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Can a multi-effects/amp sim pedal power a cab?

D

domportera

Mar 2, 2011
72
0
#1
I have the Zoom B3n, and I'm looking to upgrade from my combo amp to a cab. I figured since the Zoom has amp and cab sims, it'd be a good idea to find something as flat as possible to run it through. First thought for me was to throw it into a cab, no amp. Would that work?

How would you achieve a live rig with a multi-effects/amp sim pedal being the centerpiece of your sound? Are there any semi-flat response options so as not to dilute the sound of the pedal? I run it through a Fender Rumble 350 right now and it sounds like buns.
 
#8
domportera said:
Would the pedal have enough output to plug straight into a power amp?
Click to expand...

(I should start by saying this a truly alternative methodology, as I'm somewhat of an experimental type by nature. Now your question)

Yes, most do. I've done quite a bit of playing with similar setups. I've used a Crown xls 2500. Clean, powerful and lightweight.

Also, Most powered cabs have both mic and line level capability. One of the two should work fine. Also the 'modeling preamp' usually has a decent level and output adjustments separate from a rocker pedal volume.

My fave is a Fender Mustang floor, although most of the amp models are too over-driven for a good clean tone, I found enough useful tones to use it live. The effects (the useful ones) were a plus. The smallest setup I used it with was a Mackie RMS350 powered speaker.
It also worked well direct into the p.a. and had specific voicing for input into a combo amp, a stack or p.a.

I have also powered it by sending its output into the effect return of various bass amp heads. Worked fine. The variations offered me tons of flexibility.
 
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#10
Here is a nice cheap power amp I have. I haven't tried my Zoom MS-60B, but I did try a regular preamp pedal with no XLR, and it worked just fine... it's on sale right now too for $90

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Run it in bridged mode and it produces about the same power as other 500W bass amps: @300W at 8ohm and 500@ at 4ohm

Here is a video of me driving it with a different preamp:
 
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#12
If the zoom doesn't have enough voltage to drive the amp to full output, and the amp doesn't have any sensitivity adjustments, a small mixer, or buffer pedal would do it.

Walk over the PA/FOH section of the store and try some powered cabinets. You'll be amazed at how far they have come, and how versatile they are.
 
#14
domportera said:
Thanks so much for your help, everyone! This is honestly the best forum community ever, I've never been let down

Does anyone have any experience or advice regarding sub-$200 power amps? Specifically concerned about flat response and noise levels. I might pick up an old GK Backline 410BLX 4 x 10 Bass Cab to pair it with.
Click to expand...

You're concerned about flat response and noise, but you're going to buy a total pile of trash for a cab? Great plan.
 
#17
Beyond specific powered PA cabs, there are a few more bass-centric cabs that have an integrated power amp for running with a preamp (pedal or rackmount). Bag End makes a few:

Just 15s:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
https://bagend.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/PS15-N.pdf

15s with coaxial tweeter:
https://bagend.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/PS15X-N.pdf
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

4x10:
https://bagend.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/PQ10BX-N.pdf

2x10:
https://bagend.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/PD10BX-N.pdf

I believe Bergantino used to make one, a 1x12 IIRC, but probably hard to track down. May be others, but it's a small market.
 
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#18
I'm definitely on a budget here. But to me it seems like gumtown's got a great idea - I'm going to try the FX loop and see how it turns out. I'll report back if that doesn't work. That being said, I'll be checking out those integrated cabs for when I'm ready to upgrade. This is some awesome info, thanks guys! :)
 
#19
domportera said:
I have the Zoom B3n, and I'm looking to upgrade from my combo amp to a cab. I figured since the Zoom has amp and cab sims, it'd be a good idea to find something as flat as possible to run it through. First thought for me was to throw it into a cab, no amp. Would that work?

How would you achieve a live rig with a multi-effects/amp sim pedal being the centerpiece of your sound? Are there any semi-flat response options so as not to dilute the sound of the pedal? I run it through a Fender Rumble 350 right now and it sounds like buns.
Click to expand...

I don't even own a bass amp anymore, except a small Peavey one that I use to teach students. I use preamp pedals into powered pa speakers (works great). I add as many speakers as needed...just chain them together. Never run out of power or speakers. Usually 1 is enough, if there is pa support. I'm a multi-instrumentalist....I got tired of separate amps for each instrument.
Powered pa speakers are the easiest/cheapest/lightest option. But even a keyboard amp works, if you want something that looks more like a traditional amp. I use cheap pa speakers which still sound really good with a preamp...the high end ones sound phenomenal.
 
#20
Go to the Effects forum and search "Zoom B3 as a Pre-amp" - couple of threads there with lots of information. I've used a Zoom B3 into a power amp (both a QSC GX5 and a Peavey IPR 3000) with good results. If you want to take advantage of the amp/speaker sims on the B3 or B3n, you want full-range speakers as most bass cabs will add some coloration to the tone (which when combined with an amp/speaker sim may not give you the tone you were looking for).

John
 

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