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Battery Powered Bass Amp Recommendations?

I

Isaac_Bear

Guest
Apr 6, 2012
120
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Sacramento California
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#1
Hey hows it going guys? I was wondering if anyone had experience with the new Micro Cube Bass amp...or the Hog Pignose 30. I know the Micro cube has some cool little drums programmed in it to jam. I was wanting to do a little street performing...but not sure which amp is better. Or are there any other models out there you would recommend? I tryed the Micro cube at guitar center..and it seemed to get decently loud....the lows wer'nt to great...but not bad for the size. Haha the Pignose is cheaper though...and has 2 inputs whichis pretty cool. Any advice would be great! Thanks Dudes and Dudettes!

-Scotty
 
#3
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Power inverters are very inefficient, losing a lot of power as heat in the conversion process. Also, having 115v AC in a non-grounded, non-ground fault protected environment is asking for trouble. Look at using medium size 12v batteries, like for a riding mower. PE has a couple of preamps that look good, as well as several car amps that bridged would produce in the 80-100 watt range. A very good 12" cab, like a fEarful or similar. Strap the whole rig to a wheeled dolly, and you should be all set....My .02...
 
#4
Face it: small speakers + small cab = small sound. The BEST to my ears is the Crate Limo or the Cube.

The Crate Limo has a lot of power, seems to run longer than the Cube, but lacks the boom of the Cube. I have used both and currently still own each, but for bass I use the Cube.

Neither however are gonna shake dentures, but you will have a 'bass presence' that --- although not very resonant --- will be there.

So --- does the city charge you to play or are they just looking the other way? Doesn't seem to me that SF would let any pennies get away from them right now.

If Moonbeam hears about anyone making money on HIS street corners, you can bet he'll tax or fee it quickly.
 
#5
SurferJoe46 said:
So --- does the city charge you to play or are they just looking the other way? Doesn't seem to me that SF would let any pennies get away from them right now.

If Moonbeam hears about anyone making money on HIS street corners, you can bet he'll tax or fee it quickly.
Click to expand...

The OP is in Sacramento not S.F. but both cities have street performer permits and you can play in parks and etc (unplugged) for free. ;)
 
#8
Isaac_Bear said:
Hey hows it going guys? I was wondering if anyone had experience with the new Micro Cube Bass amp...or the Hog Pignose 30. I know the Micro cube has some cool little drums programmed in it to jam. I was wanting to do a little street performing...but not sure which amp is better. Or are there any other models out there you would recommend? I tryed the Micro cube at guitar center..and it seemed to get decently loud....the lows wer'nt to great...but not bad for the size. Haha the Pignose is cheaper though...and has 2 inputs whichis pretty cool. Any advice would be great! Thanks Dudes and Dudettes!

-Scotty
Click to expand...

I own both amps.

Hog Pignose 30:
It's older technology. Quite heavy. Battery is rechargeable, which means when you run out of juice, you're done. Just a basic amp with really no effects to speak of.

Roland Micro Cube Bass RX:
Newer technology. Lightweight. Uses AA batteries, so when you run out of juice, just throw another set in and your good to go. Basic efx, but cool to have. Drum machine is also basic but cool to have as well. The modeling feature is a bit lame.

My recommendations:
Go with the Roland. I've used mine for busking on the streets of NYC. It's not as loud, or rich or full sounding as a regular plug in amp... it's a small battery powered amp. If you're playing with a full up band it's not going to be loud enough. But... if you're playing solo, or with an acoustic guitar, singer type of thing... it works reasonably well.
 
#9
Wow thanks so much for the advice guys! I would probably do a solo thing...or jam with an acoustic guitar. I did some research on the power inverters...it seems like some of them have bogged out on people kinda quickly...maybe they didn't recharge them or something. I guess with a cube I could just carry that and my bass..travel really light. If I get enough work this week I might just splurge and get one haha. Have you guys busked before?...I might have to look into getting a permit. I live in Placerville..but I woul love to go to S.F and play! Or maybe santa Cruz.

Thanks again guys! Invalid Link Removed oh if you are interested I'm doing this weekly bass improv video thing

-Scotty
 
#12
Class-d "Car" amps that are full-range are a good bet. Low power consumption and built in SMPS to raise 12v to higher voltages to crank out the power. Just add a decent pre-amp/pedal

An efficient/sensitive cabinet will get you more acoustic output than a lot of power. Don't expect too much If you're looking for miniature cabinet.
 
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#13
I just bought a Roland Micro Bass Cube RX (apparently that's the official name!). For projection, the amp needs midtones. Four 4" speakers won't get heavy bottom. Busking on the street with other players and ambient noise needs midtones to cut through the mix. Steel strings on my USA 4 Jazz with passive Barts or Pedulla Rapture 5 active cuts through.

The alternative I have is an old Fender Sidekick 10, various 12vdc options, and wire the output to an external 8 ohm cab. More wattage than the Roland, projects lows and mids, and cuts through a mix, but is a lot more gear to tot around. I rigged a foldable solar panel to power either amp under the sun. My preference is the Roland: one-amp, all-emcompassing.
 
#14
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#16
BatteryPoweredSetup.jpg


I've used this quite successfully in the subway.
 

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