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What is the best amp for metal?

B

basshero1107

Jun 20, 2007
102
0
33
Franklin, TN
#1
I am i the market for a new amp and i need to know what to get.
My band plays very loud metal and i need an amp that can keep up with the guitars.
Weight and size is an issue so i looked at the genz benz shuttle 6.0 but i just dont think it has the power.
I was thinking maybe a GK or Markbass?
I know Ampeg may be the better choice but they are too expensive and heavy.
I would say the max i am willing to spend would be about $1100 but ANY suggestions are gratefully accepted.

Thanks!
 
#10
Since you mention weight as a factor the Markbass R500 or the soon to arrive R800 would be fine choices depending on your cabs.
If you can't wait the SD800 runs only 7.5lbs. with 750w @ 4ohms.
My F1 is phenomenal but only runs 500W @ 4ohms. Nothing to sneeze at but for Metal purposes might be lacking? can't say for sure. But I'm sure 2 410 eight ohm cabs or 212 and a 410 would put you into domination territory.

I used to have a Carvin B1500 the just plain crushed. it was 35lbs. though for comparison but only hit the wallet for $700. I only sold it to go lighter.
 
#11
I think there are too many amps to name that would work well for loud metal, but what your main consideration needs to be is what cabs you run with your amp. 810, 610, 410?
The more drivers, the greater the surface area and the greater the volume.
You could potentially drive an 810 cab with a shuttle and still have killer volume, but not may 810 cabs come light. Plenty of good lightweight 410's, 212's and 115 on the market though.
 
#12
I have a Genz Benz shuttle 6 with a Berg AE410, it does cut well for me, I play in a death metal band, it works really well live... But I think I also feel the need for something different, more colour to the sound... I bought the GenzBenz because I play a lot of different styles mainly funk, jazz, etc.

I think a Mesa would be nice, you guys think a Sansamp would do nice to add some grit to what I already have?
 
#14
All of the above are great amps for metal...

I think the Sansamp BDDI is the best tool for metal. Use it as an outboard pre to make your crappy amp sound like a good amp. Use it in the FX loop on your good amp to make it sound like your own sound instead of basic namebrand tone.
 
#15
There is no metal tone. In fact, there are very few setups that don't have their place in metal. It is entirely what you want your bass to sound like.

Some metal bassists want to just be a root note rumble in the background. Others want a bright, articulate, cutting tone. Try as many amps as you can out to get ideas, then come back and we could suggest similar amps to check out.
 
#16
gm jack said:
There is no metal tone. In fact, there are very few setups that don't have their place in metal. It is entirely what you want your bass to sound like.

Some metal bassists want to just be a root note rumble in the background. Others want a bright, articulate, cutting tone. Try as many amps as you can out to get ideas, then come back and we could suggest similar amps to check out.
Click to expand...

+1. I've played in metal bands that require both of those situations and i could easily handle it with my hartke 3500a and a 410. But for a grand I would definetly go the way i said earlier, avatar cab (1000 watts handling!) a decent power amp (that can bridge to around 800 watts at the ohmage of the avatar) and a sansamp. You'll be mucho happy with the result!
 
#20
Ok!
I looked at a bunch of the suggestions you guys gave and decided on a few things that i know are good.

I was thinking:

Head- Gallien-Krueger 700RB
Specs from musiciansfriend.com

POWER <1% THD
LF 480W @ 4 ohm; 320W @ 8 ohm, 1 kHz
HF 50W @ 8 ohm, 5kHz
17-1/2"W x 3-1/2"H x 8"D
16-1/2 lbs.


Cabinets-
Gallien-Krueger 210 Neo Cab
and
Genz Benz STL-210T


If i get them used i may be able to stay in my price range. The matchup is good considering both cabs have a 400 watt power rating and the head has 480W at 4 ohm. If i combine the cabs then i get 480W and if i use either one by itself then i get 320W. Is that right? its all kind of confusing.
Plus i can use one cab for practice and two for shows. I think 480 watts will be plenty.

Any thoughts, comments, corrections?

-Thanks-
 

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