Are bass amps obsolete?

[Runnerman]

I know it's not an IEM discussion but I think this is relevant. The biggest drawback I've seen with our 5 year IEM experiment is with the drummer backing off on his playing because he has the mix loud in his IEM monitors. This also happens on vocals. He backs off because he can hear himself so well. It takes some getting used to that's for sure. Getting the monitors right during sound check is still pretty critical even though he has easy on the fly adjustment with the Ipad.

 

[BurningSkies]

I am waiting for the Orgazmatron kiosks.

As long as Lemmy's estate gets a cut.

 

[Scottgun]

Just wondering what the no amp guys are using in band practice.

 

[basscapes]

I find it interesting that those who get "their sound" right off the bass guitar itself usually don't rely on a backline other than as a monitor, while some (self included) use the amp/speaker relationship as part of the oberove tone they are trying to achieve.

BUT, factor in amp/effects/speaker modelling those days (Geddy Lee anyone?), and the variables just get a little too crazy for my taste! LOL.

I guess I will always be a person who always needs the feel of air movement at my back; something I can't duplicate with in-ears or a monitor mix.

As with all things, YMMV...

 

[BurningSkies]

I find it interesting that those who get "their sound" right off the bass guitar itself usually don't rely on a backline other than as a monitor, while some (self included) use the amp/speaker relationship as part of the oberove tone they are trying to achieve.

BUT, factor in amp/effects/speaker modelling those days (Geddy Lee anyone?), and the variables just get a little too crazy for my taste! LOL.

I guess I will always be a person who always needs the feel of air movement at my back; something I can't duplicate with in-ears or a monitor mix.

As with all things, YMMV...

I'm considering a smaller modeling unit for certain gig situations, also probably going to end up with the new Jule Amps Simmone tube-preamp 'pedal'/compact unit. Depending on the gig, it sometimes makes sense to have a quick in-case-of go-to.

 

[Malafaia]

I guess "are tube amps obsolete?" was a question when class D became affordable and good options. Maybe in a near future when the majority of us will be playing in our bedrooms, using pajamas, in a silent environment and making gigs streamed for thousands of people the question will be: "are class D amps, even cabs, obsolete?"

To give an answer, I wouldn't say obsolete but they are no longer obligatory to reach a more-than-satisfactory tone.

 

[sanwin17]

I know the feeling, experienced that at a recent 21st we played. The kids were interested in the band for 1/2hr then they went inside, put on their pajama's and had a phone/texting/slumber party in bed by 10:00pm.
Or you get the bar situation when your hired to play the same night the 'big game' is also on TV in the bar, and they want you to turn down.


By this time in the future earbuds will be history, cerebral implants are the latest craze.
Also you won't need to setup at a venue, the bar/venue will just switch on the holographic projector while you play live in your home studio (with your real bass amp).

Been there. Try playing a bar gig in Florida when Florida State is playing U of Miami.

 

[DirkP]

Just wondering what the no amp guys are using in band practice.

I would rather buy a QSC K 12.2 than a new bassamp and use it with a preamp-pedal. It even has a preset to be used with a bass. It could very well serve the keyboarder and the vocalist.

 

[sanwin17]

I guess "are tube amps obsolete?" was a question when class D became affordable and good options. Maybe in a near future when the majority of us will be playing in our bedrooms, using pajamas, in a silent environment and making gigs streamed for thousands of people the question will be: "are class D amps, even cabs, obsolete?"

To give an answer, I wouldn't say obsolete but they are no longer obligatory to reach a more-than-satisfactory tone.

Excellent point

 

[sanwin17]

I would rather buy a QSC K 12.2 than a new bassamp and use it with a preamp-pedal. It even has a preset to be used with a bass. It could very well serve the keyboarder and the vocalist.

A viable option I'm sure.

 

[sanwin17]

I will stubbornly demand to use and amp when I play guitar and bass. There is nothing worse then having no control over what you hear. I am a sound engineer and my philosophy is to let the player be comfortable and I will "reinforce" what is lacking. Of course there are times where you have to tell some doof to turn down, but I would rather that then making someone uncomfortable on stage because I can't handle their amp.

You're hired!

 

[BurningSkies]

I would rather buy a QSC K 12.2 than a new bassamp and use it with a preamp-pedal. It even has a preset to be used with a bass. It could very well serve the keyboarder and the vocalist.

To me this is still a 'bass amp' just in a different format.

 

[sanwin17]

Amp is part of my sound. Now each part is wonderful so if it’s just bass that’s great, just pre that’s great, mic’ed cab that’s great. It’s my choice even in very large settings.

Played Golden Gate Park through a huge PA with a small amp. But lawd it’s was monstrous right through the side fills. Old school when they used those. Make friends with the soundperson give them a good clear noise free signal and you’ll sound like you. Why would they change it?

It’s my job with an amp to make the stage sound. That’s what makes the music happen. That’s what brings the show. That influences all your mates. What, when, where, and how you play is a major aspect of the music. Some places know this and there’s a separate monitor mix engineer. What happens on stage has to be excellent. After that what the FOH engineer does is to get it scaled up. If I show up and they hear what I want then it’s easier than them referring to their idea of what it should sound like. Makes their job easier.

Bassists and basses are obsolete in fact.

 

[sanwin17]

Bassists and basses are obsolete in fact.

Not yet

 

[Blaze Barlow]

That’s the point, isn’t it? Are they telling you what’s going to happen or asking you what would you like? My experience is 100% the latter.

neither..they just do their routine turning buttons and knobs..they are always open to suggestions..but never try and change what the on stage personalities have in mind..

 

[chadds]

neither..they just do their routine turning buttons and knobs..they are always open to suggestions..but never try and change what the on stage personalities have in mind..

We are saying that sound people tend to do what the act wishes except for the few who aren’t accommodating or doubt their own abilities. We are working together to do a show.

 

[fingerguy]

It's as obsolete as my right hand. Take that however you want.

 

[DeltaDelta]

We are working together to do a show.

That's the spirit.But some engineers and performers need to be reminded that it's a two way street.

 

[Robscott]

Obsolete? I don't think so!

View attachment 3303692

Yes, you can do gigs ampless with a good PA. I just did a string of gigs ampless because that's what the guy I was subbing for did and I wanted to keep the vibe. But I would so much rather have an amp behind me. My amp isn't just a monitor. It's also how everyone else on stage and the first few rows hears me, and it defines what I want in the PA. It's also running to the PA a lot of the time. Do I enjoy loading out more ampless? Yes I do But some of my gigs go on for hours, and I'd much rather listen to my bass coming out of something good than earbuds and a Buttkicker, so it's worth it to me.

Is that a TRB?

 

[Runnerman]

Just wondering what the no amp guys are using in band practice.

Same setup essentially. Our IEM's and mixing board is in a small rack that we affectionately call "the brain". Set it up in the practice room and plug in the XLR's already laying there. The only sound you hear in our practice room is the drums.