External Speaker option

[Donald Wormuth]

Ok, since my Ampeg BA115 HP blew up at tryout/audition. Which is currently being repaired. Never had an issue in 5yrs so never thought about a backup. Only other amp I have is a Peavey Micro-Bass 20-watt Micro Bass. Which in my opinion sucks no low unless i cut highs and mids to zero. Was good when I first was experimenting with playing now I've advanced its limits have been exceeded. I'm getting a backup amp https://www.musiciansfriend.com/.../used-peavey.../116962885 looks like I decided on this it's used but I'm on a very limited income. So, cost has to be below $400. I was also looking at a used Peavey Tour TKO 400-watt. I decided on the TNT because it's ability to add an ext. cab. It has a cross over output high or low. The Ampeg has a BLO. Which is for going to a board right?. I was thinking about an option for that also. Such as a small board guitar player suggested getting a small board that I could plug blo into with a cabinet. Being a beginner am not clear to understanding if that would even work. I know with powered speakers I'd get more volume. Our plan is if this band takes off investing in a Pa system ourselves though for situations where needed till then. Plan on renting one. Now will guitarist suggestion work? And I am planning on buying a 4x10 cabinet. So down the road I will invest in a head. Now is unfeasible can't afford it and I don't want to buy something cheap that in few months might be needed to upgraded. Now another friend of mine suggested was to use the Ampeg as a cabinet now I am not positive yet with the issue Ampeg was having. I'm pretty sure the horn in it was blown. How would I go about using it as a cabinet If i can? The Peavey I plan om it being my gig rig. Even being heavy as it is. So back to Ampeg I love it so don't get this part as not liking it. Ive never like the way it sounded playing really heavy music as far as Slayer Slipknot Mudvayne. No matter how much i Played with 3band eq or HF driver adjustment. Even adding an external EQ. Now playing Hairband metal hard rock most other genre's it sounded awesome to me. I've been suggested to adding a 4x10 cab multiple times. Not having an option on the Amp itself. Is there any way to accomplish this? So, I can direct mids and highs to an external cab. I mean I know I can use the one option for practice or if needed mid-size venues without a PA to get more volume. Could I add something to the Ampeg to say the HF driver for adding an eternal cabinet. Will it have enough power to even drive it? As far as the backup amp. I'm getting that so I won't ever be in a situation like this. Even though I'm using guitarist Marshall 1/2 stack even with a compression pedal. Just don't have the low end. I am not looking for suggestions for a backup amp. Thats already been decided.

 

[abarson]

Whew! That’s a dense block of text!

The Peavey TNT 115 cannot support an extension cabinet. All 150 watts go to the internal 4 ohms speaker. To utilize the crossover in a bi-amp setup you would need two power amps and two cabinets (or a cabinet built for bi-amping, like some G-Ks). Do not connect these to a mixer. If you're going to do bi-amping (an archaic practice) then I wouldn't base it off a combo. This is based off information from the manual:
https://peavey.com/manuals/80301901.pdf

There have been several generations of the Peavey TKO 115 at 75-80 watts, and only the last generation (400 watts) supports connecting an external cabinet. Make sure you know what you’re getting.
Invalid Link Removed

I have no idea what an “Ampeg BLO” is, but it does have a DI output labeled “Line Out”. Use a standard XLR microphone cable to connect the DI to a mixing board input. Powered PA speakers can also accept a DI input but I don’t think they’re good replacements for bass gear.
https://ampeg.com/data/6/0a020a3f1440d5e0ba7b4d7bd9/application/pdf/Owner’s Manual - English .pdf

What works for me is a small bedroom combo for practice and a head + cabinet when playing with the band, whether rehearsing or live. I think it’s a wise setup, as each piece of equipment has a specific role, and I’m not asking anything inordinate from it. I can scale up or down the cabinets to match the venue. Even though I’ve bought used, I got good quality and don’t worry about backup. I think you need to slow down and reconsider what you need in the simplest terms and then what you want to attain that. It's too easy to get jumbled up in a morass of suggestions, some which don't make sense.

 

[Donald Wormuth]

For being a beginner I really don't know words on here. And the only option I have for a store is Guitar center. And I don't know if it's just this store here. But it looks like that they're going out of business because there's really nothing in it. Is why I tried to explain it the best I can. What I need is amp that can handle a small to medium venue with out a PA. Now we're just starting out we don't have a PA. The singer has a small system we use for vocals and to mic the kick. Is all inputs it has 4.We are doing a mix of covers and originals. Style of like Slipknot Static-X Mudvayne and Slayer. I know a 4x10 will handle it. But I like the punch of a 15. I right now have 400 to spend.i was trying to figure out the most cost effective way to handle it.

 

[abarson]

To back up a moment:
Are you repairing the Ampeg BA115 and do you intend to keep it?
Did you already purchase the Peavey TNT 115? What role will it play?
Did you already purchase the Peavey Tour TKO 115?

The Tour TKO is a large combo, but it is 300 watts as a standalone with the internal 8 ohms speaker, and the full 450 watts with an 8 ohms extension cabinet. I remember it being pretty loud. I think this combo on its own would be enough for small venues, and the combo + extension cabinet enough for medium venues. Of course, "small" and "medium" venues might be Texas sized.
Two 15" speakers will move a lot of air. I'd say hunt down a 115 extension cabinet to go with this combo.
I don't know if using a 410 with this combo is advisable, even though it's possible. There are issues with power distribution, phase alignment, etc.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I'm not a Behringer fanboi, but if you want a complete inexpensive rig, there's this:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Note that the cabinet in the ad is actually a BB410, not a 412.

 

[Donald Wormuth]

To back up a moment:
Are you repairing the Ampeg BA115 and do you intend to keep it?
Did you already purchase the Peavey TNT 115? What role will it play?
Did you already purchase the Peavey Tour TKO 115?

The Tour TKO is a large combo, but it is 300 watts as a standalone with the internal 8 ohms speaker, and the full 450 watts with an 8 ohms extension cabinet. I remember it being pretty loud. I think this combo on its own would be enough for small venues, and the combo + extension cabinet enough for medium venues. Of course, "small" and "medium" venues might be Texas sized.
Two 15" speakers will move a lot of air. I'd say hunt down a 115 extension cabinet to go with this combo.
I don't know if using a 410 with this combo is advisable, even though it's possible. There are issues with power distribution, phase alignment, etc.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I'm not a Behringer fanboy, but if you want a complete inexpensive rig, there's this:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Note that the cabinet in the ad is actually a BB410, not a 412.

The Ampeg is fixed it was headphone Jack. Well keeping it all depends on answers to my questions. Can I wire in an external speaker? Which no seems to be the answer because it was explained to me that usually if they don't have the option on amp, it's usually maxed out. Now If I can get a head and cabinet for around $400 The head don't have to be anything amazing because I plan on upgrading if needed. No I didn't purchase either Peavy Iwas waiting on getting answers to my question and results of Ampeg repair. Which caused me $60 bucks so my plan now is to hold on to ampeg at least briefly. Getting the TNT because it has the ability to add a cabinet to it. Or getting a head and cabinet If I can get that for around 400. I've seen some heads for sale used for 100 to 200. But have not seen cabinets that I thought were worth the money. I wasn't planning on the tko. It was just one I was looking at. What I need and want is something with a 15 and 10 which seems to me what most bassist playing the style of music we are playing. A single 15 to me don't respond as well as say 10's. Though i love the low of a 15. 15's to me don't sound right playing slipknot through them. I played on a borrowed amp and cabinet which was the TNT just newer and a 2x10 cabinet. Which I dialed in quickly and easily. On my Ampeg I could never get tone right. So is why I thinking on replacing it.

 

[abarson]

So part of the problem in discussing these amps is that there are several versions of each, with different features.

The BA115 version 1 is rated as 100 watts at 4 ohms and the internal speaker is 4 ohms. You cannot connect an external cabinet. It's maxed out, in your terms, but it can still be a serviceable home practice combo. I wouldn't use it with a band, especially playing loud music.
BA-115.pdf (ampeg.com)

The BA115 version 2 is rated as 150 watts at 8 ohms and the internal speaker is 8 ohms. You cannot connect an external cabinet. It's maxed out, in your terms, but it can still be a serviceable home practice combo. I wouldn't use it with a band, especially playing loud music.
Ampeg BA Series Combo Amplifiers Owner's Manual - Rev A, English

So it looks like Peavey did produce a version of the TNT with connection to an external cabinet. It's rated as 150 watts at 8 ohms and 200 watts at 4 ohms. The internal speaker is 4 ohms and is disconnected when you add the external cabinet. So there's not really any net gain in this scenario. And I still think this is underpowered for gigging.
Invalid Link Removed

I think you would be better served by a rig that provides more watts and can power more speakers. Your local craigslist has some interesting items in your price range.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Hartke head, Seismic 210 + 115

 

[Donald Wormuth]

The TNT has a phase switch on it. But thTs

To back up a moment:
Are you repairing the Ampeg BA115 and do you intend to keep it?
Did you already purchase the Peavey TNT 115? What role will it play?
Did you already purchase the Peavey Tour TKO 115?

The Tour TKO is a large combo, but it is 300 watts as a standalone with the internal 8 ohms speaker, and the full 450 watts with an 8 ohms extension cabinet. I remember it being pretty loud. I think this combo on its own would be enough for small venues, and the combo + extension cabinet enough for medium venues. Of course, "small" and "medium" venues might be Texas sized.
Two 15" speakers will move a lot of air. I'd say hunt down a 115 extension cabinet to go with this combo.
I don't know if using a 410 with this combo is advisable, even though it's possible. There are issues with power distribution, phase alignment, etc.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I'm not a Behringer fanboi, but if you want a complete inexpensive rig, there's this:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Note that the cabinet in the ad is actually a BB410, not a 412.

So part of the problem in discussing these amps is that there are several versions of each, with different features.

The BA115 version 1 is rated as 100 watts at 4 ohms and the internal speaker is 4 ohms. You cannot connect an external cabinet. It's maxed out, in your terms, but it can still be a serviceable home practice combo. I wouldn't use it with a band, especially playing loud music.
BA-115.pdf (ampeg.com)

The BA115 version 2 is rated as 150 watts at 8 ohms and the internal speaker is 8 ohms. You cannot connect an external cabinet. It's maxed out, in your terms, but it can still be a serviceable home practice combo. I wouldn't use it with a band, especially playing loud music.
Ampeg BA Series Combo Amplifiers Owner's Manual - Rev A, English

So it looks like Peavey did produce a version of the TNT with connection to an external cabinet. It's rated as 150 watts at 8 ohms and 200 watts at 4 ohms. The internal speaker is 4 ohms and is disconnected when you add the external cabinet. So there's not really any net gain in this scenario. And I still think this is underpowered for gigging.
Invalid Link Removed

I think you would be better served by a rig that provides more watts and can power more speakers. Your local craigslist has some interesting items in your price range.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Hartke head, Seismic 210 + 115

 

[Donald Wormuth]

The TNT has a phase switch on it. But thTs

My Ampeg Is a BA115HP is 210-watts. I thank you for all the information you provided and the links to craigslist though I am quite a way from Austin. With no reliable transportation to get there though I did email the one in Dallas to see if they'd be interested in delivering for a fee. I kind of thought that amp would most likely be at its max output.

 

[Donald Wormuth]

So part of the problem in discussing these amps is that there are several versions of each, with different features.

The BA115 version 1 is rated as 100 watts at 4 ohms and the internal speaker is 4 ohms. You cannot connect an external cabinet. It's maxed out, in your terms, but it can still be a serviceable home practice combo. I wouldn't use it with a band, especially playing loud music.
BA-115.pdf (ampeg.com)

The BA115 version 2 is rated as 150 watts at 8 ohms and the internal speaker is 8 ohms. You cannot connect an external cabinet. It's maxed out, in your terms, but it can still be a serviceable home practice combo. I wouldn't use it with a band, especially playing loud music.
Ampeg BA Series Combo Amplifiers Owner's Manual - Rev A, English

So it looks like Peavey did produce a version of the TNT with connection to an external cabinet. It's rated as 150 watts at 8 ohms and 200 watts at 4 ohms. The internal speaker is 4 ohms and is disconnected when you add the external cabinet. So there's not really any net gain in this scenario. And I still think this is underpowered for gigging.
Invalid Link Removed

I think you would be better served by a rig that provides more watts and can power more speakers. Your local craigslist has some interesting items in your price range.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Hartke head, Seismic 210 + 115

 

[Donald Wormuth]

Well, picked up Amp brought it home installed it to cabinet. Plugged in not fixed called repair guy he says bring it back. So today will be bringing it back to get it fixed properly this time leaving it assembled and taking a bass with me. I can't wait till Monday getting something to play through. Being on disability and 0 credit cards because wife left me with a credit rating of 000.NFW. Having to be on a strict budget blows.

 

[abarson]

Well, picked up Amp brought it home installed it to cabinet. Plugged in not fixed called repair guy he says bring it back. So today will be bringing it back to get it fixed properly this time leaving it assembled and taking a bass with me. I can't wait till Monday getting something to play through. Being on disability and 0 credit cards because wife left me with a credit rating of 000.NFW. Having to be on a strict budget blows.

Bummer, for sure. But hang in there. Unless you're caught in a Turkish tragedy movie, things will improve.

 

[Donald Wormuth]

Bummer, for sure. But hang in there. Unless you're caught in a Turkish tragedy movie, things will improve.

Thank you for that information one of the sellers is working a deal with me. I'm not familiar with Hartke though. I watched a demo review of the head. I like the tone highly you were an angel posing as a bassist. So, if everything works out. I will have an amp two cabinets. Very versatile and was the speaker config I wanted not exactly wattage but 250 isn't bad for what I need. Thank you I wish we were close I'd take you out for a beer. Now convince the wife the extra money I want to spend will be to our advantage. Plus stepping up from a combo to a head and cabs is about time. It has some on board stuff that saves me from buying pedals too.

 

[CallMeAl]

Thank you for that information one of the sellers is working a deal with me. I'm not familiar with Hartke though. I watched a demo review of the head. I like the tone highly you were an angel posing as a bassist. So, if everything works out. I will have an amp two cabinets. Very versatile and was the speaker config I wanted not exactly wattage but 250 isn't bad for what I need. Thank you I wish we were close I'd take you out for a beer. Now convince the wife the extra money I want to spend will be to our advantage. Plus stepping up from a combo to a head and cabs is about time. It has some on board stuff that saves me from buying pedals too.

Hope that deal works out for ya Don!

 

[Donald Wormuth]

Hope that deal works out for ya Don!

Me too will be good for what I need till I can upgrade. Though I think if Ampeg gets fixed correct and works I'll use that as a backup. And go into what everyone is suggesting. A DI not really sure what exactaly that is completely. Plus, I got to learn to ask my questions over here instead of FoolBook/BookFace/Fakebook . Over there you either get ridiculed for not knowing. Or people not reading post and giving either wrong info or not understanding question. Which can sometimes be my fault with to much information or not enough. Because being a beginner not knowing what or how to ask.

 

[CallMeAl]

Me too will be good for what I need till I can upgrade. Though I think if Ampeg gets fixed correct and works I'll use that as a backup. And go into what everyone is suggesting. A DI not really sure what exactaly that is completely. Plus, I got to learn to ask my questions over here instead of FoolBook/BookFace/Fakebook . Over there you either get ridiculed for not knowing. Or people not reading post and giving either wrong info or not understanding question. Which can sometimes be my fault with to much information or not enough. Because being a beginner not knowing what or how to ask.

Most amps that would be big enough for you would have a DI or “Line Out” to send a signal to the PA. Through XLR cable (mic cable) usually.

Or, you can add an external DI or Pre amp. One cable goes to PA, one goes to amp for your monitor. recent thread on that here:
DI recommendation for passive bass

Before I got to your last post, I was gonna suggest 410 used, and a cheap used head. Hard to beat that for loud on a budget. Many players are dumping their 410s for lighter, smaller cabs. Plenty options in my local classifieds for around 400 bucks (many are a drive though!)

Eventually you can get 2 lighter matching cabs, 2 210s or 2 115s. (Or 212s!) nice to have the flexibility; one cab for PA gigs , two for no-PA gigs.

best of luck!

PS, yes TB is way better than FB

 

[Donald Wormuth]

Yeah that's why I want to get the DI box. So I can use the amp as a monitor when I do have the ability to punch into a PA

 

[Donald Wormuth]

Most amps that would be big enough for you would have a DI or “Line Out” to send a signal to the PA. Through XLR cable (mic cable) usually.

Or, you can add an external DI or Pre amp. One cable goes to PA, one goes to amp for your monitor. recent thread on that here:
DI recommendation for passive bass

Before I got to your last post, I was gonna suggest 410 used, and a cheap used head. Hard to beat that for loud on a budget. Many players are dumping their 410s for lighter, smaller cabs. Plenty options in my local classifieds for around 400 bucks (many are a drive though!)

Eventually you can get 2 lighter matching cabs, 2 210s or 2 115s. (Or 212s!) nice to have the flexibility; one cab for PA gigs , two for no-PA gigs.

best of luck!

PS, yes TB is way better than FB

 

[Donald Wormuth]

This guy is going deliver. Because I don't have a reliable vehicle to go to Dallas pick it up. You still giving me a killer deal $340 for the head and cabinets. Delivered

 

[abarson]

This guy is going deliver. Because I don't have a reliable vehicle to go to Dallas pick it up. You still giving me a killer deal $340 for the head and cabinets. Delivered

Awesome! Hartke has a good reputation. Here's the user manual for the HA2500:
http://www.samsontech.com/site_media/legacy_docs/HA2500_ownman_v1_2.pdf

Although they left it out of the drawing, the DI output is in fact on the back of the unit. It is the 3-pin XLR connector labeled "Direct Out". Use a standard XLR microphone cable to connect it to a mixer. You won't need a standalone DI box.
Also interesting that they left out a description of the high-pass filter (HPF), which you can use to help protect your speakers from too much low-frequency rumble.

We're all beginners at one point. I'm still learning stuff from other TB'ers.

 

[Donald Wormuth]

The TNT has a phase switch on it. But thTs

Well, I guess he changed his mind or something. After first email no other communications from him. So back to drawing board. I've found a few cabinets that the ohm ratings aren't compatible with heads I found. I found a head that's rated 140@ 4 and 80@8. Which seems a little quiet to me. How does ohms and wattage relate to overall volume? I'd really like atleast 200 watts If my understanding is correct. Because not only do i need to beable to cut through the drums at practice we also will be playing in places w/o a in house PA.We have a very small board with 4 inputs. We use for vocals and kick 1 lead singer 2&3 Bvlcs 4 kick. Being we're just starting out it's what we have to use at the time. If we start getting gigs we will look into purchasing one.