Dual amp dual cab users?

JoshuaTSP · #1 09-12-2011, 10:09 AM

Hey, questions for you folks about dual amp dual cab rigs....

How do you balance the volumes? Just whatever sounds best?

Do you dial the amps in with different tones?

Do you use pedals with them? Do you run it stereo or mono?

Mr. Foxen · #2 09-12-2011, 10:25 AM

I use the volume knobs to balance the volume. Some of my basses are wired with dual outputs do I can run separate signal chains. I don't use stereo pedals. Guitar pedals for top one, bass pedals for bottom one.

20Hertz · #3 09-12-2011, 10:28 AM

I Bi-Amp mono through a rack-mounted cross-over. Yes, I EQ each amp for its role (but I generall 'set 'em, and forget em').

Yes I adjust the 2 amps' relative volumes using their individual volume knobs until it sounds best. I often listen to each amp individually. I usually adjust the lows amp to the overall volume I want, and then bring up the highs amp until i get the it where I like it.

I run fx on my highs only (mostly 'verbs, modulating fx, & delays). This lets me get deep into the fx for lots of color w/o shaking the tightrope we're all sharing.

JoshuaTSP · #4 09-12-2011, 10:29 AM

The first time I used dual amps/dual cabs was at rehearsal, so I was sort of tweaking on the fly. Started off really loud, then tried to dial it back and keep them balanced.

Separately they sound pretty normal, together HUGE LOUD and tons of sub bass.

I considered doing that with my Ric as well....

6jase5 · #5 09-12-2011, 10:42 AM

Just recently starting splitting the Marshall JCM800 with one cab with effects and SVT and another cab dry although I probably won't bring it all that often for the time to set up and stage real-estate. Just an on the fly balance and it sounds unreal. No sacrifice of low end, no phasing issues. For live, both would need to be mic'd (duh). Either way, I don't want to compete with the guitarist sonic footprint, that's key.

JoshuaTSP · #6 09-12-2011, 11:30 AM

Can anyone talk more about the phase cancellation and stuff?

All I know, was that the sub bass was out of control. I like to feel it, but it was almost too much.

BassmanPaul · #7 09-12-2011, 12:50 PM

The problem I see is using two differing amp heads. If one inverts the signal and the other does not then cancellations are inevitable. It's akin to running cabinets with different polarities.

JoshuaTSP · #8 09-12-2011, 12:55 PM

So it should be pretty obvious when I'm playing through both? or is there a way to test for this?

I have two different preamps into one power amp into two cabs (SWR 6x10 and 2x15)?

Mr. Foxen · #9 09-12-2011, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshuaTSP

Can anyone talk more about the phase cancellation and stuff?

All I know, was that the sub bass was out of control. I like to feel it, but it was almost too much.

Cut the bass from one amp and then there is no trouble. I like clean and scooped for the lows and middly for the 'highs'/guitar side, cause I like a bit for high clunk on the clean lows without getting horrible if I put drive on.

gnjpowell · #10 09-12-2011, 01:49 PM

Yamaha BP-1 pre-amp w/crossover. Lows into QSX PLX1804 > SVT 810. Highs into RH450 > HyDrive 410. Balance with crossover control on the PB-1. ROCKS!

DrumsAndBass · #11 09-12-2011, 02:46 PM

I adjust the tone and level of each of my two amps one at a time. Then I readjust again with both. It can be like herding cats because you have to balance your overall sound but then we pretty much signed up for that extra challenge when we decided to use dual amps. I can get too loud if I'm not careful with EQ and volume. I use a 18" powered sub and a single 15" cab. Each has its own amp and EQ so it's a bi-amp or dual amp setup. My tone is very clean but it can be high maintenance too. Walk around as you play to get an idea of how it is sounding at those angles and then adjust the amps.