PA power amp vs. bass amp

Edb · #1 10-12-2010, 09:31 PM

What are the advantages/disadvantages of running a bass thru a standard PA power amp to a bass cab as opposed to using a standard bass amp? What are the main differences?

Lonnybass · #2 10-12-2010, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edb

What are the advantages/disadvantages of running a bass thru a standard PA power amp to a bass cab as opposed to using a standard bass amp? What are the main differences?

The possibility of having much more power at your fingertips, the need for a separate preamp unit, and the ability to switch different preamps in and out of your rack as you see fit.

Lonnybass

Kwesi · #3 10-12-2010, 09:41 PM

They're bigger? Actually, if you include the SWR Amplite that argument doesn't pass anymore, lol.

Edb · #4 10-12-2010, 09:55 PM

Kwesi, what are you saying is "bigger?"

seamonkey · #5 10-12-2010, 09:55 PM

What do you mean by standard PA Power amp?
Are you talking QSC, Crown, Peavey, Carvin,... power amp that you'd need a pre-amp to run with?
Or are you talking powered mixer?

Some early powered mixers were anemic. New ones - killer.

Edb · #6 10-12-2010, 09:59 PM

yes, QSC, crown, etc, that you'd need to use a pre-amp to run with.

Kwesi · #7 10-12-2010, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edb

Kwesi, what are you saying is "bigger?"

Power amps in comparison to amp heads.

seamonkey · #8 10-12-2010, 10:13 PM

QSC, Crown, ... all used in FOH big PA gear totally clear and reliable.
The preamp is where you should add the color.

A standard bass amp is a "head" with a coloration built in.