Need a simple amp solution for 2 basses.

[Nev375]

I play a 4 string BEAD tuned bass and a 12 string bass. Each one has drastically different EQ requirements, but I need them both plugged in and ready to go as one song requires me to switch instruments partway through.

Currently I have a rack-system and a 4x10 which serves me well for this problem except I'm getting old and I need something lighter and simpler like a combo amp.

So I think I need an amp with 2 inputs and EQ stages and a single DI out. We are mellower acoustic blues, rock, folk and country, so massive volume is not necessary, but I do want solid low-end.

The Ampeg PBC-228 almost looks like the perfect solution on paper, but it's impossible to find nowadays and I've read some not so good reviews on it anyway.

Ideas, thoughts? I'd like to keep things under 50 lbs if possible. What would you use for this?

[Longhair]

Have you looked into putting together a pedal board with an A/B switch?

[kander]

One thing that came to mind is the Genz-Benz ShuttleMAX. It has one input but two channels, each with separate eq. settings. that can be switched via a footswitch.

[maclif]

depending on your budget... neodynium speakers seems necessary to get much happening on the low end and under 50 lbs. Many companies make them now: Markbass, Mesa Boogie... etc.

[oldcatfish]

"Have you looked into putting together a pedal board with an A/B switch?"
This is the easiest solution, especially if you add an eq pedal.

[Nev375]

I was hoping to avoid having to put together a pedalboard.

Hate them.

[prd004]

Get a Radial Bassbone, thats EXACTLY what it's made for, plus it does other useful things

[oldcatfish]

Well, you don't have to do the whole board...just a tuner/mute and an eq pedal. Or just get a Radial Bassbone or Tech21 VT deluxe.

[RickenBoogie]

The Radial BassBone is THE answer.

[Nev375]

I don't see how the bassbone gives me 2 different EQs.
Looks like 2 level controls feeding a shared eq section.

[Longhair]

Originally Posted by Nev375

I was hoping to avoid having to put together a pedalboard.

Hate them.

What about midi controlled rack effect units?

Something I was thinking about was making my own out of DIY pedals kits, MSA-P MIDI Decoder and an empty 1U rack box - pedal board without all the pedal board mess

[KsPiNeSh]

IMO something that has switchable preamp channels (Genz Benz GBE or ShuttleMax amps would be my choice) or a switchable graphic EQ section (Mesa M-Pulse 600, M9 Carbine) seems like a good fit for this situation.

[MtJam]

Eden 1205.

[Nev375]

Originally Posted by Longhair

What about midi controlled rack effect units?

Something I was thinking about was making my own out of DIY pedals kits, MSA-P MIDI Decoder and an empty 1U rack box - pedal board without all the pedal board mess

LOL I'm a simple guy, I don't think I need MIDI.
And I already have a 4 space rack setup.
Stereo Mic Pre -> Stereo EQ -> Stereo compressor -> Amp

That works perfectly fine other than the weight and bulk of it.
Pedals are lighter and smaller, but they tend to get noisy IME. Was just hoping someone knew of a good 2 channel combo like they used to have in the old days (Ampeg, Yorkville, Acoustic) ...without the old-school weight.

[Nev375]

Originally Posted by MtJam

Eden 1205.

Good suggestion. Definitely closer to what I'm wanting although way more power than I need. Still, better too much than to little.

I'm going to need a bigger piggy bank. LOL

[onosson]

Originally Posted by Nev375

I don't see how the bassbone gives me 2 different EQs.
Looks like 2 level controls feeding a shared eq section.

I haven't used one, but from what I've seen it has two separate eq sections: one has individual eq controls, while the other has two preset contours (and a flat setting).

[Jeff Scott]

Originally Posted by Nev375

.....I'm getting old and I need something lighter.....So I think I need an amp with 2 inputs and EQ stages and a single DI out.....Ideas, thoughts?

You just described a Walter Woods amp.

[Longhair]

Originally Posted by Nev375

LOL I'm a simple guy, I don't think I need MIDI.
And I already have a 4 space rack setup.
Stereo Mic Pre -> Stereo EQ -> Stereo compressor -> Amp

That works perfectly fine other than the weight and bulk of it.
Pedals are lighter and smaller, but they tend to get noisy IME. Was just hoping someone knew of a good 2 channel combo like they used to have in the old days (Ampeg, Yorkville, Acoustic) ...without the old-school weight.

I use MIDI as an A/B pedal with road rage on roids.

[4Mal]

I typically cable up a kala UBass (wireless) to Fishman Pro Platinum EQ and my Barker piezo Brio to a Sans Amp ParaDriver. The outputs of those go to a Korg PitchBlack + which acts as Tuner/mute. I send the signal from the Korg to my amp (GK MB2-500) and use the DI from the GK most places. Once in a while I haul out the Avalon U5 when I'm feeling the neeed to 'guccifi' my bad self ...

I've messed around with this issue a lont time. This is as good as it's gotten yet for me.

[4Mal]

Originally Posted by onosson

I haven't used one, but from what I've seen it has two separate eq sections: one has individual eq controls, while the other has two preset contours (and a flat setting).

that would be correct.