Amp on casters or not?

[mldavis]

Hi all

Does it make any difference if I was to leave my cab on it's casters, or is it advisable to take the casters off when rehearsing/gigging?

Thanks

 

[AGH]

I've pretty much always used a combo with casters and never had a problem. Interested in others responses...

 

[lz4005]

In theory it could sound slightly different. Less ground coupling on casters, and it might move a little at high volumes.
But in practice you probably wouldn't notice.
Try it both ways and see.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

I used to leave them on my old SWR Redhead - worked fine. If I had casters on my 4x10, I might still actually use it!

 

[beans-on-toast]

It usually isn't a problem. Don't let go of your cab on a hill.

Some stages are not level and an amp on casters can roll. A casters that doesn't have pressure on it, due to an uneven floor, can vibrate and make a buzzing sound.

 

[coughingskunk]

I've used casters on EVERY cab I've ever played through. 210's, 215's, 410's. I can hear no perceivable difference when a cab is on casters vs the floor. Makes moving the heavy ass things way easier.

 

[RAMUSIC]

I've always advocated elevating speakers off the floor, and casters do that and make moving them easier. Again though, try it both ways and see what you like.

 

[mldavis]

Thanks for the advice guys, will see what I prefer tomorrow in rehearsal.

Ta

 

[Gaolee]

A cabinet without casters is a cabinet that needs to be modified.

 

[rapidfirerob]

I always had casters on my cabs until neo came along. My two 112 GK Neo II cabs don't need any help.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Pop-out casters are great.

 

[Slough Feg Bass]

I have casters on all my cabs.
I usually replace whatever is on there right when I get them with super heavy duty ones from a local shop.
That way, when I want to stack stuff on top of them and roll them up and down ramps and stuff, they will be OK.
Or a drunken night when the car is parked at the other end of the lot and I have to drag it across a dirt parking lot.

 

[headband]

I use Mesa casters - installed them on my Bergantino AE410. Makes moving an already light cabinet even easier. The Mesas are expensive but built like tanks.

 

[psp742]

I own only one heavy speaker cab and its big and bulky, Peavey Bass Enclosure 1820 with one 18" black widow and two 10" scorpions.. its heavy.. my other combo amps fit in my car.. this speaker cab is too big for my Honda civic.. my back thanks me for buying the Milwaukee dolly from Home Depot.

 

[Jeff Roller]

I take the casters off for gigs, especially for multi-night engagements.
Not for any perceptible sonic differences, at least none that I can tell.
I do it A) for stability and B) theft deterrent
For the Phil Jones rig of course, the Ampeg has built in casters....

 

[MrBKerth]

The only danger is not having a long enough cable and in your excitement dragging the damn thing off the stage.

 

[vin*tone]

Heavy duty casters always. If it's a rickety stage I'll pop my quad box over on its side.

 

[sharkbait130]

I have castors on every speaker cab and combo that I own. Never take them off. I have never seen a need to. I try to use pretty heavy duty stuff with at least 3" dia. wheels. Makes it nice for rolling across crappy parking lots.

 

[Downunderwonder]

The cheesy little ones on the Rumble 350 are ok for rolling across a gym floor but outdoors they rattle the bejesus out of the amp.

 

[chadds]

I've left my whole rig way up in the air on a rack 'n roller. Sounded awesome up close and in audience. It was twice the height of casters. My SWR BBII sounds good up that high too. No loss in lows.