Dont kill me GASers

[bobostein]

I love gear as much as the next guy but what is the point of a 800 watt amp going through a 810 cab. People always tell me that its for a big venue, but every venue I have been to mics. the amps and runs it through the PA. Even if its outside and ran by a generator do you really need a massive stack?

[lowfreq33]

Headroom.

Looks cool.

[scotch]

Well, you definitely have a valid argument! There's a point at which the reserve headroom/power is just not really being utilized in many situations.

At the same time, the best foh engineers I've had the pleasure to work with often use stage volume along with their mic'ed (and/or di'ed) signal. This works well in medium sized rooms and smaller theaters, but it is also applicable to smaller rooms as well. On an arena stage our outdoor shed, stage volume is less of an issue. Granted, this takes a very experienced & competent engineer, coupled with a musician that is cooperative and with an ability to compromise and listen!

It doesn't have to be a black/white situation. Stage volume and pa support can live in harmony!

[joeydavidson]

They have a unique sound.

Also lot's of bands don't use/can't afford a P.A system when they reherse so it's often the only way to keep up with a loud drummer, and some venues have terrible PA's

[JimmyM]

Don't taze me, bro!

the 810 thing i totally get. i play at volumes most people would think of as wuss volumes, but i still like an 810. big cabs sound big, and i like to sound big, even if i'm not very loud.

the 800+ wattage thing i'm still trying to wrap my head around, though. especially when people take two tiny little cabs and throttle them with high wattage. but since power is cheap and they do come with a volume knob, i guess i can dig it. i still think a lot of it is bragging rights, but hey, it's their rig and their money.

[Mudfuzz]

Originally Posted by bobostein

I love gear as much as the next guy but what is the point of a 800 watt amp going through a 810 cab. People always tell me that its for a big venue, but every venue I have been to mics. the amps and runs it through the PA. Even if its outside and ran by a generator do you really need a massive stack?

What I don't get is why people like the sound of 8X10s... or 10s for that matter..... but that is a different thread......

[Greevus]

It's so you have the Balls of God. At my last gig another bassist yelled "Man Sound!!". I think that splains it....

[Blues Bass 2]

Sometimes on bigger stages it's hard to hear your own amp because of the low end coming back from the subs in front . Even with your lows rolled back some and your mids boosted the subs sound coming back can bury your bass . I've played on a couple stages that I had to max out the volume on my 1000 watt Crown into a very good 310/115 stack just to hear what I was playing . It wasn't the guitars and bass sound on stage that was too loud it was the FOH/room sound that was the problem . I could have had them put my bass into the monitors but that just would have compounded the problem .

[s_mcsleazy]

Originally Posted by Mudfuzz

What I don't get is why people like the sound of 8X10s... or 10s for that matter..... but that is a different thread......

id rather have 12's 8's and 15's anyday

[gm2_in_co]

Originally Posted by bobostein

Even if its outside and ran by a generator do you really need a massive stack?

"Need" grasshopper. Meditate on this word. Realize it is incompatible with GAS...

[Bass_Pounder]

Originally Posted by bobostein

I love gear as much as the next guy but what is the point of a 800 watt amp going through a 810 cab. People always tell me that its for a big venue, but every venue I have been to mics. the amps and runs it through the PA. Even if its outside and ran by a generator do you really need a massive stack?

Not trying to rag on you, but looking through your past posts you say that you are 18 and not even in a band.

Also, you say every venue you have BEEN TO, mics everything.

My questions to you are:

Have you ever played on those stages in the venues you have BEEN to ? , If not - how can you judge what the stage volume is ?

Have you played in a full band yet ?


Everybody's playing situation is different, and until you have experienced playing on large stages (both indoor and outdoor), competing against heavy hitting drummers or 2 guitarists with full stacks, playing in clubs with NO P.A., etc. How can you comment on what other players need ?

No matter what the playing situation is - I would rather have "more than enough" and play with my amp on "1", then to play a gig with my amp maxed out, speakers screaming, and still not be able to hear myself.