I just bought an ampeg BA-115 to replace my small 15w practice amp, but the hiss is pretty bad and i think I'm going to return it. I love the tone of the amp so i was thinking of getting the BA-112 which seems to get great reviews, but I'm wondering if at 50w it will be sufficient for my needs. I mostly just play at home, and here and there jam with friends. Is the BA-112 good enough for jam sessions? If not what recommendations do you have? I'm not looking to spend anymore than $400 or maybe $450 at most.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
50W loud enough?
- Thread starter Joseph4325
- Start date
I've tried tinkering with the settings all I can based on other user's recommendations to no avail. You are right about the cable though. I do use a cheap $3 cable I got from musiciansfriend. Would a higher quality cable really make that big of a difference? If so do you have any recommendations?
Get a generic cable that costs around $15.
I don't play anywhere with less than 550 watts, (except Church Worship) but most gigs I have about 1500 watts on tap.
I don't play anywhere with less than 550 watts, (except Church Worship) but most gigs I have about 1500 watts on tap.
50 Watts is loud enough ("very loud" to non-musicians) if all you do is practice. If you plan on playing out and are looking for an amp to do that with, save for something about 4x larger.
50W is likely to get burried by a drummer
At least 100W just for jamming
300W or more if you plan on playing out (bonus if your combo/head has a line out)
At least 100W just for jamming
300W or more if you plan on playing out (bonus if your combo/head has a line out)
Well, it's definitely not the cable. It still hisses that bad with nothing going in the input. Any recommendations for a good 100W amp in the 300-400 price range?
The BA-112 is a pretty loud little amp for 50W, but a loud drummer will drown it out. It can hang with a restrained drummer with good dynamic sense or better yet hand percussion, I've done a lot of coffeehouse gigs with my BA-112, usually with acoustic guitar and congas/djembe.
Have you tried a used Peavey TNT-115? That might get you closer to where you seem to want to be, it's a strong amp by itself and can handle an extension cabinet as well.
Todd in Cheesecurdistan
Have you tried a used Peavey TNT-115? That might get you closer to where you seem to want to be, it's a strong amp by itself and can handle an extension cabinet as well.
Todd in Cheesecurdistan
my rule of thumb, at least in a rock setting, is to have a 4 to 1 ratio to compete with a guitarist and drummer. 100 watt Marshall stack = 400+ watts for me... and sometimes more, much much more 
100 watts is a pretty good for a band, to be at least heard over a drummer.
The more the better though, in most cases
The more the better though, in most cases
Masher88
Believe in absurdities and you commit atrocities
BA-112 is a big practice/small gig amp. I've used mine several times but going up against a loud rock drummer is problematic.
my rule of thumb, at least in a rock setting, is to have a 4 to 1 ratio to compete with a guitarist and drummer. 100 watt Marshall stack = 400+ watts for me... and sometimes more, much much more
+1
My 60 watt SWR LA-12 won't even keep up with my crappy computer speakers. :scowl:
The 100w Ampeg B100R is my favorite small amp. I think there's one for sale in the TB classifieds now for a great price. Get this. (Note: I do not know the seller or have any other interest in the sale.)
you know me...........buy a crown or qsc poweramp and a preamp your happy with match with speakers........do your home work and you can stay under 400 dollars......
- Mar 9, 2005
- 1,946
- 11
- Disclosures
- Avatar Club#12 Eden Club Lucky# 13--USA Peavey Club#37 Carvin Club#5
I like 300 for a practice amp. It may be enough to use with a drummer, if he isn't too wild. You can always turn down , but you can't squeeze more out of less.
If you don't have much cash to work with, the Behringer 300 watt heads can be had at times for 100 bucks, and they are quite good practice heads.That and a 4 ohm 15inch cab, will be even be gigable in small clubs, and can be quite affordable for any start up player. Good Luck!
If you don't have much cash to work with, the Behringer 300 watt heads can be had at times for 100 bucks, and they are quite good practice heads.That and a 4 ohm 15inch cab, will be even be gigable in small clubs, and can be quite affordable for any start up player. Good Luck!
find a used Ashdown 180-12. it is 130 watts with the internal speaker and 180 with an extension cab. I have friend who jams with this combo and a behringer 2x10 and plays with a drummer and 2 guitarists.
