the built in pre more and just forget about the models.