Small Combo That can Accept a Pre w/o Tone Coloring?

[BassDaddy77]

The thread title is a bit confusing, but I didn't know how else to word it. I'm looking for a small (lightweight is a must) combo that has an effects loop return that will allow a pure signal from the source. In this case, I'll be using a Tech 21 SansAmp VT Bass pedal as a stand alone pre. I don't want the combo amp to color the tone whatsoever, so a transparent signal from the pre is critical. I'm thinking a minimum of 100 watts should suffice. Not looking to spend a fortune, maybe around $350-$400. Any suggestions?

[BassDaddy77]

After thinking about it, I suppose even just a head would be alright, provided it's small and lightweight. I have a 210 cab I can use if need be. Either way, anyone have any ideas?

[ryognbass]

I suggest just buying a power amp. no pre to color the tone at all

[4Mal]

Your price range is way to low to achieve what you describe. Play through a bunch and see what you like best. If you are more serious about the neutral tonality than the light weight then I would suggest a used Keyboard amp. Yorkville KB-200, Roland Kc-550, etc they don't quality as light by any means but they sound very good and are relatively neutral particularly when one considers the price range.

IME - bass combo's tend to be voiced to sound larger than they are. Fine - that's what the wedding/lounge band needs. It just isn't a sound I crave...

[BassDaddy77]

Originally Posted by ryognbass

I suggest just buying a power amp. no pre to color the tone at all

I considered that, but aren't most power amps stereo output? I guess you could use bridging, but I'd worry about blowin' the cab if I wasn't overly cautious.

[M0ses]

Originally Posted by BassDaddy77

I considered that, but aren't most power amps stereo output?

And? That's your best option for the money Bass > sansamp > power amp > 210.

For $400 you can all the wattage you'll ever need.

You don't have to bridge it, you can just use one side by itself.

[BassDaddy77]

Originally Posted by M0ses

And? That's your best option for the money Bass > sansamp > power amp > 210.

For $400 you can all the wattage you'll ever need.

You don't have to bridge it, you can just use one side by itself.

I thought you had to bridge a stereo output to maintain full mono signal? Thanks for the heads-up.

[silky smoove]

Some combos will allow you to send a signal through the effects return and bypass the preamp entirely.

[JimmyM]

first off, "uncolored" only exists on paper once you get the cab involved. second, why the heck would you want something "uncolored" to run a vt through?

i suggest lowering your standards a little (a lot, actually) and just looking for something that sounds good.

[uaudio]

There used to be a Tech21 product line called the Bass Power Engine. There was a 60W combo with no preamp. Pretty much exactly what you [think that you] need.

I know what you're after. You're looking to allow the VT to drive 100% of the tone and have no outside variables. But any amp is going to have it's own color, even w/the pre bypassed, and there is no accepted definition of "uncolored."

So JimmyM is right. Just get an amp that sounds good on its own, then find a setting with it that works well with your VT. Or run the pedal into the efx return and bypass the preamp.

[derrico1]

If you'll be playing anything but the smallest clubs, you'll want to think about how you'll send a signal to the PA.

If your rig is VT-->power amp-->cab, you'll need to use the VT's eq to adjust your stage sound.

But if you want to send a VT-processed sound to FOH, you'll have your DI after the VT (or *in* the VT if you either get the Putnam mod or pick up a VT deluxe). In that case, any eq you do at the pedal will also affect the PA--not what you want if you're eqing to compensate for stage resonance, odd stage mix, etc.

OTOH, if you have eq downstream of the VT & DI (either as a separate piece or else built into the amp head), then you can set up your VT to give you the tone(s) you want via DI into a mixer, and then eq as needed for your stage sound *after* the DI signal.

[BassDaddy77]

Valid points everyone. Thank you. Perhaps I was a bit vague when I said no tone coloring. Of course I realize that each cab and configuration have a unique sound, I just meant that I wanted the tone of a solid state amp nullified to the point that I'm getting pure tube vibe from the VT pedal. I guess in a perfect world I'd just go out and buy a SVT classic and 810 cab. If I hit the lottery that'll be first on my list, but it would still be too big and heavy of a rig to manage.

Silky smoove, I tried doing exactly that with my Carvin BX600, but it doesn't allow a stand alone signal to be received through the effects loop return. Carvin customer support said that the return operates on a parallel signal path, and is in fact still allowing some of the preamps' tonal settings to affect overall tone.

JimmyM, sorry if I came off sounding like I had "high standards," that certainly wasn't the message I was trying to convey. My standards are probably lower than just about anyone else on TB being that I'm still so new to all of this. I just know that when people post too vague of a question regarding a recommendation i.e.: "What combo should I buy?" it leaves too many variables unknown that can narrow down any sesible responses. People get irritated when folks ask questions that are not specific enough, and I didn't want to generate the old "do yourself a favor and use the search function" answer. I actually really like my BX600 amp, but it really doesn't get anywhere near a decent tube tone.

Anyway, thanks again everyone, I appreciate your shared knowledge and experience, it's a big part of what makes TB such an awesome community.

[JimmyM]

don't have to apologize to me, bro...i spent over $3000 on restoring vintage amps a couple years ago so i'm not against high standards but at that price point, you will have to lower them a bit.