How much wattage do you gig with?

NickyBass · #1 04-23-2009, 07:59 AM

This isn't a 'how many watts do I need' thread. I'm just wondering what everybody else is using. Please vote in the poll. Also, vote based on what you use, not what you have available...ie...if you use one 8 ohm cab, don't vote for your 4 ohm rating.

Typically, I'll use a 300-350 watt head when we have PA support. I've used more, and I've used less, but I find that 350 is enough for most of the stuff that I do.

Double Agent · #2 04-23-2009, 08:03 AM

With a drummer, I use 2 cabs to get 425 watts from my GBE600. Even without PA support, I can't really recall a situation where I needed more power.

If we don't have a drummer, I get by pretty well with just the 1 cab for 275 watts.

Mudfuzz · #3 04-23-2009, 08:12 AM

I gig with a mesa 400+ [400-500] and before that I gigged with a SVT CL [360ish]

Mojo-Man · #4 04-23-2009, 08:15 AM

If It's a drummer-less gig. (100-200 watts)

With drums. ( 300-400 watts)

I feel I can do any gig with 300 watts.

Tony G · #5 04-23-2009, 08:18 AM

I have many different situations. If I gig my F1 with my 8 ohm AE210, that is about 300 watts or so. If I use the F1 with my 4 ohm AE410, that is about 500 watts. If I use my B1500 into both the AE210/AE410, that is over 1200 watts I think?

two fingers · #6 04-23-2009, 08:19 AM

SVT 6. 1100W. Of course I don't USE all of it, but I like the headroom. I also have a SWR stack and with the ext. cab it runs 450W. It's been rare that that rig wouldn't hold up. I've filled clubs with it (no PA support).

excane · #7 04-23-2009, 08:20 AM

Ampeg SVT4 Pro. 1200w mono bridged.

Used to be SWR SM900 bridged.

sk8 · #8 04-23-2009, 08:20 AM

currenly using my Shuttle 3.0-10T Combo (175 watts) but if i need a bit more i just sling a Neox 112 under it (300 watts) but for my needs at the moment the combo with a single 10 is fine

mikezimmerman · #9 04-23-2009, 08:21 AM

I've been using preamp/power amp rigs for a while, so I just got used to having 1000+ watts available on tap. The most I ever gigged with regularly was 3400 watts with QSC PLX 3402, but generally my rig's been in the 1200-1400 watt range, going into a single Epifani 2x12. Since I play mostly 5's, and seem to always be in the bands where the guitarists and drummers have volume issues, it's nice to have some power on reserve (though I can tell lately that my hearing is suffering--anyone got any earplug recommendations?

)

FWIW, the Carvin B1500 I'm using now (1200 watts into the Epi) seems louder than I see myself ever needing.

Mike

Kenny Allyn · #10 04-23-2009, 08:22 AM

Although it's totally cab dependant 90% of the time it's 500 watts through two 1x10 cabs ...

300 will get me through a night with the same rig

... But 500 is my average

RickenBoogie · #11 04-23-2009, 08:23 AM

(Another) SVT 6Pro, Mesa Deisel 215. PA for vocals only. No problems.

gregwatts2008 · #12 04-23-2009, 08:25 AM

I use my GK 2001RB with a SWR 6x10 cab. I rarely ever get past 2 on the volume. My opinion is, more power gives you cleaner tone. I don't have to crank up, I can rattle windows, but I can play on 1 or 2 and cut thru just fine. Better to have extra power than to have not enough.

Pickebass · #13 04-23-2009, 08:39 AM

If this question would've been asked a few years ago, I believed you needed well over 1000 watts. I tend to be around 800... unless I'm using a tube amp then no more than 400

NickyBass · #14 04-23-2009, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikezimmerman

I've been using preamp/power amp rigs for a while, so I just got used to having 1000+ watts available on tap.

I have a pre/power rig and I'm considering using that for everything, but my old Walter Woods is just so convinient, and it's hard to see lugging around a lead sled.

I have a Mike Pope preamp that sounds so good and I like the idea of having waaaay more power than I need---so I think I'm eventually going to make the swtich.

Grizzly700 · #15 04-23-2009, 08:47 AM

GK400RB is all I need.

biobass · #16 04-23-2009, 08:48 AM

For 99.9% of my gigs (mostly musical theater, and orchestral) 100 watts or even less is fine. I had used a Hartke Kickback 12 with the paper cone for years, with perfectly fine results (125 watts @ 6 ohms). Within the last year or so I upgraded tonally to using either a GB NeoPak 3.5 (175 wats @ 8 ohms) or a GB Shuttle 6.0 (375 watts @ 8 ohms) and a Berg HT112. I also got the EX112, but haven't ever needed it on the gig yet. I absolutely love the tone and flexibility of both of the GB heads and the Berg mini-stack, even if it is way overkill for my volume needs.

Cheers,
Dennis

**baba** · #17 04-23-2009, 08:48 AM

600W of Eden into a SWR 410. I never use all of it.

RTL · #18 04-23-2009, 08:49 AM

750 Watts here (DB750@4 Ohms), but I definitely don't need that kind of power. It is nice to have that kind of headroom, but I'd easily get by in most situations with half that.

bstringrandy · #19 04-23-2009, 08:49 AM

450 watt SVT3Pro into a SVT410HLF, but I always run DI into a PA with a Mackie 2400 pushing 18" subs...

Randy

MN_Bass · #20 04-23-2009, 08:50 AM

250 Watt Peavey VB-2 into an Ampeg 8x10, louder than 1000+Watt hybrid amps I've owned, and I'm playing with a loud drummer and two cranked Marshall JCM 800 Stacks.