What back up amp head to buy ?

GRAHAM SG1 · #1 02-16-2011, 04:42 PM

I am thinking about getting a back up amp head for gigging, I like the idea of a spare for those moments when everything goes wrong !!
I would want to run it through my GK MBE 115 8ohm/400watt cabinet so what would you guys suggest, I dont want to spend an awful lot of money on it as its just for emergencys and it would be good to have a small compact head .

I have looked at the Ashdown MAG 300 EVO, Laney RB9,Ampeg PF 350 and Ashdown little giant 350 .

I think these are all 4ohms speaker outputs so would this be ok with my 8ohm cab ?

Warfender · #2 02-16-2011, 04:43 PM

If you have a good PA and subs, just get a good DI and you are good to go.

AwkwardLoudness · #3 02-16-2011, 04:51 PM

Yeah, a DI box is the simplest and most convenient back up plan if you regularly have good PA support.

Those amps will run fine with an 8Ω cab, but they will not put out their full power unless you have a 4Ω cab or two 8Ω cabs in parallel (combined impedence of 4Ω). 4Ω is just the minimum impedance...you can go higher but the output power suffers.

RickenBoogie · #4 02-16-2011, 04:55 PM

+1 get a DI pedal, and spend your money on some more spkrs.

bombpop14 · #5 02-16-2011, 05:01 PM

Sansamp BDDI or GK MB 200

craig.p · #6 02-16-2011, 05:21 PM

For new, I second the vote for the MB200.

Something used and known-reliable is another option.

Whether new or used, I'd make sure it's 100% solid-state.

The DI option works only if you're 100% sure you'll have mains support for BG in every place you play from this point forward. I know no one in this business who can say that with complete confidence.

DocPBlues · #7 02-16-2011, 05:26 PM

Take a look at a used Kustom Groove Bass 1200 head. I recently upgraded my rig, and when I found out how little those heads go for I decided to keep it. No, it's not the best head in the world, but it is excellent for the price.

MuzikMan · #8 02-16-2011, 05:42 PM

This is actually a good reason to have a pre-power rig. Most power amps are stereo and what is the chance that both channels are going to die at the same time?

Calaverasgrande · #9 02-16-2011, 05:47 PM

Gk 400rb.

mpdd · #10 02-16-2011, 06:03 PM

i have a marshall 5520 and a mesa d180, not sure which one is the backup, because i use them both for specific purposes, but i think you could buy the marshall for the price of a nice dinner

StereoPlayer · #11 02-16-2011, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craig.p

For new, I second the vote for the MB200.

Something used and known-reliable is another option.

Whether new or used, I'd make sure it's 100% solid-state.

The DI option works only if you're 100% sure you'll have mains support for BG in every place you play from this point forward. I know no one in this business who can say that with complete confidence.

+100

stiles72 · #12 02-16-2011, 07:03 PM

I'd go with the same as whatever your main head is. That way if something goes wrong- trying to dial in a new amp from scratch will be one less thing for you and the soundman to deal with.

lbanks · #13 02-16-2011, 07:12 PM

I've got a used Behringer 300wt head to backup my Sunn for about $150. Since the Sunn pooted out, the B has been a rock. However, I was nervous and bought a backup head for it, a Superfly. The Superfly makes me nervous so I'm thinking of buying this guys GK for $200 and a preamp.

Pilgrim · #14 02-16-2011, 07:45 PM

The Behringer BX4500H is probably the best amp they make, and the cheapest for the watts. Mine did two years without a flaw.

Munjibunga · #15 02-16-2011, 07:57 PM

Eden WTX500. (Don't tell Vail.)

GRAHAM SG1 · #16 02-17-2011, 02:00 AM

Thanks for the replies, just to clarify a few things;

We only use backline so no chance of DIing into PA, I am the singer and bass so am limited to what I can get into my car .

I use a GK MB210 with the MBE115 cab so a GK MB500 would be good but sadly way out of my price point .

I know of someone who had an Ashdown little giant which seemed pretty good and could fit into his gig bag with ease .

I did wonder if a mod could be made to my MB210 to build in a switch so I could switch off the power to my combo amp and still use the 210s speakers with the 115 and the back up amp, that way I would have a 4ohm (2x8ohm) load and get the max power out of the back up head ?

I would be looking to spend in the region of £200-300 new .

craig.p · #17 02-17-2011, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRAHAM SG1

I did wonder if a mod could be made to my MB210 to build in a switch so I could switch off the power to my combo amp and still use the 210s speakers with the 115 and the back up amp, that way I would have a 4ohm (2x8ohm) load and get the max power out of the back up head?

Sure, and there's more than one way to do it. What I'd do is cut a hole for a dual-Speakon plate into the back of the combo's cabinet. Pull one of the tens first so you can check for possible bracing interference before you make your cut. Install FOUR-way Speakons in the speaker-plate holes. Move the combo amp's woofer output from the woofer to Speakon A 1+/1-. Move the combo amp's tweeter output from the tweeter to Speakon A 2+/2-. Connect Speakon B 1+/1- to the woofer. Connect Speakon B 2+/2- to the tweeter. Finally, mount the speaker plate to the back of the combo's cab.

When you want to use the internal speakers, jumper the jacks with a short FOUR-way Speakon cable. When you want to use only the internal speakers, connect the external amp to the Speakon connector that goes to the internal speakers, and use a TWO-way Speakon cable (1+/1- only) so you're using only the combo's tens.

Obviously you'll want to mark those connectors very well, so you don't accidentally backfeed the combo amp's output with the output of the external (backup) amp.

I've assumed the combo has a tweeter and that the crossover is part of the combo's amp chassis and therefore is not accessible.

Someone else please check what I've written here. Its still early here and my caffeine intake is still way below MDR.

only4 · #18 02-17-2011, 04:21 AM

I have the Little giant 350 and use it for rehearsals and as a backup to may Markbass SA450 when playing live. It's a great little amp for the money.

SlingBass4 · #19 02-17-2011, 04:38 AM

Actually I've been deliberating on this, myself

A new Carvin BX500 seems to be what I'm leaning towards...but there are many solid options with a pre-owned head (and at a very fair price point). IF buying used - consider whether service on that amp would be available in your area

GRAHAM SG1 · #20 02-17-2011, 10:40 AM

Cheers fellas, I think the use of a back up is probably going to prove to be a very rare occurence so it may not be a good idea to make major mods to my combo, I would think just the 115 would be enough to get me out of trouble with the right amp, most of the places we play are small pubs and clubs and the rest of the band could turn down to suit, that would upset the buggers