How many watts do I really need?

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by willsellout

Let's try and keep it civil.

As in Civil Engineer?

[KrisHayes]

A lot to consider here - your cab size certainly first and foremost, whether it'll be a tube or SS power section in the amp, what the band is, and what sized venues you'll be playing.

[jmattbassplaya]

Stop making fun of me guys







Oh wait

[BassmanPaul]

If I may: I am conservative with my gear so I prefer the "ten times the power" route. The power that you use depends on the number of cones that are in your system, as has been said. You also have to consider the efficiency of those drivers. in my case, I have found that giving my two 2x10 cabinets something in the range of their thermal rating works very well. When I replaced the lead sled power amp in my main amp with a lightweight one I chose the Carvin DCM1000L. Installed, I could detect no change from the performance before and after. Into my 4Ω cabinets, one on each channel, I have a maximum availability of 325W for 650W total. This does everything that I ask of it.

I think that a reasonable answer to the OP's question is a 3-500W power range into a 4x10 or a 2x15. That should cover just about every average gig with or without PA support.

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

If I may: I am conservative with my gear so I prefer the "ten times the power" route. The power that you use depends on the number of cones that are in your system, as has been said. You also have to consider the efficiency of those drivers. in my case, I have found that giving my two 2x10 cabinets something in the range of their thermal rating works very well. When I replaced the lead sled power amp in my main amp with a lightweight one I chose the Carvin DCM1000L. Installed, I could detect no change from the performance before and after. Into my 4Ω cabinets, one on each channel, I have a maximum availability of 325W for 650W total. This does everything that I ask of it.

I think that a reasonable answer to the OP's question is a 3-500W power range into a 4x10 or a 2x15. That should cover just about every average gig with or without PA support.

Well said. A good 212 might suffice, too, if you can't stand 15s.

[JimmyM]

Did I mention I did a stage volume gig yesterday with a BA110?

[Cirk]

I work with engineers. Many are not very civil, nor are they civilized.

[Catbuster]

Originally Posted by Cirk

I work with engineers. Many are not very civil, nor are they civilized.

Bingo.

[BassmanPaul]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Did I mention I did a stage volume gig yesterday with a BA110?

Yes you did old friend, but I know that I could not.

[mattm]

So what about, say, a GK MB200 or TC BH250 through a 210 (I get the impression that more speakers would be preferable to, say, a 115) for a small gig?

[BassmanPaul]

A typical 2x10 will be more efficient than a typical 1x15 due to the coupling between the drivers. IMO a single 2x10 is not enough to gig with. A pair make a versatile rig and is what I use.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

Yes you did old friend, but I know that I could not.

I used to say the same thing not too long ago, Paul. However, that's not saying I WANT to but it's nice to know I can if I'm in a pinch.

[gavinspoon]

Originally Posted by mattm

So what about, say, a GK MB200 or TC BH250 through a 210 (I get the impression that more speakers would be preferable to, say, a 115) for a small gig?

I've got an MB200 which i run through an SVT210AV. For me it's just on the edge of being loud enough to keep up with a fairly loud drummer and a single guitarist using a 15w Tiny Terror dimed through a 1x12.

So you might be able to get away with a rig that small, but it depends on your circumstances. All the gigs i do are small club gigs with PA support, so i only need stage volume from the rig. Talking the guitarist into switching to a 15w amp was a big plus in terms of reducing my amp requirements.

[Woodstockz]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I did a gig today with my 7-pc oldies rock and roll band in a bar on a casino cruise ship with over 100 people attending using a 35w 110 practice combo. No instruments in the PA except sax, either. We weren't playing balls out like we usually do but we're never quiet. Totally rocked half the room and was plenty loud, though it got quieter the further you went out. But everyone else's volume dropped off too, and that's what they want so it's all good. Probably wouldn't use it for any other stage volume gigs, but it was great for in there.

So I'd say you need at least 35w and a 110.

+1



I played my first gig recently with a similar setup, and similar results.

[mpdd]

for living rooms, galleries, museums, and warehouse parties...
mesa head, 200 watts tube, good with the 215

for practice...
gk backline, 300 watts solid state, good with the 410

(our other bassist plays through a solid state 100 watt marshall guitar head with a 412)

[georgestrings]

Originally Posted by two fingers

I have run an Ampeg V4 (ONE hundred watts) with an 8-10 cab and I dare you to bring me a drummer or any two guitar players I can't keep up with using that rig.

You're joking, right???


- georgestrings

[willsellout]

The V4 runs out of steam pretty quickly, even with an 810.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by georgestrings

You're joking, right???

If he was, I'm not

[willsellout]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

If he was, I'm not

Do we need to remind you that your name starts with J?

[georgestrings]

Originally Posted by willsellout

The V4 runs out of steam pretty quickly, even with an 810.

No doubt - an 810 can move alot of air, but no way could 100 watts work with my current band situation... not to mention that it would be really over-driven, which is a sound that many of us do not want... Sometimes people make it obvious that they have no real experience with loud 2 guitar rock bands...


- georgestrings