Getting another amp

[Griendrr]

Hello All Good Day to You.

I've been playing about 10 years and my first amp was/is a GK MB115. It doesn't have the option to hook another powered speaker to it.

Now I'm in a band and playing smaller gigs but I can already tell i need or want or both something bigger.

I use a GT_1B processor. Left and Right channels. Recently acquired a Rumble 100 that I like a lot, but I still don't think it's a match for the 200 watt GK as a stereo L/R match. Am I wrong ? The rumble has a great solid punch but still it's only 100 watts vs the 200 watt GK. Would it even be heard above the GK ?

Seriously considering The GK MB 212 500 Watt since it's light and there is soo much good feedback on it. Seems everyone that has one loves it.

There is a 300watt fender for sale an hour away from me, but it's almost 80 lbs.

I'm not against buying used and usually do but I'm not against buying new either. Just seems there's not an abundance of GK out there.

Any suggestions opinions alternate options welcome. I'm pretty new to all of this. First time playing live with a full band and finding my way around, but being able to turn up when everyone else does seems like a good option.

The drummer isn't overly loud but both guitarist have full Marshall Stacks, They get carried away. sometimes.

 

[abarson]

Ah, version I of the MB line didn't have the "Chain Out" for MBPs.

I don't know how useful a stereo output for bass is, unless you're heavy into chorus/flange/phaser/etc. I think it's a distraction. I agree that you would want matching amplification for each channel if you do run stereo. It sounds like you're doing this already with the MB115 and Rumble 100, so you've already come to your own conclusions about the matching. Maybe explain your stereo hookup and purpose.

The MB212 is a very good combo solution if you're not married to the stereo gimmick.

It may be time to look into separate heads and cabinets instead of relying on combos. This will give you more flexibility in speaker selection and usually more power to boot. Again, your setup will be different if you absolutely must run in stereo, which is rarely the case.

If the guitarists get out of hand, introduce them to the concept of a power attenuator. It allows the amp to be cranked to get their tone but drops the volume so you don't go deaf. Full stacks really are only for the egotistic and insecure, or as props.

 

[Griendrr]

My apologies, they are half stacks. I've played all my life but that's how much attention I've payed to gear up until recently. I'd have to say they are pretty loud but IMO not necessarily overkill IDK maybe good for large unmic'd outdoor venue. One of our guitarists is a paid hand, young dude, quite solid, I could see him using it, then again I could be dead wrong.

You are correct the stereo isn't a huge must. It IS nice to have two hopefully full output signals though.

I've used AB/Y splitter as well.

I haven't gotten the chance to play much with the rumble, I just picked it up last week. It would be good to compare. I'm really wondering if a few smaller combos even comes close to one large one. I haven't experimented much yet.

for example...

Theoretically, If I were top play a medium sized venue, would it be better to show up with both the 212 and the 115 I have now (even the Rumble 100) rather than just the 212 cranked ? It seems obvious to me it would be better, cover more area (2 combos 2 speakers 2 locations, more headroom always nice) Especially if it means they compliment each other, not having to turn up as much ? Is this a practice that is used ? I'm asking because it makes sense to me but i have no experience doing it.

Thank You.

 

[abarson]

"2 locations" is the faulty premise in my opinion. You can get combing and cancellation effects in such a scenario without any real benefit. Again, what do you need stereo for?

"2 combos/speakers" - There are two ways to do this:

1. one combo for each channel of the stereo output from your Boss. This would be a hassle to get each combo to sound right and balanced with each other. You do get more wattage and speaker displacement.
2. one combo slaved from the other. This gives you double the wattage and speaker displacement. As you're bypassing the slave's preamp and EQ, it's much easier to set up. You can stack the two combos and this will raise the second combo up closer so you can hear yourself better. This would be the preferred method if you go with two combos.

If playing a medium size venue, I'd much rather take a single 212 than futzing around with some elaborate wiring scheme. The KISS principle is almost always right. You will probably find that a medium size venue is taking all the signal to the PA and you only need your amp to hear yourself on the stage. In this situation, it's not your amp's job to carry the audience. Your challenge will be convincing the guitarists that they don't need to dominate with their half stacks either.

 

[hrodbert696]

I have the GK MB210 and honestly, I don't really find myself at a gig it's inadequate for, unless you have guitarists getting really stupid loud, in which case I'd suggest a talk with the guitarists rather than buying a bigger rig to make stupid loud stupider. I can see the 115 not cutting it. If you like the MB212, I think you should find it satisfactory. Remember that for bigger venues you're likely to have bigger PA support to DI into.

 

[GreyBeard]

Since you are already into the GK sound, the GK 500 watt 2x12 would be a good step up. (imho)

 

[Griendrr]

Tonight I actually sat down with both amps and I was mainly comparing them. Hence similar settings. The GK has no sound without turning the gain knob. It's also kinda useless at higher volumes without the clip button engaged which makes sense it just distorts without it. I get it.

The rumble has its own gain button and circuit which I didn't engage. I tried to keep settings identical, ended up having both volumes close to max, then used volume and bass knobs on my Ibanez SR(?) 300 to turn up as much as possible while still keeping a clean sound on both amps. I used my AB/Y box so I could toggle and compare, or use both at the same time.

They are both petty loud, the GK louder (makes sense 15" vs 12", 200 watts vs 100 on the rumble) GK deff has more sound I can tell it's just more powerful but the rumble does sound better and cleaner. Like totally clean. Together they sounded good but the GK over powered the rumble when they were both on. I'll post my settings. Man bass sound just seems a lot tougher to manage. Not really looking to have major problems solved (unless one is evident) . After that I just enjoyed them and practiced about 25 songs we're playing and I'm doing a lot of backup vocals on. I'm starting to think these guys might not be any kind of experts when it comes to sound. They seem to be trying, that's just an entire topic for another thread though. I've been in/ around a few bands over the last two years or so, at the moment just happy to be playing with a few decent guys. I've already learned that bands can be tough, my goal is to play out and learn more, I've walked away from others already and I'm just going to lay back and enjoy the best I can for now. Thank you for all the responses !!@ back of the rumble, GK has direct out onlyrumble settingsGK SETTING

 

[Griendrr]

Well I posted a nice long reply, then it said I needed to log in, then said my login failed. So here's the settings I came to tonight where both sounded pretty clear and loud. I used the volume and bass setting on my bass's EQ..

 

[Griendrr]

Yeah I did consider the possibility of two sound locations muddling things up. Thank you. It doesn't look like either of these amps are capable of being a master....
Thank You !!@

 

[Griendrr]

I have the GK MB210 and honestly, I don't really find myself at a gig it's inadequate for, unless you have guitarists getting really stupid loud, in which case I'd suggest a talk with the guitarists rather than buying a bigger rig to make stupid loud stupider. I can see the 115 not cutting it. If you like the MB212, I think you should find it satisfactory. Remember that for bigger venues you're likely to have bigger PA support to DI into.

A talk over this right now I just don't have it in me honestly. I Am going to keep an eye out for the MB210 though. Thank You !!!

 

[Griendrr]

Since you are already into the GK sound, the GK 500 watt 2x12 would be a good step up. (imho)

Thank You.

 

[Rjb1101]

Hello All Good Day to You.

I've been playing about 10 years and my first amp was/is a GK MB115. It doesn't have the option to hook another powered speaker to it.

Now I'm in a band and playing smaller gigs but I can already tell i need or want or both something bigger.

I use a GT_1B processor. Left and Right channels. Recently acquired a Rumble 100 that I like a lot, but I still don't think it's a match for the 200 watt GK as a stereo L/R match. Am I wrong ? The rumble has a great solid punch but still it's only 100 watts vs the 200 watt GK. Would it even be heard above the GK ?

Seriously considering The GK MB 212 500 Watt since it's light and there is soo much good feedback on it. Seems everyone that has one loves it.

There is a 300watt fender for sale an hour away from me, but it's almost 80 lbs.

I'm not against buying used and usually do but I'm not against buying new either. Just seems there's not an abundance of GK out there.

Any suggestions opinions alternate options welcome. I'm pretty new to all of this. First time playing live with a full band and finding my way around, but being able to turn up when everyone else does seems like a good option.

The drummer isn't overly loud but both guitarist have full Marshall Stacks, They get carried away. sometimes.

If you are running left and right channels, why not run a DI out into a crown amp and connect two cabs?

 

[InhumanResource]

Hello All Good Day to You.

I've been playing about 10 years and my first amp was/is a GK MB115. It doesn't have the option to hook another powered speaker to it.

Now I'm in a band and playing smaller gigs but I can already tell i need or want or both something bigger.

I use a GT_1B processor. Left and Right channels. Recently acquired a Rumble 100 that I like a lot, but I still don't think it's a match for the 200 watt GK as a stereo L/R match. Am I wrong ? The rumble has a great solid punch but still it's only 100 watts vs the 200 watt GK. Would it even be heard above the GK ?

Seriously considering The GK MB 212 500 Watt since it's light and there is soo much good feedback on it. Seems everyone that has one loves it.

There is a 300watt fender for sale an hour away from me, but it's almost 80 lbs.

I'm not against buying used and usually do but I'm not against buying new either. Just seems there's not an abundance of GK out there.

Any suggestions opinions alternate options welcome. I'm pretty new to all of this. First time playing live with a full band and finding my way around, but being able to turn up when everyone else does seems like a good option.

The drummer isn't overly loud but both guitarist have full Marshall Stacks, They get carried away. sometimes.

It all depends on how loud the stage is and what kind of PA support you have. I use the Mb212 and it’s great, but we have pretty low stage volume and a good PA to carry FOH.

If I was expected to carry the room AND keep up with half stacks on stage I’d probably want something bigger.

 

[Medicine Man]

Full stacks are just too loud, even a half stack gets too stupid loud for most venues. But if reason cant be had, you probably need 2 2x12's to keep up. Ditch the stereo, and get the 2x12 and a high pass filter to drive it harder. If that still doesnt cut it, you can add a second.

 

[HolmeBass]

More speakers helps more than more amp, so the double combo route is probably better than a single 212 combo.

But you need a real rig, a 610 with an 800 watts @ 4 ohms (or more) amplifier.

 

[InhumanResource]

Full stacks are just too loud, even a half stack gets too stupid loud for most venues. But if reason cant be had, you probably need 2 2x12's to keep up. Ditch the stereo, and get the 2x12 and a high pass filter to drive it harder. If that still doesnt cut it, you can add a second.

Seriously. The band I am in now (7 piece party band) is only using FRFR powered monitor for guitars, keyboard, and vocal monitors. I am the only knucklehead with an amp because I need more of “myself” in the stage mix then the little powered monitors provide but that may change if I find a better solution.

Something like a half stack is just way way loud this day and age. I needed an 810 when I was playing with a band like that.

 

[Stewie]

If the almost 80 pound Fender is a BXR300C, I can tell you that it’s worth checking out. I think Fender lied a bit about the weight( more than 80 pounds), but it is the best sounding amp I’ve ever used. It has side handles so you can lift it. If you can carry an 80 pound bag of cement comfortably, you’ll probably like the combo. It will easily keep up with a loud drummer. Set it on top of another 15 and it will keep up with a cranked full stack

 

[MIMike]

I think one rig with the proper power and speaker configuration is what you need.
As already mentioned, the two amp setup will probably create more problems than solutions.
If you are using the ABY to split your bass to the two amps, you are not going stereo anyway, so the two amps really won’t get you any sort of beneficial effect.

 

[abarson]

Usually, you want to set the gain to be high enough not to go into clipping, then adjust your overall signal level with the Volume control. Same method for both your combos.
On the Rumble, the 3 pushbuttons to the right of the Gain knob are for preset EQs, "Bright", "Contour" and "Vintage". The manual indicates that there is some interaction between Gain settings and the Vintage and Overdrive features. Here's the manual:
https://www.fmicassets.com/Damroot/Original/10001/OM_Rumble_40_100_200_500_US_5.pdf

The combos use very different EQ circuits, so setting one the same as the other doesn't really add up. You need to get a setting you like on one, then set the second EQ to match, using your ears and not your eyes. What I see is that you favor an EQ that's really heavy on the treble, light on the bass, and scooping out all the mids. While each of us has our own idea of our ideal tone, your setting seems a bit extreme. Why the aversion to mids?

I think you've done some good research and have come to some useful conclusions. If you like the clean sound of the Rumble more and it's not enough power, there is either the Rumble 210 combo or a Rumble head and cabinets.

 

[groove pump]

Well I posted a nice long reply, then it said I needed to log in, then said my login failed. So here's the settings I came to tonight where both sounded pretty clear and loud. I used the volume and bass setting on my bass's EQ..

I checked in on this when I saw that you were considering a larger GK rig from their MB combos. I got a GK MB 500 head to run my pair of 2x10 cabs about two years ago and it's been fantastic for me. At 500 watts, I was initially a little worried that it might not have the power I'd need because it was replacing a heavier old 800 watt head and I was playing shows without PA support when I got it.

After only two gigs I knew that this was the "healthiest" head I've ever owned. It sounds enormous for me - plenty of volume, even when playing outdoors. I don't have any experience with the Fender Rumbles, but if you go for a MB 500 in a 2x12 combo, I think you should have all the stage volume you could want. No need to get into a war with any guitar amps - the stage volume will get way too loud.

A second cab would probably be great if you do end up needing to put your sound into a room without PA help. I can say that when I do this, my sound gets huge without even touching the "Boost" section on my GK. I run the Gain up to about 3 o'clock and the Master Volume at no more than around 10 o'clock.

Because my band is trying to get our stage volume under control, we're going to at least partially run both guitars and the bass through our somewhat modest PA. I may only run only one of my cabs on stage as a monitor so that my drummer and I can hear each other okay. That's my story.

I also agree with our pal @abarson above - your eq setting is really extreme with all of your mids cut out and your high freq's turned all the way up. That's honestly an ideal setting for getting buried in a mix. All of your audible tone aside from the bright, clicky stuff lives in those mids.

I don't know exactly what sort of sound you're going for, but if you start with all your eq controls set "flat" at 12 o'clock, you can tweak things from there. You'll probably find that a lot of the authority in your tone will come with those low mids, while pushing too much of the lowest frequencies at higher volume can get boomy or muddy without lots of speakers and significant power to drive them.