Greetings,
I just picked up an Ampeg Micro Bass Head for a few reasons. Some viable, some a bit out of kilter for me. I designed my own bass cabinet that is close to an Ampeg SVT 8 X10". If you see my design, and what I did regarding speaker placement, some of you may be extremely surprised. I am a traditionalist and normally like to keep my association with bass gear on the simple side. However, I have been working on this design for years and it finally came to fruition. For anyone interested in my cab just for fun, send me an email and I'll fill you in.
I uploaded a photo to share on the left...
So, being that my new cab has a bit of a weird shape, I needed a small bass head that would not dwarf my cab. I am using an Ampeg 350, which is really 200watts @4ohms for those of you keeping score, and I really like the tone I get. The 350 is just an ass hair too big and hangs over my new cab's edges. That was my fopa'. The reason I tried the Micro, as crazy as this sounds, was more based upon the look it would have sitting on my new cab, and not so much the tone. Crazy, I know! Hesitant at first, I read some reviews and decided to spend the bread and give it a shot. I figured for $270 and with FREE shipping, and with a 45 day return policy, how can I go wrong? After all, it is an Ampeg and I am a huge fan!
When the box came, I gasped with anxiety do to the fact that the box looked like it was a box of popcorn. This thing is small and light in weight. Not much girth or meat and potatoes as I am used to. Then, I plugged it in. HOLY-MOLY! I A-B-ed with my 350 and it does everything the 350 does. You have to crank up the volume a bit more, but all in all that Ampeg tone is all there! The treble response really doesn't kick in until you push it, but i am using a passive Danelectro Longhorn, so this may be the reason. I will test with my active Fender P bass.
I am still trying to get my head around the fact that it looks, and feels like a toy, but believe me, it kicks and pushes my new cab (8 X10") with punch and power! I come from the school of: "Let the pa do all the work and keep a fat, robust sound on stage without killing each other". Remember, it's all about the punch and tone, and this little bad-boy holds its own for sure!
The 350 is too big size wise for my custom cab, and the Micro looks very small. My wife thinks it looks cute. What does that tell you? So I'm back to square one, but will keep the Micro because it really is a great piece to have!
The fan noise I heard so much about is not bad at all and poses no real concerns for me. The IPOD/Headset feature looks goofy, but could be a cool feature for sure.
The Ampeg Micro Bass Head is a wise choice. I feel in the 200watt price range, you won't be disappointed and will be pleasantly surprised. I will be seeking a more powerful head in the near future for those bigger stage venues that are soon coming. I feel the Ampeg Micro could cut just about any situation in a pinch... Would also make a fantastic backup to keep in the van at such a great price...
Good luck and stay positive!
Thank you for reading!
