Running two (different) rigs together?

Tendollarcat · #1 11-10-2010, 03:14 PM

Hey Guys,

I'm playing in a three piece original rock band. My guitarist runs two amps via an ABY pedal and since he has added the second amp, our stage sound has filled up considerably.

I'm looking in to doing the same for my side of the stage

I currently run an Orange Terror Bass into a Glockenklang 4ohm 2x12. What I would like to do is add a loud combo to this setup and am thinking about getting either another tube hybrid amp like a Fender Bassman TV Fifteen or something intentionally clean sounding like a Tecamp 2x12 combo.

Is anyone running two different amps on stage? Is there any reason I should avoid running a different brand of amp alongside the one I have? Any tips or things to avoid?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

JimmyM · #2 11-10-2010, 04:29 PM

two different amps can work well if you get different tones out of each that don't phase each other out. i don't do it but i know people who do. the big problem is that you'll often only get one line to the pa.

SactoBass · #3 11-10-2010, 04:40 PM

Stack your speakers vertically. Don't put cabs side by side. Why? Do a TB search on "dispersion."

EDIT: and if you plug your bass into two amps, be sure to use a splitter box with isolators in it, such as the Lehle. Cheapie splitters will induce AC hum.

zachoff · #4 11-10-2010, 04:43 PM

Do you want a blend or an "a" rig and a "b" rig? I wanted a blend and had better luck splitting my signal and then plugging each split into the two channels on my amp than I did running two separate rigs. If you're looking for an either/or setup then yeah... Don't put them side by side and try to get a mic instead of a line out for your dirty rig.

**cosmicpimp2** · #5 11-10-2010, 04:43 PM

I used to run one 4x10 with effects like chorus and delay and use an 1x18 clean. It was cool. it beefs up the effects so they don't wuss out.

Tendollarcat · #6 11-10-2010, 05:25 PM

Thanks for the info guys. I actually want a blended rig. I have a Fulltone Choralflange that has a stereo output and was initially going to try running my signal into each rig from that. I've tried it quiet and it sounds great. Of course - everything sounds great in the bedroom, especially when the product is new and popular on TB

Obviously, if this didn't work well, I'll then look at a Lehle or something of that quality.

I guess the main concerns will be phasing and dispersion. For me it's not about volume - more a fullness of tone. I use quite a bit of overdrive live so running a clean signal may also get me a good outcome. I could probably just get a bigger cab but I like the ideal of something blendable and modular.

BassMonstrum · #7 11-11-2010, 02:29 AM

I bought the Radial Twin City ABY and it works like a charm!

Clean rig is a GK1001rb-II through a Mesa Roadready 1000, then when I need more I kick in the dirty rig which is a GK MB500 through a GK NEO212.

Sartori · #8 11-11-2010, 02:35 AM

When I saw Sleep, Al Cisneros was using two rigs. 2xSVT setup for the big thumpy sound and a guitar full stack for grind.

nysbob · #9 11-11-2010, 07:37 AM

Normally I just play a fretless bass through and ampeg tube amp & one or two 15"s.

I do use two amps with certain bands a few times every year.

I like a little more top and drive on a fretted bass so add a marshall and two 12"s for that presence and top end. I use a stereo multieffects unit so that makes for a nice stage sound too.

Schlepping and dialing in two rigs is a little more work, but it's fun to do if you have the inclination, and if you know how to get them to work together right.