Emergency backup rig question

[agedhorse]

Some options that I can think of (seeing that you have a Streamliner, keeping it in the family) would be something like a used Shuttle 3.0 or even a NeoPak or ML-200 head. If you keep your eyes open you might find one cheap enough to make it a no-brainer. If you are lucky, you might even find a Shuttle 3.0 with some remaining transferrable warranty on it.

 

[JimmyM]

I rarely bring a backup, although lately I have been bringing one just because amps are now small enough not to be hassled by bringing a backup. I rarely if ever have failures, and they're almost never catastrophic. But even though it's not quite as good as a backup amp, if you're running through the PA, a DI backup will be fine, if not a perfect solution.

 

[seamonkey]

If you have an iPod or iPhone then that's all you need.
It makes a crazy good pre-amp into a PA channel, or even directly drive a spare amp channel that your FOH is bound to carry.
Many amp models available and the amazing little devices. iPad even better, or just a laptop is fine.

 

[seamonkey]

Famous, (or infamous) last words. Kinda like "hey ya'll, watch this".

The tubes will fail. Just read the original streamliner thread on this forum. The B&O amp is solid. It doesn't matter much a 3lb backup is no biggy to buy or carry, and enough power to compete with big iron. Chances are you'll be lending it to the keyboard or guitar player.

 

[skychief]

Beeper paired. or something like that...

I always throw a combo amp (with a DI out) as a back-up in the truck for the money gigs.

Had to use it once! But glad it was there.

 

[will33]

Chances are you'll be lending it to the keyboard or guitar player.

I will say +1 to that much of it. It may not even end up backing up your own amp, but it's still the difference between the gig happening or not.

 

[Dave W]

I always go prepared for the venue. If they've got a nice sound system I'll bring a DI. If we're using our PA I'll bring a DI. If I need to use my amp to carry my sound for the venue I'll bring a backup amp. I always bring 2 basses

Thankfully I've never had the need to use any of my backup equipment because something failed on me (knock on wood). Hopefully that streak of luck continues since we are going to start gigging much more steadily in the coming weeks.

 

[NickFromNY]

Thanks for the feedback. Taking everyone's advise, I'd rather be safe than sorry. I was able to pick up a used ampeg pf350 to keep as a backup for $200 delivered to my door. Can't go wrong at that price.

 

[NickFromNY]

I returned the ampeg when a mint, used carvin bx500 became available locallynfor the same price. Love the amp in rehearsal. Going to gig with it tonight

 

[Marley's Ghost]

I haven't used one since I started running my LMII. However I am starting to get nervous since my flaky Goliath JR caused the LM to shut down at rehearsal a few weeks ago. So I am picking up an old SWR 400s to use as backup (or primary).

 

[nysbob]

I only start thinking about a backup if I'm going on the road.

I gig 30+ year old tube amps that have proven to be extremely reliable...and I'm the only one who touches them. No backups for in town gigs.

 

[countrybass007]

Always carry a back-up, and it's actually bailed us out several times when the guitar pickers amp failed. The new super lightweight gear makes it much easier.

 

[fourfinger]

The DI will work for you if your PA is fairly big. I used to do that as my backup. Something will fail eventually, and it might be a speaker, which did in fact happen to me once. So unless your rig has 2 cabs, don't rely on a backup head alone.

I now bring a spare 1x12 combo (GK MB112) with a direct out instead. I could still do the DI, but with a small PA I don't want to overload it by simply running direct. I feel better bringing the combo.

 

[will33]

The DI will work for you if your PA is fairly big. I used to do that as my backup. Something will fail eventually, and it might be a speaker, which did in fact happen to me once. So unless your rig has 2 cabs, don't rely on a backup head alone.

I now bring a spare 1x12 combo (GK MB112) with a direct out instead. I could still do the DI, but with a small PA I don't want to overload it by simply running direct. I feel better bringing the combo.

+1

Couple months ago we're all grabbing stuff out of the truck and carrying stuff to the stage. The next little box my singer pulls out (yes, he actually helps) happens to be my little valve jr. combo. He asks me, "what is this for?". I say, it's in case calvin's amp goes down, we can run it by itself or hook it to his speakers and put a mic on it and run it through the monitors, just in case. He's like, "oh, good idea". We didn't need that night but if we did, it was there. And the one time you do need it (whatever it is), you'll be glad it's there.