Most versatile amp

Needenaneden · #1 02-24-2011, 01:14 PM

I'm looking for an amp that can be used to cover a lot of ground in my studio, but mainly rock. Willing to spend up to about $1500 for a head unit. I'm concerned about reliability too. Any suggestions for what's currently on the market? Thanks.

JimmyM · #2 02-24-2011, 01:45 PM

all amps are as versatile as you are. never played one yet that wasn't. played a handful that i didn't like, but that's a different story.

the traditional recording amp is an ampeg b-15, which happens to be my favorite of all time, and they can be had used for $1500 and under (or $4000 for a new handbuilt one), but if you also want to use it live, i would maybe suggest an svt of some sort.

countrybass007 · #3 02-24-2011, 01:49 PM

Phil Jones makes several amps that are becoming studio favorites because of great built in D.I.s and low noise. Check out the Phil Jones Pure Sound website.

**bobbybass85** · #4 02-24-2011, 02:05 PM

Ashdown ABM and done.

And here's why:
Super-versatile EQ,
On-Board compressor, it's not gonna be the end all comp but it works well
Valve/SS preamp with Valve Drive that allows the spectrum from clean and clear to nasty
Sub-Octave that's just plain fun to play with
Effects loop for those who use them
Great D.I. for recording and live use
AND... although I've never done this, you can supposedly run it without a cabinet connected. (See here 2nd to last question reads "The amp will come to no harm with the speakers unplugged.")

That's why I'm getting one. I've had a MAG combo from Ashdown for about 5 years now and have never had any reliability issues either!

cableguy · #5 02-24-2011, 02:15 PM

For studio only maybe try a nice DI. I use a tech 21 sansamp RBI. Tube emulation and a clean out as well. 2 channels to give the engineer something they can work with. But then I don't have the cabbage for a real tube amp so this is what I use.

Mushroo · #6 02-24-2011, 02:23 PM

Every studio I've ever been in has recorded the bass DI. An industry-standard DI such as the Countryman will run you under $200.

If you're working with players who "need" their amp mic'd for "their sound" then they're not going to want to use your amp anyway, they'll bring their own.

kosmicwizard · #7 02-24-2011, 02:40 PM

Just because something is used doesn't mean it is going to break right away. In many cases in fact buying used will save you money in the long run. When you also consider the fact that some heads are no longer made this also adds strength to the used side of the equation. Since it will be in a studio you don't need gobs of power. Knowing where you live could also be beneficial to us being able to help you.

Now I am just going to list off some less than 300 Watt all tube heads because I think they are more pleasing to the ear generally than solid state amps. Having a DI is a good thing in a studio as well. Okay here we go ... Ampeg B15, Ampeg V4B, Mesa/Boogie D-180 (great for both guitar and bass), Mesa Buster 200, Mesa BASS 400, Ashdown DP200 or LB30 drophead 15H's, Traynor YBA 200 or 200-2, Peavey VB-2, Genz Benz Streamliner 600 (okay so this last one is hybrid ... But it is very tubey and diverse tonally), some people also really like the SWR blue or red faced combos. Another option is a REDDI ... Cheers.

Sundogue · #8 02-24-2011, 03:00 PM

Carvin BX1500.

Bi-ampable.
Two power sections (with separate adjustable output control).
Active crossover
Parametric EQ
Graphic EQ
Effects Send/Return
Adjustable DI
Headphone out
Tuner out
Mute Switch
Active/Passive switch
Safe down to 2 ohms
Lightweight
Rack mountable

Lots of power and tonal shaping options.

The most versatile head I've ever owned (the BX1200, pre-cursor to the BX1500). You can mix and match just about any cab configuration to your liking.

jeff7bass · #9 02-24-2011, 03:16 PM

For 1500 bucks I would get a Carvin B2000 head plus a Carvin BX500 as a second head for stereo.
You would still have money left over for a bass POD of some type, or a Sansamp Bassdriver which has dual outputs (affected and unaffected).
You can get all crazy if you have multiple cabs, like a 4x12 for the B2000 and a pair 2x12’s (vertically stacked) for the BX500 using the Sansamp as a splitter.

GrowlerBox · #10 02-24-2011, 03:27 PM

Just to continue this "I have/want one, so you should too" thread

, the TCE RH450 is extremely versatile -- there are numerous threads listing all the goodies, but briefly, it has 4-band semi-parametric EQ, a very good compressor, "Tubetone" which is nothing like as cheesy as it sounds, 3 pre-set channels, and a kick-ass DI. It's power is also rated very conservatively. I got mine for US$769 shipped to NZ from the US.

Sundogue · #11 02-24-2011, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrowlerBox

Just to continue this "I have/want one, so you should too" thread

, the TCE RH450 is extremely versatile -- there are numerous threads listing all the goodies, but briefly, it has 4-band semi-parametric EQ, a very good compressor, "Tubetone" which is nothing like as cheesy as it sounds, 3 pre-set channels, and a kick-ass DI. It's power is also rated very conservatively. I got mine for US$769 shipped to NZ from the US.

I recommended the one I have not because I have one, but rather because it is the most versatile head I've come across. I have yet to find any other amphead that allows me to use it in so many ways.

I'd recommend it for its features and versatility even if I didn't own one. It is the most versatile head. I'd like to know of another that is as versatile. It may not be what the OP wants, but I answered his question. I'm not one to just throw it out there because I have one.

projectMalamute · #12 02-24-2011, 03:38 PM

If you are only going to have one bass amp in a studio you want a B15. They sound great, are familiar to anyone who has spent any time in a studio, and are super easy to maintain and work on.

GrowlerBox · #13 02-24-2011, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sundogue

I recommended the one I have not because I have one, but rather because it is the most versatile head I've come across. I have yet to find any other amphead that allows me to use it in so many ways.

I'd recommend it for its features and versatility even if I didn't own one. It is the most versatile head. I'd like to know of another that is as versatile. It may not be what the OP wants, but I answered his question. I'm not one to just throw it out there because I have one.

That's cool, man -- the wink wasn't directed at you particularly, but that is how these threads tend to go. You'll notice I did exactly that myself, and there's probably no other way to respond. I think the Carvin would be a fine choice on the grounds of versatility, bang for buck, etc

. However, as usual, if you don't like the basic tone, it doesn't matter how versatile the amp is, so you've gotta try them out if possible.

Needenaneden · #14 02-24-2011, 04:13 PM

Just to clarify, it won't ever leave my studio but it will be cranked for the occasional jam session. Thanks so far for the suggestions.

seamonkey · #15 02-24-2011, 06:37 PM

Using a PC in your studio? Look at the many plug in modelers available.

Needenaneden · #16 02-25-2011, 01:23 PM

What about the Mesa M6 Carbine? It seems like it can cover a fair bit of ground.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTSrZ...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zd5Q8...eature=related

**lowfreqgeek** · #17 02-25-2011, 01:35 PM

I'm really not a big SWR fan (though I've owned and used them in various capacities for about 13 years - I like them, but not my favorite live amp), but the SWR Redhead is a great studio amp. It's really built for the studio and includes features like a speaker on/off switch, fan on/off switch, dedicated Tube DI (like having an Aguilar DB900 built into the amp), plenty of tone control, effects loops, etc.

Personally, I've modified several of my old SWR amps to bypass the Aural Enhancer, which makes it even more versatile. The DI on my Bass 350 is studio grade, and I've used it over my (former) Avalon U5 a few times. I would not hesitate to add a new Redhead to my amp arsenal if I was doing more studio work, or when I finally build my own studio.

MakiSupaStar · #18 02-26-2011, 09:30 AM

Perhaps you should consider a pre/power setup with a couple of different preamps. Then you could have all the versatility you want. Don't like a preamps sound, swap it for another.

NecroticImbecil · #19 02-26-2011, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Needenaneden

Just to clarify, it won't ever leave my studio but it will be cranked for the occasional jam session. Thanks so far for the suggestions.

B15. If you haven't played through one at some length, you won't believe how flexible they are. I didn't, at any rate. Currently mine's used in a similar situation, gets used weekly w/an electronic drum kit and a 4X10 20 watt Mesa guitar combo, has plenty of juice left over if I needed to go louder.

I've actually tried plugins, got a decent clean sound with Ampeg SVX the first time I used it, and a quiet angry buzzing sound the next time I used it. Perhaps it emulates broken bass amps. At least with an amp that starts to act "off" I can check tubes, connections and such. I still prefer to use both machines for the purposes they were designed; amps for amps, computers for porn. Still could be worth trying free demos if you can find them, but I won't be throwing any more money away experimenting with software I can't return. One big plus for Guitar Center, and real amps!

lomo · #20 02-26-2011, 11:45 AM

Versatility entails tweakability. I vote GB Shuttlemax (the 6 can now be had way under your budget). Has both SS and tube preamps, with wildly flexible eq. The cherry on top is superb built quality, service and around 10 lbs. Only thing it won't do is big dirt.
Good DI as well.