Direct Out Amplification Help For A Newbie.

[j2112c]

Hi Guys, my first post!

I am new to your forum and bass! I would like to ask for advice on plugging into a P.A.

I am a guitarist of 25 years, coming over to bass,
I am using a Marshall 2061x 20w Lead/Bass amp into my 4x12's at home... however, when it comes to gigging my intention was to simply put a line out from my T.C Electronics G Major effects rack into the desk.

I have tons of amps and stacks, but simply do not want to get GAS over bass gear too... I cannot really afford it..

SO:

Is going direct to the desk going to sound like toilet?
Do I really have to buy a bigger amp?
Can I compromise and mic my 2061x and Cab?

OR..Have you guys plugged direct into desks and got really good sound?
..and if so.. any tips on getting a good sound?


Sorry if this is a stupid question, but the band I may gig with has vocals, keyboards and me... one PA for all makes sense, IF I do not sound like floor sweepings.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by j2112c

Is going direct to the desk going to sound like toilet?

no. you might prefer the sound of micing a cabinet, but the vast majority of bassists go direct.

Do I really have to buy a bigger amp?

if you're getting enough volume out of your rig as is, you certainly don't. i use a 25w b-15 rig for performing often. however, it might not be a bad idea to get one with more power down the road. i still have a 300w amp just in case the pa's weak and i need the extra power. and because it's a vintage svt

Can I compromise and mic my 2061x and Cab?

yep, but micing a cab requires a mic with some low end to it. you can do a killer sounding low budget mic'ed sound with a cheap di and a shure 57. use the di for everything below 100 hz and the mic for everything else. but if you can't get 2 channels, you'll want a mic with more low end or you'll just want to use a di.

OR..Have you guys plugged direct into desks and got really good sound?
..and if so.. any tips on getting a good sound?

the good sound almost entirely comes from your playing. but knowing how to eq for bass helps as well. just remember that a real pretty sound by itself may not always work in a band context, so you may want to use more mids than you might think.


Sorry if this is a stupid question, but the band I may gig with has vocals, keyboards and me... one PA for all makes sense, IF I do not sound like floor sweepings.[/quote]

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Welcome to TalkBass j2112c.

There's alot of options going direct to the console, and all of them will give a slightly different sound.

You can, but shouldn't connect the bass straight to the desk, no matter what the desk manufacturer says. The end result varies from decent to horrible due the level and impedance mismatch.

The DI is the most common method when a somewhat trouble-free connection is required. There's a lot of DI boxes that can also be connected between the amp and the cab, so the only thing that the signal "lacks", is the cab sound (which isn't necessarily a bad thing ).

Plugging the bass (or any other instrument) straight to the DI -> desk, will give the engineer the cleanest possible signal to work with.

For best (tonal) results, a FX unit with a direct out is most probably be the answer.

Miking the cab isn't a compromise, but on a cramped/loud stage, it's more trouble than it's worth. IME only of course.

Regards
Sam

[j2112c]

Guys,
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my questions.

This helps a lot, OK then, I will be able to go direct to the desk via the rack as that has a direct out to even out the signal.

That has helped me I think the Marshall 20w valve is enough for home and for practice with no live drummer (Keyboards/Drum Machine/ Vocals). Out and about you cannot get the full 20w without it distorting and so it will be even easier... rack to desk.
Great!


Interesting I did not realise so many bassists go though the desk and that it needs a DI box to even out the signal.
My rack will do that and all this is starting to look good.

I not that I will not dream of having a big illuminous Trace Elliot (I am showing my age), but I need to 'sit tight'!


Oh and such true words ..'good sound comes from your playing.' Agreed! A lot of tone comes from the hands.

[JimmyM]

trace is still in business, but their founder runs ashdown now.