Can an effect pedal substitute an amp head?

naskoj36 · #1 01-19-2012, 10:20 PM

Hey guys! Sure this question might sound kinda dumb but a friend of mine who is beginning to expand his rig asked me if it was totally necessary to buy an amp head. He wanted to know if his boss GT-6b multi-effect pedal was powerful enough to just send a line directly from the pedal to a 4x10 cab he wants to buy. The guy is on a budget and really can't afford the amp head now. He is in a position that is or he buys just the cab or nothing. I really didn't know what to tell him and I got curious. What do you guys think? Thanks in advance and I appreciate your help!

**jmattbassplaya** · #2 01-19-2012, 10:21 PM

I'm gonna say that he's going to need to get a head, too.

naskoj36 · #3 01-19-2012, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmattbassplaya

I'm gonna say that he's going to need to get a head, too.

Ok bro thanks! But is it ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY? Is it possible to play through a cab with just the pedal? If so, would it sound well?

LiquidMidnight · #4 01-19-2012, 10:24 PM

I'm pretty sure a guitarist I know uses a Boss multi-FX unit as a preamp. However, your friend will need a power amp of some sort. An FX pedal is not going to have anywhere the amount of power to move speakers. It will sound like a fart in a tin can.

lowendrv · #5 01-19-2012, 10:26 PM

You have to have a power amp .The pedal can be used as pre amp only.

naskoj36 · #6 01-19-2012, 10:28 PM

Ok... thanks guys, as always you were super helpful!

spaz21387 · #7 01-19-2012, 10:34 PM

there is an ehx pedal out there used as an amp i think its called the 44 magnum. I think it puts out 44 watts. its like 200$ so just buy a cheap head.

Sartori · #8 01-20-2012, 12:37 AM

The answer is no. His processor will not power a cab. A cab by itself is just a box with speakers in it. The head is the power source.

Son of Bovril · #9 01-20-2012, 12:42 AM

@OP: No, you will need at least a cheap behringer power amp between the pedal and the cab

dbase · #10 01-20-2012, 06:43 AM

Someday they will have a pedal that's also an amp ... Shame I wont be around.

dbase · #11 01-20-2012, 06:44 AM

Someday they will have a pedal that's also an amp head ... Shame I wont be around.

Crater · #12 01-20-2012, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbase

Someday they will have a pedal that's also an amp head ... Shame I wont be around.

Yeah you will.

JonnyAngle · #13 01-20-2012, 07:57 AM

1-upped!