Amplifier Crossroads...

[Jon Moody]

Here's what I have currently:

EA iAmp Micro 300 --> Schroeder Mini 12R (4ohm)
Gallien Krueger MB150S-112

Here's what I normally play:

Theatre gigs (50% with DI)
Folk Group
Art-Rock Group that does soundtracks to silent movies

Here is my main issue:

There really isn't that much of a volume difference with the EA/Schro rig as opposed to the GK rig. Case in point, I used the GK for rehearsals all last week, and the drummer said "For the gigs, could you bring your big rig?" and I said sure. Did the gigs yesterday and today, and the drummer said "I didn't notice that much of a difference." I think it's mainly because at the heart of both systems, I'm still pushing only one 12" speaker.

So, here are some options (I'd appreciate any thoughts):

-Buy the extension cabinet for the GK, thus allowing 150w through two 12" speakers.

-Sell the EA and buy a new amp that can put out 500w at 4ohm to fully utilize the Schro cab. I'm hoping at that point, this would definitely give it a "big rig" feel, even though I'd still be using one 12" speaker.

Something to consider:

I double on electric and upright in a couple of groups. However, I don't really need two separate channels anymore. I just bought a Bassbone, and given that the sound guys LOVE that DI as compared to the one on the EA, having a one channel amp isn't a problem (hence using the GK at rehearsals).

 

[RickenBoogie]

It really is as easy as adding on another speaker.

 

[will33]

It really is as easy as adding on another speaker.

+1

Adding a 12" extension speaker will get you that extra volume or "push". Doesn't even have to be some expensive uber tone machine, just something to put more lows and lower midrange "body of sound" out there to fill the room although it'd be advisable to get another one of something you already have. Same tone profile/lowend rolloff etc., just louder. Ohm handling limits of the amps must be considered. ie: a pair of 8ohm 12's instead of a single 4ohm.

 

[Jon Moody]

Thanks guys, I figured as much. I looked back at my old amp in my rock band, and realized I was only pushing about 220w, but since the speaker cabinet was a 4x10, I was pushing a lot of air.

I hear you about matching what I already have, which was why I was thinking about adding that GK extension cab (which would be a second 12").

 

[SlingBass4]

Thanks guys, I figured as much. I looked back at my old amp in my rock band, and realized I was only pushing about 220w, but since the speaker cabinet was a 4x10, I was pushing a lot of air.

I hear you about matching what I already have, which was why I was thinking about adding that GK extension cab (which would be a second 12").

Seems you've solved the problem for yourself

 

[Joe Smithberger]

The GK extension is cheap and small, but if you need some more thump, you may want to look into a bigger, ported 8 ohm cab. Even a 210 would sound much bigger with the GK.

 

[ariss120Hz]

I share the same case;also have a GK MB112S, tried to use a tilted amp stand to get that "in ya face sound"...but i guess have to learn from this thread about the adding an extension cab....

 

[groove pump]

I've always been rather partial to the magic in a 4x10 cab and fortunately you've been-there-done-that. The first attempt at bigger sound could certainly be the extension or even a 2x10, but it might just be that you need to get back to a bigger box. If you've got the wheels to haul it, a 4x10 with something to push it should remove any question of having some room to work with on that knob that reads "Master".

 

[SwitchGear]

Add a second 1x12 and you will be bigger and louder.

 

[Jon Moody]

The GK extension is cheap and small, but if you need some more thump, you may want to look into a bigger, ported 8 ohm cab. Even a 210 would sound much bigger with the GK.

That is a good idea, thanks.

I share the same case;also have a GK MB112S, tried to use a tilted amp stand to get that "in ya face sound"...but i guess have to learn from this thread about the adding an extension cab....

If anything, I think I've finally come to the realization that my gigs are so widely varied that having two amp systems is going to be a necessity over having a "It can do it ALL!" solution. The GK MB is a fantastic amp for these small shows where a DI is used (or the choir gig I'm doing this weekend), but for the art-rock shows, having something bigger is almost a must, even if I keep the master volume at 9 o'clock.

So with that, I sold the EA head and have a Warwick ProFet 5.2 on order. I'm thinking about possibly selling the Schro cab too, in lieu of getting a pair of 1x12s in 8ohm config, so I could run this amp with 1 or 2 cabs, and also use one of those for the GK MB if need be.