Bass rig setup for a new metal player...

[charlie monroe]

Another vote for a GK head.
700rb or 1001.
I'd grab a 2x15 8 ohm cab.

Keep the rest of your budget in reserve until you've played this setup for a couple months. Only then upgrade what YOU feel is weak.

 

[John E]

The Hartke Kilo might be the ticket for you. So many options including overdrive. The Hydrive cabs are great if you want a bright clear tone while the AK series delivers a more classic sound.

Just remember that 15's are great for mid forward articulation while 10's give you that deep low end foundation.

I would first figure out if 10's or 15's or a combination of the two is right for you. (prepare for the hoards of "don't mix speaker sizes" posts.) Then I would look at brands that have 500-1000 watts of power while also offering overdrive/distortion blending options like Fender, Orange, Acoustic, or Hartke. Read reliability reviews and check youtube for demos.

You can always go for a clean, powerful head and use pedals for dirt but that is a never-ending rabbit hole that takes years of time and butt-loads of money. But a can be very rewarding.

Hope some of this is helpful, best of luck!

 

[Nephilymbass]

I am new here, just been googling "METAL BASS RIG" setups and i see you guys give excellent advice and seem to love helping people out, so i figured i'd sign up and before i make any serious purchases i get some good advice from you guys =)

BACKGROUND:

Right now I come from an electronica background as a Guitar player. I'm recently invited into a metal band as a bass player however I'm looking at completely starting from scratch and starting a new rig. Eyes Set To Kill is my favorite band and I respect Anissa as a bass player...with that said i've done some research over the past few weeks and also played a few different amps...

Guitar(s):

I play a few, but I'm gonna be playing metal as a jazz bass player...most likely will add some passive EMG's to my guitar soon. I also have a Hoppus bass and an old 80's P-bass...still feel the jazz is most comfortable, and i like having good tone in the mids...will rely on EQ for my low ends.

AMPS/Rig setup:

Never really had a rig as a bassist so this is where I'll need your help. I think I want to go the preamp/power amp route, and I absolutely LOVE the Peavey Tour-700 that i played. I want this to be a part of the rig and build from there.

No idea what cab(s) to get and no idea what to use as a pre-amp (assuming the tour 700 will be my power). Haven't seen anyone comment on using an SVT 3 Pro / Peavey 700 combination as pre/power but can you guys suggest anything to complete my rig?

I'm fairly open minded and will consider almost anything. Just need to decide on what Pre amps and what cabs will be able to handle the rigs you guys recommend. Thank you guys

A friend of mine who tours in a Rise band told me a sonic maximizer will be a waste of money...comments/concerns about that as well plz I'd like a simple but effective setup...as I've noticed that some of the best metal bass players have rather simple rigs, and not nearly as expensive as the setups guitar players build (which i found to be pretty shocking honestly...)

I play rock and metal. I think the most two most important things are a good preamp/ DI and a loud enough rig to keep up with whatever your bandmates are using. I use a sans amp rbi, crown xls 1500 and an ampeg 410he. Which is great matching up with my guitarists 60w 5150 212 combo. But before we agreed to downsize because we were sick of moving big gear. he was using a mesa rack setup with a oversized recto cab and I used an ampeg 810. Im still using the same sans amp. And my 410 has the same speakers as the 810. The crown XLS amps I think are a bit overrated power wise but they are good affordable amps that run with little to no noise at all and they are super light. My 1500 is like 9 lbs.

 

[Tube Amps Rule]

Get yourself a used Ampeg SVT Classic 300 watt all tube head and an SVT 8x10 cabinet. If you live in a major city, there's probably at least one of each for sale on craigslist right now.

Buy once, buy right.

Getting "in and out" of gear is expensive and time consuming.

But then again, I'm biased.

I've got a lovely example of a USA made SVT 8x10 cabinet sitting in my living room that I'd like to get $500 for.

Why am I selling it? I have 3 other SVTs and this one just sits.

Pete

 

[GhostSong]

^ i heard good things about the sans amp rbi, never heard of the crown xls 1500 to add in as your power though....i'm thinking about getting the ampeg 810 if someone can convince me they beat the ashdown cabs i mentioned above...
interesting pre/power combo you recommended...it's cheap enough in the head department that leaves me a little more room to play with a really good cab if i want...interesting...


that pic i posted earlier:

Furman Power Conditioner
Ampeg SVT5
Empirical Labs Distressor
Korg Tuner
Ampeg 4x10

how is this setup? the distressor is completely new to me...is that something that goes well with ampeg tube amps? and is the furman power conditioner a necessity with that setup?

as for the last post:

I am strongly considering getting an Ampeg SVT-3 Pro with the ampeg 810...just not sure what else to add to the rack..seems "naked" to just get those two on their own...and not sure if it'll give me the gritty metal i want my jazz to achieve...what's missing from this puzzle if i go that route?

 

[707GK]

I haven't tried Ashdown cabs but I can say their tube heads get nice and dirty real easily. Very gritty. I also own a EBMM Sterling and it has very high output pickups that drive most preamps hard, getting them to sound nasty. I don't play in a metal band so I dial back the volume on my compressor in order to get a clean tone. Even then, it gets pretty growly.

 

[friendlybass]

Lots of great recommendations for rigs here, my metal rig is my swr bass 350 with a goliath Jr 3 on my my goliath 3 for a poor mans 610. Its crystal clear and with a simple pedal setup (for me it's ehx lpb1 booster-bass big muff fuzz-English muff'n tube OD- black finger compressor) I can do a smidge of dirt to a full out roar and the amp recreates it beautifully.
Honestly the best advice I can give is just to try before you buy, even if it means buying online and using someone's return policy. Its sometimes a pain but always worth it. And remember, with metal its all about how you make the gear sound, not the name on the front!

 

[Crystalman85]

If you're interested in combo amps, check out the hartke hd150. I own one and it sounds totally awesome. especially when I use my effects. I did a gig with my brother's new band a few weeks ago and it sounds phenomenal. anywho, it's pretty versatile, it won't get boomy, and it's useful for medium-size venues.

 

[davegt666]

Keep in mind that the GK 400/800RB's can get real dirty on their own in a real pleasing way if you set the "boost" high and use the 1st volume as your level...

I also recently found the 400(about 200 watts IIRC) was more then enough to keep up with 2 guitars and a hard hitting drummer

plus the GK 400/800's can be had for real cheap, I just got an 800 from the classifieds for $400 shipped... Check out guitar center used, music go round and the classifieds here before eBay though(they go for much higher there)

This is exactly how I use mine. I have the boost dimed and my input level at noon. My master never goes passed noon and usually keep it around 11.

Contour buttons out and EQ mostly flat but changed around depending on the room.

The loudest 200 watts you'll ever hear

 

[kdogg]

You already have a Hartke 215, so I wouldn't sweat getting another cab just yet. Definitely give your cab a go with whatever head you settle on. A 215 can definitely get plenty loud.

 

[GhostSong]

You already have a Hartke 215, so I wouldn't sweat getting another cab just yet. Definitely give your cab a go with whatever head you settle on. A 215 can definitely get plenty loud.

will the hartke 215 handle a pre/power if i decide to go with the ampeg svt-3pro and something else?

it only has 1 input so that's the only thing that concerns me about the hartke 215 i have...

 

[crucislancer]

will the hartke 215 handle a pre/power if i decide to go with the ampeg svt-3pro and something else?

it only has 1 input so that's the only thing that concerns me about the hartke 215 i have...

Which Hartke cab is it? 215XL or VX215? The 215XL is 400 watts into 4 ohms. The VX215 is 500 watts into 4 ohms. I don't know if those are peak wattage figures but either should be fine. The SVT-3Pro is 450 watts @ 4 ohms.

When I was playing metal, I used an all Ampeg rig: SVT-3PRO, 4x10 and 1x15 cabs. My main basses were both Ibanez: SR800 and EDC700, both strung with DR Hi-Beams. It was powerful enough to compete with two Marshall full stacks and a loud drummer.

 

[KeithAlanK]

A friend of mine has had many expensive problems with his SVT3-Pro, and as a metal bassist I don't like it's sound and "mushiness" even when it's working properly. He's switching to Peavey because my gear never breaks and sounds great.
Get the Tour 700 if you like it's sound.
Buy a pair of 4x10" cabinets that handle a lot of power.

Add more stuff if needed, but a stack like that will go a long way.

 

[GhostSong]

right now based on what i've read here + some outside recommendations here's what it looks like i'm leaning towards:

*ampeg svt-3 pro preamp - doesn't seem to be much in between on this item...it's either super loved or super hated...
*peavey 700 tour seems to be loved around these parts and in metal in general...still looking at getting this head (even got a message from someone on this board interested in selling one)


---Furman M-8L power conditioner (can i get some more info on this item and how it works with some of the amps listed here? seems like every bass player uses one with in their rigs, whether it's an ampeg tube or just pre/power combo...) it seems affordable so i don't mind getting one if it's gonna help me in some way...


Empirical Labs Distressor - is this something i should consider getting? i can afford one, but if i don't need it i don't care much. a couple of you guys took at look and listen to the youtube video i posted...any other electronics i'd need other than the peavey and cab to kinda get a similar sound to her's? someone said she's using some other electronics (in addition to the boss overdrive pedal) but i'd like to know what else i'd need in my rig

i love the mix of opinions here i'm getting, not everyone here is an ampeg fanboy/fangirl, so i'm really getting a lot of variety here thanks a lot for all the help so far...now it's deciding time though...gotta figure out what i'm gonna pick

to answer the above question, i have the hartke vx215 500 watt cab

 

[hintz]

This is exactly how I use mine. I have the boost dimed and my input level at noon. My master never goes passed noon and usually keep it around 11.

Contour buttons out and EQ mostly flat but changed around depending on the room.

The loudest 200 watts you'll ever hear

plus the 400/800RB heads were the go to for Dave ellfson, flea and duff mckagan.....but the 400 by itself with one cab envelopes the room in heaviness!!

 

[davegt666]

plus the 400/800RB heads were the go to for Dave ellfson, flea and duff mckagan.....but the 400 by itself with one cab envelopes the room in heaviness!!

Damn right. I know this from experience

Best $175 spent in a long time.

 

[GhostSong]

how do you guys feel about the peavey tube Peavey Pro VB-3 Bass Amp?

and stupid question Furman M-8L power conditioner, or the livewire Power PC1100? which is better?

Even if i get the peavey 700, i'm gonna be using a korg rack tuner so just wanna be sure even if it is just flashy lights, i dont' want anything to get screwey back there. let me know about this plz

PS based on some of your comments about checking out Peavey Cabs...the Peavey pro 810 looks damn sexy...how does it stack compared to the ampeg 810s if i decide to go with a tour 700?

 

[Dave W]

Just remember that 15's are great for mid forward articulation while 10's give you that deep low end foundation.

That's so not accurate.

how is this setup? the distressor is completely new to me...is that something that goes well with ampeg tube amps? and is the furman power conditioner a necessity with that setup?

I am strongly considering getting an Ampeg SVT-3 Pro with the ampeg 810...just not sure what else to add to the rack..seems "naked" to just get those two on their own...and not sure if it'll give me the gritty metal i want my jazz to achieve...what's missing from this puzzle if i go that route?

The Distressor is a very expensive studio compressor. Unless you KNOW you need it, I wouldn't even think twice about it.

A Power conditioner is nothing more than a rack mounted power strip with lights on it. It's not going to add anything soundwise to your setup. They are not a necessity at all.

Thinking that the rack seems "naked" is exactly what many of us are talking about. It almost seems like you're looking for a complicated setup just for the sake of being complicated. I still strongly suggest that you start with your bass, and amp, and a cab. Try it out for awhile and see what you think. You may be very pleasantly surprised that you're not missing anything and totally happy with the tone.

it only has 1 input so that's the only thing that concerns me about the hartke 215 i have...

Why? You can only plug one amp into it.

---Furman M-8L power conditioner (can i get some more info on this item and how it works with some of the amps listed here? seems like every bass player uses one with in their rigs, whether it's an ampeg tube or just pre/power combo...) it seems affordable so i don't mind getting one if it's gonna help me in some way...

See my post above. They are just power strips. Some have lights so you can see the rack below. If you think that is going to help, get one...but please don't buy into the marketing that they're going to "condition" your power.

Empirical Labs Distressor - is this something i should consider getting? i can afford one, but if i don't need it i don't care much.

Like I said above, if you don't even know what it is or does, why spend the money on it?

and stupid question Furman M-8L power conditioner, or the livewire Power PC1100? which is better?

They both do exactly the same thing.

 

[CL400Peavey]

*ampeg svt-3 pro preamp - doesn't seem to be much in between on this item...it's either super loved or super hated...

The SVT 3-Pro isnt a preamp, it is a full rack amp.

how do you guys feel about the peavey tube Peavey Pro VB-3 Bass Amp?

Hard to come by new, rarer still used.

and stupid question Furman M-8L power conditioner, or the livewire Power PC1100? which is better?

Neither. They are glorified power strips, and your money would be better spent on a surge protector for a lot less.

Even if i get the peavey 700, i'm gonna be using a korg rack tuner so just wanna be sure even if it is just flashy lights, i dont' want anything to get screwey back there. let me know about this plz

I have a Korg pitchblack pedal tuner, I love it. I personally amp not a fan of putting a lot of stuff in a rack.

PS based on some of your comments about checking out Peavey Cabs...the Peavey pro 810 looks damn sexy...how does it stack compared to the ampeg 810s if i decide to go with a tour 700?

I used to have a Peavey 810TX among other peavey cabs. Sounded good, but was beastly heavy.

 

[JSpradBass]

If it were me I would avoid a rack setup, I like to keep my setup as simple as possible. The Furman as previously stated is nothing more than a rack mountable power strip. The Distressor is a studio compressor. If you don't know what they are or what they do, I wouldn't spend the money.

I would look into a pedal tuner (Boss TU, Korg PitchBlack, etc) and a pedal compressor, if you think you'll need it (MXR M87 is pretty popular).
As for amps I would try some out. I am not a fan of the SVT3. I used one for a few years in an alternative metal band and it struggled to keep up with the band (2 guitars and drums).

My recommendations would be:
Ampeg PF 800 or SVT7
Hartke LH1000
GK 1001
and I would keep the Hartke 2x15 for the time being.