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Drawbacks to small heads?
- Thread starter newbold
- Start date
well, if you're just talking about heads, the only drawbacks i can think of are that, in general, they don't sound very warm. the technology that they use to get so small usually gives a clean, some would even say sterile, tone. however, many will b!tchsmack me with their Markbass LMII's for saying that.
also, a small head would be easier to wander off with.
hmmm...
as for cabs, the saying goes:
Loud, Light, Low.
you can only have two.
also, a small head would be easier to wander off with.
hmmm...
as for cabs, the saying goes:
Loud, Light, Low.
you can only have two.
I want the headroom of a Crest CA9 - pre setup. That's why I have a rack which is about 40kgs.
Also, heads have failed me before (particularly ashdown); simple pre and simple power components have never failed me.
I would use a micro rig for practice, and some of them are absolutely amazing.
Also, heads have failed me before (particularly ashdown); simple pre and simple power components have never failed me.
I would use a micro rig for practice, and some of them are absolutely amazing.
You can never find hats in your size!
(someone had to...)
Thank you that comment made my day!!
I've found a few things I don't like about my new small rig. Since the things generally don't go in a rack, I'm finding "stuff" piled on top of my cabinet. I'm a neat-nik, like things tidy. I could throw my rack up, plug in the wall, plug in a cab, and rock. Now I have to set the amp up, set my wireless system up, get the tuner going, etc. It's not a big deal sound wise, but just something I noticed.
When not using a wireless, I'm finding I need to anchor my cable down good so I don't pull the whole thing on the floor. My new Epi cabs have no side handles anywhere to run a cable through to anchor it. Not sure what I'm going to do with that.
Other than that, I gotta say, I'm never going back to 2-rack space and higher bass heads. If you put a micro amp in a 2-rack space box, no one would notice.
I am curious about flaky power next summer at festivals. I did read about some issues with these digital power supplies cutting out. That's it for me on the negatives.
When not using a wireless, I'm finding I need to anchor my cable down good so I don't pull the whole thing on the floor. My new Epi cabs have no side handles anywhere to run a cable through to anchor it. Not sure what I'm going to do with that.
Other than that, I gotta say, I'm never going back to 2-rack space and higher bass heads. If you put a micro amp in a 2-rack space box, no one would notice.
I am curious about flaky power next summer at festivals. I did read about some issues with these digital power supplies cutting out. That's it for me on the negatives.
They don't please the ladies as well...
I'm sorry, that was terrible. But in all the seriousness that I can muster, I use a Yamaha BBT500H. It weighs about 10 lbs. and you can dial in just about any sound with it. The current preset that I use sounds a bit like an SVT, and if I completely roll off the tone on my bass, it sounds B-15ish.
I'm sorry, that was terrible. But in all the seriousness that I can muster, I use a Yamaha BBT500H. It weighs about 10 lbs. and you can dial in just about any sound with it. The current preset that I use sounds a bit like an SVT, and if I completely roll off the tone on my bass, it sounds B-15ish.
In my view, the "problem" with micro heads is that there are roughly a dozen models on the market, and if you don't like any of them, then you need to consider a traditional design. The problem is not inherent to micro heads, but is simply the result of tone choices made in the current crop of products.
They are easier for someone to walk off with....... tho I seriously hope this doesn't happen to anyone-especially anyone on here- once they're all plugged in it's a bit more difficult I imagine.
They CAN vibrate off the cab they're sitting on. I've NOT had this happen to me, my LMII seems to 'sit' quite sturdily & its four rubber 'feet' seem to be quite "sticky" . IOW it seems to 'grasp' the rat-fur covering on my Aguilar GS cabs, & it seems to stay put on top of the tolex covered NV215 also- but I see it MAY happen.........sometime..... possibly... does that count as a FAULT????
They CAN vibrate off the cab they're sitting on. I've NOT had this happen to me, my LMII seems to 'sit' quite sturdily & its four rubber 'feet' seem to be quite "sticky" . IOW it seems to 'grasp' the rat-fur covering on my Aguilar GS cabs, & it seems to stay put on top of the tolex covered NV215 also- but I see it MAY happen.........sometime..... possibly... does that count as a FAULT????
Easier to steal and more hassle to setup if not racked.
Otherwise I see no disadvantages for the gigs I play (typical pub/restaraunt/clubs).
Otherwise I see no disadvantages for the gigs I play (typical pub/restaraunt/clubs).
I put my Markbass LMII, Sansamp, Boss Tuner, and my wireless unit into a pedalboard from Rondo. Easy to set up, easy to tear down! Not quite a rack, but close!
Micro heads can be very efficient, meaning you can get much louder before the wall breaker blows. When you have to share power outlets with the rest of the band - and lights - you'll appreciate the extra "headroom".
Compensating for something maybe?
Joking aside, my tube pre -> power amp rack provides slightly more wallop than my new LMII. Just enough to justify keeping it around. For now.
I have my MB F1 rackmounted along with my compressor. My rack weights next to nothing. Heck, with my Epifani UL2 410 and pedalboard my whole rig probably comes in around 65 lbs total and everything fits onto my cart for 1 trip load ins. I absolutely love the micro stuff.
