Combo on a stand?

[geoff_in_nc]

Does anyone run a combo on a stand on stage? Does it make for any tonal differences? I believe I've heard that speakers "couple" with the floor, affecting bass response, but really know nothing about that.

I've got a 2x10 + tweet combo that I'm thinking of putting on a stand on stage, but I don't want to weaken my bass response or anything... I like the tone I'm getting now, just would like it a little closer to my ears. I guess I'm also wondering if raising it a little will help get the bass out to the crowd in a bar type gig where I'm not in the PA.

Help? Guidance? Experience?

[Lo-E]

I like to run combos on the floor. It helps to increase low bass through the coupling you referred to. Placing a combo in a corner will also help to improve low end.

[RickenBoogie]

I believe floor coupling is had even if the combo is off the floor, as in, on a stand. it would need to be quite a bit off the floor to lose that low end, and besides, it's much more important to be able to hear yourself, which the amp stand will accomplish.

[ShoeManiac]

I can definitely understand instances where coupling can be problematic. A friend of mine started using an Auralex SubDude which aids in isolating the cab from the floor in an effort to limit the effects of coupling. You just set this pad down and place the cabinet on top of it.

There are plenty of amp stands on the market:



I for one am not a fan of them. I think most of them are suited to guitar amps, and some of those are considerably smaller and/or lighter than most bass amps. The one combo amp I have weighs in at about 75 pounds and I'm not all that enthused with the prospect of lifting it up and placing it at an odd angle like these stands are designed to do.

[Interceptor]

Raising it will help significantly in getting you out into the room.

I started raising my cabinet just this spring anytime I'm playing on a stage that's less than a good 3 feet higher than the main floor. Usually, I use a milk crate covered with a black cloth. I do eq in a little more bottom when running this way, but I've got headroom to burn so it all works out great.

Try it!

[Medford Bassman]

i like using my kick stand built into my Genz 112 cab. Really helps to hear myself.

[ryco]

[jnewmark]

I use a tilt back stand with my Roland DB 700, and notice no loss of bottom end at all. I believe you can raise the cab up to two feet before you start to lose it.

[ga_edwards]

The floor coupling effect only works for a short distance. The great bassy sound you hear on stage when it's on the floor will be completely different out front. Therefore if you 'decouple' from the floor by raising the bass, you should in theory hear a similar sound on stage as the audience will hear out front. There was even a formula worked out floating in a similar thread ages ago that said a cab had to be so many feet/inches off the floor to completely decouple. However, I find a simple wedge to tilt mine back adequate enough to give me a fair representation of what it sounds like out front.

[Bassamatic]

More than a few inches (like tilting the cab back) will cost you significant bottom end. The Auralex pad described above is to reduced mechanical coupling (vibration) and not acoustic coupling.

I not only use my amp on the floor, I put it in a corner if possible to use the walls of the room as a giant horn. WOW - it totally improves the bass sound and output.

[KPJ]

Placing a combo amp on a stand similar to the one pictured will have no adverse effects on your tone. I regularly gig with my GK MB115 on an amp stand. No low end loss and the slight angle allows me to hear myself better. Listening to the the room recordings that I do of my gigs, I can hear the bass loud and proud. It is well worth it to try it to see if it helps you or not.

[Scobac]

Used two plastic folding saw horses to raise my cab about 30 inches off the floor last Sat.
Only adjustment I made was to turn the horn down a little! Saw horses weigh 3-4 lbs each and will support 350lbs each. Was happy with the results; could hear, tone was good!

[Todd GT5]

I've been using my GK MB212 on a stand at it's highest position and loving it. The MB212 is known for having ample bottom end, so it may be different with other combos, but I can hear myself so well and it projects very well out into the room. Also, I've had good luck using it like this outside with minimal or no PA reinforcement.

-Todd

[dogofgod]

gk mb212 is an awesome amp. just sayin'.