How much wattage is enough?

baileyboy · #1 10-07-2010, 09:00 AM

How much wattage is enough for small indoor/outdoor gigs? I'm interested in hearing how loud most bassists feel they need to be in different settings.

Lublin · #2 10-07-2010, 09:06 AM

Indoor and outdoor gigs vary immensely and PA support is a huge factor. A 4x10 can be enough for some indoor gigs and get lost in an outdoor gig without PA support.

Din Of Win · #3 10-07-2010, 09:07 AM

It's more a function of air moving.

Most of my amps are in the 100-200 watt range. But, with enough speakers i NEVER have ever had a problem being heard.

If i were to be really functional about it, i'd get a good combo... for example... the GK MB210. It's 500w (IIRC) with 2x10s. It should be enough for most things on its own. But if not, it allows an extension cab to be added.

So, i'd say find a head that gives you good tone, then get speakers to provide the volume.

rockstarbassist · #4 10-07-2010, 09:08 AM

Inside, outside, practice, shows, 300W all tube through a 610.

S'why God created "volume" knobs...

**BullHorn** · #5 10-07-2010, 09:12 AM

I found my 500w MarkBass combo with 2x10 speakers wasn't enough for a loud rock-band setting so adding a 1x15 fixed the problem (The 2x10 on it's own can cut through but has not enough lows for a loud band). Just to give you an indicator, etc.

jackcheez · #6 10-07-2010, 09:17 AM

...and remember, watts don't tell the whole story.

For bass I'd rather have more power than not enough. That said, all my favorite amps don't sport huge watts. SVT 300 watts, GK 800RB 300 watts + 100 watts that I usually don't use. Lately I've been using a 100 watt V4-B, but it's loud for 100 watts.

snyderz · #7 10-07-2010, 09:21 AM

I have finally found what meets my needs. 500 watt 210 combo with 115 extension.

mccartneyman · #8 10-07-2010, 09:21 AM

Well, back before bands played so stinking loud, 50 watts was "enough." Even today it depends on stage volume. Outdoor gigs don't necessarily mean that the band has to turn up stage volume if the PA support is good enough. Personally, I'd like to think that 300 watts is "enough," but I have a 600 watt Genz just in case.

Munjibunga · #9 10-07-2010, 09:23 AM

I wouldn't play outdoors with less than 500 watts and a 410. My standard rig for all gigs is at least 750 watts (up to 1,100).

AwkwardLoudness · #10 10-07-2010, 09:26 AM

An amp with 300 to 400 tube watts (RMS) or 1000 solid state peak watts and enough speakers of your choice size (8x10, two 4x10s, 2x15, two 2x15s, two 210s) would be enough for just about any gig.

seamonkey · #11 10-07-2010, 10:17 AM

There's a formula for this, take the circumference of one of your speakers and divide by the diameter and multiply by 100.

314.159265W

pedro · #12 10-07-2010, 10:22 AM

I played an outdoor gig a couple of weeks ago with a GK700RB and a Markbass 2x10 and it was just fine. Played a high school reunion gig in a large greenhouse a month ago with the same rig. No PA support for either/ It was plenty - see for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JfMp6Vr5qI

JoshuaTSP · #13 10-07-2010, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mccartneyman

Well, back before bands played so stinking loud, 50 watts was "enough." Even today it depends on stage volume. Outdoor gigs don't necessarily mean that the band has to turn up stage volume if the PA support is good enough. Personally, I'd like to think that 300 watts is "enough," but I have a 600 watt Genz just in case.

bands play louder now?

pedro · #14 10-07-2010, 10:23 AM

FWIW, I've played that same gig linked above w/ a 1x15 and my Ampeg V4b and it was fine.