!HELP: SWR WP700 or Sansamp RBI?

subexpression · #1 10-25-2010, 12:13 PM

Heya folks...I have about $800 USD to spend on some new gear.

Here's what I have already:
SWR WorkingPro 400 head (400W @4 Ohms)
SWR WorkingPro 4x10 cabinet (400W @8 Ohms)
SWR WorkingPro 1x15 cabinet (200W @8 Ohms)

(note: these two cabinets were recommended by SWR for the WP400, even though it seems like the 400 isn't powerful enough)

Now, I have heard great things about the Tech21 Sansamp RBI Bass Tube Amp Emulator and have considered getting one to complete my rig.
It would certainly shape my tone.

Although, 400 watts might not be enough for my 4x10 and 1x15, so I thought about getting the SWR WorkingPro 700.
I could sacrifice investing in tone-shaping, and go with more power.

I'm playing hard rock/metal for small to medium-size gigs.
What are your thoughts/suggestions on my next step?

Thanks in advance.

- subexpression

subexpression · #2 10-25-2010, 04:11 PM

no offers to sell me something better?

parsons · #3 10-25-2010, 04:41 PM

If youre playing hard rock and metal you may want to consider the Sansamp RPM instead of the RBI. I own both of them. I use the RBI for a clean channel and the RPM for grit and distortion because it can get more gain than the RBI.

Zooberwerx · #4 10-25-2010, 06:00 PM

Sell the WorkingPro 400...pick up a used RBI or RPM for ~$225...use the leftover $575 to buy a used decent power amp. Rack the whole schmear and drive the livin' %@*& out of those speaker enclosures. Then, sell the cabs and buy something better when your budget allows.

Hey, I'm just sayin'...

Riis

subexpression · #5 10-25-2010, 06:41 PM

Wow - thanks fellas!

That's exactly what I was wondering...I'll definitely pick up the RPM.

I'm primarily a guitarist...but I have this love affair with bass and love playing it in bands.
So, my knowledge of bass equipment is limited.
And, the RPM it is!

Any ideas on an amp?
Should I keep it right around 600W @ 4 Ohms, since my 2 cabinets are 400W 8 Ohm and 200W 8 Ohm?
I'm cautious of overpowering my cabinets.

Zooberwerx · #6 10-25-2010, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subexpression

Wow - thanks fellas!

That's exactly what I was wondering...I'll definitely pick up the RPM.

I'm primarily a guitarist...but I have this love affair with bass and love playing it in bands.
So, my knowledge of bass equipment is limited.
And, the RPM it is!

Any ideas on an amp?
Should I keep it right around 600W @ 4 Ohms, since my 2 cabinets are 400W 8 Ohm and 200W 8 Ohm?
I'm cautious of overpowering my cabinets.

Buy used...QSC, Crown, Crest, Peavey...all depends on availability. $500 will buy lots of watts. A QSC RMX 2450 can be had for $300-350 if you keep your eyes peeled. IIRC, they'll do 450 watts per channel / 8 ohms which should be more than adequate. Use the amp's channel attenuators to reign things in. The extra juice will come in handy if you decide to update your enclosures.

Riis

subexpression · #7 10-25-2010, 11:37 PM

Thanks again...

...I went with Crown XLS 802D (1,050W/ch @ 2 ohms, 800W/ch @ 4 ohms, 500W/ch @ 8 ohms, 1,600W bridged mono @ 8 ohms).
Since I'd be running stereo 8 ohms...500W would be plenty per cab with lots of power left over when I get around to upgrading my enclosures.

And the Tech21 Sansamp RPM.
I'll come back later and let you know how everything sounds once I get the pieces.

- s

Zooberwerx · #8 10-26-2010, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subexpression

Thanks again...

...I went with Crown XLS 802D (1,050W/ch @ 2 ohms, 800W/ch @ 4 ohms, 500W/ch @ 8 ohms, 1,600W bridged mono @ 8 ohms).
Since I'd be running stereo 8 ohms...500W would be plenty per cab with lots of power left over when I get around to upgrading my enclosures.

And the Tech21 Sansamp RPM.
I'll come back later and let you know how everything sounds once I get the pieces.

- s

Good choice(s)! I tend to buy a bit more than what I need...saves headaches should I upgrade at a later date. Use some discretion when setting your signal / gain structure and you'll be fine. Now all you need is a rack box (if not already in inventory) and a decent compressor.

Enjoy the rig and keep us updated.

Riis

subexpression · #9 10-29-2010, 01:14 PM

@Zooberwerx & parsons,

I picked up the RPM...wow!
I didn't know what I was missing.
Now, when I toggle between my SWR and the RPM, the SWR sounds like a cardboard box.

I'm using my old BBE Opto Stomp...works for now, but I'd like a rack compressor.
Not to be further tedious, but do you have any suggestions for a good rack compressor?

My rack case is a 4U gator:
ETA power conditioner
Sansamp RPM
SWR WP400 (soon to be replaced with the Crown XLS802d)

I'd probably need a 6U if I get a compressor.
While we're at it, is there any other essential piece of gear that I might be missing?

Again, I'm primarily a guitarist who happens to really love bass. So, I'm ignorant as to what equipment is adequate/good/best for relatively limited budget on-the-road use.

I really value everything you guys have brought to my attention so far...it's going into a real-world rig which will be used...and it sounds freakin' awesome so far.

(fyi: I'm a fingerstyle bass player modeled after Geddy Lee's attack/speed, Chris Squire's grit and snarl, among others like Steve Harris, Cliff Burton, Tony Levin, Billy Sheehan...so you can guess what sort of hybrid tone I'm after)

Zooberwerx · #10 10-29-2010, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subexpression

@Zooberwerx & parsons,

I picked up the RPM...wow!
I didn't know what I was missing.
Now, when I toggle between my SWR and the RPM, the SWR sounds like a cardboard box.

I'm using my old BBE Opto Stomp...works for now, but I'd like a rack compressor.
Not to be further tedious, but do you have any suggestions for a good rack compressor?

Told ya so! That's a killer "bargain" rig and can be expanded with different enclosures. You have lots of options now.

Hey, don't be so quick to swap compressors. I'm using the Opto-Stomp and have had no problems. Its also one of bongo's "cheap best buys" (my words). I just installed a dbx 166XL (had one laying around) in my rack and, honestly, I don't see much of an improvement. I'm sure there are others that will surpass it by a mile...check bongomania's compressor reviews for details.

Riis

subexpression · #11 12-09-2010, 04:41 PM

Well, I got all the gear I was looking for...and it's downright killa!
During rehearsals, I keep both channel volume knobs on the Crown XLS802d on about the second detented notch...hardly turned up at all and it's plenty loud!

I'm running the two 8-ohm cabs each with their own channel, so I can blend the top 4x10 cab with the bottom 1x15 cab. It's slick having 2 channels!

One question, if anyone might have the expertise...
Do I need a crossover?
Both cabinets (SWR WorkingPro 4x10, 1x15) have built-in attenuators in back...so I can dial out the tweeters if I need. And, they have passive crossovers.
Would it be beneficial to keep my top cabinet (4x10) full range, and use an active crossover on the bottom 15 at around 100Hz?

I love the tone, volume and tight response I'm getting right now, but if there's room for improvement, I'm interested.