Combining Combo Amps

[E_strat]

I plan on combining two combo amps, for the purpose of saving money(since I already have one), and to avoid my parents' concern for me lugging a big one all over the place(they don't want me hitting walls).

Anyway, has anyone had experience doing this? I'll being using dual input amps, and have a dual input chorus pedal in case.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[Exploiter8]

I did just that with two Peavey BASIC112's. If I recall correctly I ran a cord from the top amp's send to the bottom amp's return effects loop jacks. I plugged the bass into the top amp. The controls on the top/Master also controlled the bottom/Slave.

YMMV

X8

 

[will33]

It'll work alright. Just make sure both amps are on the same grounded circuit, for electrical safety reasons. Easiest way to do this is to plug both of them into one powerstrip, and then plug that single powerstrip into a single, grounded wall outlet, then, no worries. You don't want wonky electricity stuff in play, or having your bass and body becoming a path to ground between the amps. Using the method described, it's safe.

 

[Jim Carr]

Uh, OK, but anything can hit a wall. It is up to the bassist to be able to move combos, cabs, heads, basses, gig-stuff, etc., without marring the local woodwork, whether it is the "rents," or your own.

Why not look for a cab to add to your existing gear, which is what, BTW?

 

[E_strat]

Fender Rumble 30. And as for rent, I'm only 16 haha, and I understand that all I have to do is be careful. And I honestly forgot that I can add a cab, since I have two inputs on the front. Would that work?

 

[Jim Carr]

Fender Rumble 30. And as for rent, I'm only 16 haha, and I understand that all I have to do is be careful. And I honestly forgot that I can add a cab, since I have two inputs on the front. Would that work?

"Rents" is old-guy slang for parents. I had 'em too!

You need so check to see if the Rumble 30 can handle and "extension" cabinet. I kind of doubt it, but..I'm off to Fender web pages to check it...

 

[Jim Carr]

Nope, doesn't do extension cabs, which with 30 watts, it not such a shock.

Specs somewhere near here:
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You need a head and a cabinet.

 

[E_strat]

Alright, thanks for the replies. Back to my other plan, which was to buy another rumble 30 and connect the two, or an ampeg of the same caliber. I may have to do some more reading.

 

[E_strat]

Adding another rumble 30 would also keep different amp tones from clashing, I had that problem when connecting two guitar combo amps once.

 

[Joe Louvar]

Yeah, use two identical bass amps and the Radial BigShot switcher works great for driving two bass rigs - check it out. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/ampl...neering-tonebone-bigshot-aby-passive-switcher

 

[E_strat]

Thanks! Is it truly necessary to have this, or just handy/helpful?

 

[MostlyBass]

Yep - I use this:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/ampl...monix-switchblade-channel-selector-footswitch

A great splitter but also very useful if you want to run effects through one amp and the other dry. Works great and you don't have to have it plugged in. It will work without power, you just don't get the lights on.

 

[FooHead]

I jammed once with a guy that ran to different combo's at once. He had them running through one of these:

http://www.bossus.com/gear/productdetails.php?ProductId=150&ParentId=262

I have no idea how he had it set up but it sounded really good!

 

[recreate.me]

I combined a couple Orange Combos a couple years back and think i might have posted a topic like this on here, I did what the guy above said about chaining inputs, however someone in my thread gave a very sciencey explanation that ended with them saying it will technically work, but you wont get any great volume... Someone on here has to be able to give that lecture again lol

Something about decibel levels, SPLs and perceived volume wont change or something..

 

[Rocker59801]

Use your chorus pedal to run two amps. You can get a stereo effect plus another amp and additional speaker area will increase the volume of the rig.

 

[Joe Louvar]

Thanks! Is it truly necessary to have this, or just handy/helpful?

Yes necessary, unless you have effect/return jacks, etc you can use. I like the ISO output, and etc and I personally use a Lehle splitter http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/lehle-p-split-splitter-guitar-pedal which actually cost a little more than the Radial - but the BigShot has the ISO output, GND lift, etc too.

EDIT: PS, it will work with just a y-cord but it won’t sound as good.

EDIT, EDIT: Also note Will33’s post #3 - it is very important you plug both amps into the same properly wired AC power outlet.

 

[Jim Carr]

Alright, thanks for the replies. Back to my other plan, which was to buy another rumble 30 and connect the two, or an ampeg of the same caliber. I may have to do some more reading.

Or, save longer, buy a better used rig. Once you go modular, you can replace one piece at a time.

IMHO, combos are a trap. If you can drop a couple of hundred on a combo, why not save twice that much and get a much more substantial rig?

Used gear typically sells for 30% to 50% of the new street price. Nearly all my gear was purchased used, and I have had (nearly) zero problems with it.

 

[E_strat]

That's a good idea too, I'll just have to keep an eye out.

 

[jeff7bass]

Get a Sansamp Bassdrive pedal to split them. That way you can send some disortion/overdrive to one amp while the other one is clean!!

 

[RickenBoogie]

+1 to saving for a proper bass rig. Used gear stretches the money, and besides, 2 tiny 30 watt bass combo's is still not enough to work out with a full band. Save your money.