Bam 210

I'd still rather have this one....

 

Peavey Schmeavy,
Glockenklang Schmockenklang.

This is the real deal, fellas :

 

I just tried a BAM 210 last night. All BS aside, I'd put it up against the Glock, EBS, Eden, SWR, Mesa B, GK... any combo I've heard so far. For that matter, any small rig I've come across.

I'm not a fan of amp modeling but this one is simple and it works. I'm not a fan of built-in effects but these are simple and they work. Setting up patches with tone controls couldn't be easier. The included footswitch works. It allows for effects selection, volume boost, tweeter on/off, etc. The continuously variable input pad is a nice touch. The LED indicators for functions is a nice touch as is the built-in tuner.

None of this would mean squat if it didn't have the sound (see: Roland combos).

I tested it out with two store basses, a Cirrus 5 and a Ken Smith 5. I spent the largest part of my time putting the amp through it's paces while a buddy played a 5 string Stingray.

In this case the amp modeling did produce a variety of usefull tones. The effects are tweakable and produced a variety of sounds as well.

With all effects off, set to BAM210 model, this combo has amazing volume and punch. Amazing... not just for it's size either. With the Master volume set below 3, the lows had a physical presence, you could "feel" them punching you as you played. The overall sound was excellent, not a scooped mid sound (unless you EQ'd it that way), an excellent fullrange sound. Percussive playing produced drum-like dynamics. The highs are very nice and smooth, with and without the tweeter. I did turn it up a little farther briefly, just shy of "5"... that was easily gig volume for me and it sounded the same, just more so. This puppy is loud.

I think I was told it will drive an external cab, it's rated at 350w alone and will push a 2 ohm load.

I've played through all of the combos I mentioned earlier... this is at least their equal if not better. I was told the price is $1050, which blows away the direct competition, the upper echelon. Still a lot of money for a combo but this is one heck of a combo.

I'm seriously considering getting rid of some of my gear and getting one... and I practically never buy new. I'm curious as to whether Peavey may offer the cab alone in the near future. I don't really need the modeling nor the effects.

I'm going back with a couple of my basses to check it out further. It did appear to allow the sound of each bass I tried out through, I'll test that farther, probably with my Lakland and Zon. If it meets my expectations there may be some EA, Ashdown, Apmeg and Eden gear up for sale soon

It was recommended to me by a knowledgeable friend to definitely try ought... I suggest the same to you.

 

Brad, keep us up to date on your findings with your other basses. Sounds like I need to find one and try it out.

How much was the store selling it for?

 

You make it sound very interesting, Brad. I just wonder what it will sell for around here, considering you have to pay around $2000 for a Cirrus bass...

 

I tried it out briefly the other day, and liked it very much. Didn't get the chance to turn it up real loud (then the whole store would know how much I suck!), but it sounded great. As for the effects, I liked them, mostly. The octave effect couldn't track a low C or B on a 4-string very well, and that's what I would use an octave effect for, so that's out the window. The Fretless effect, er, didn't sound like a fretless, but that's OK. The rest of the effects were very good.

As far as any "super" combo goes, I just don't know if it's worth it. They're as heavy as a 4x10 cab. I think it's still better to get a small head and a 4x10 cab if you think you need a 500-watt combo.

To be sure, Peavey is making some darn good equipment these days....

 

Oysterman, I have no idea... a Glock or an EBS may be a better deal there.

Here in the states, I've tried the Glockenlang and all of the EBS combos and I really like them, I've come close to buying a Gorm and Drome more than once. The BAM 210 had more punch without extraneous noise than any combo I can recall.

Then factor in that it's way louder than I'll probably need. This is a pretty exciting piece of gear.

 

I had the same experience with the octave effect, there are two controls available to tweak it... did you try that?

As far as super combos go, I tend to think the same way, Mark. What has me sitting on the fence is what happened when I turned it up. I can't recall a 310 or 410 cab as punchy as this that wasn't almost the same price as this combo.

So far it's the biggest sound in the smallest package for the least amount of $$$ I can recall (outside of buying used gear).

 

$1050. Peavey usually locks everyone into the same price... I'll check around.

I only scratched the surface as far as it's capabilities... I was in Washington Music Center with a few other players playing fairly loud. Once that died down I turned up a little and BAM! (I know, corny... but I figured I'd say it first).

As usually, this is not "the" perfect amp, there isn't one and I fully expect some people to not like it... that's normal. For what I look for in an amp (the sound of whatever bass I'm playing, only bigger) it looks like a good fit. I'd probably be happy with the slantback cab with my BH-420. Somehow I doubt they'll offer that right away.

 

perhaps you should submit this to Paul so it can be listed in the reviews.

 

Oh my God!

Can it possibly be that an owner of those "high end" products actually may get rid of those to own...dare I say it? PEAVEY???

I haven't tried the BAM210, but if it is anything like the the sound I get from my MAX pre-amp, CS800S and 412TVX...I would bet that it is impressive enough.

The newer Peavey gear is definitely something worth checking out. It isn't for everyone, but it is some great stuff.

Keep us posted!!!

 

Hate to break it to ya, Sundogue, but I've owned Peavey gear before. Amps in the past and I currently have a Cirrus 5. I was impressed enough initially with the BAM 210 that I could see it as my main rig. Or course I'll probably never get rid of my "Apmeg". My kingdom for a spellchecker

In case you're not familiar with me, I buy mainly based on performance and what I consider true bang-for-the-buck (used higher end gear). The BAM 210 fits. Let's see if I'm as impressed with my own basses when I go back.

 

That trimpot is just a variable version of an input pad, probably going from 0dB to maybe -10dB. You'd probably want to turn it up with a passive bass and possibly turn it down with an active bass with a hot output (some active basses have low outputs).

BTW how much was yours? (yes, that's rude but we want to know anyway)

 

LOL...well, the initial part of my comment was purely sarcasm.

But let us know how it works with your basses. I haven't had the opportunity to try one out yet.