Head + cab as a home practice setup

[PabloDiablo]

Hello,

This is my first post although I've been reading a lot of useful stuff here.

I'm thinking about upgrading my Kustom KXB10 practice amp.

Does it make sense to buy a head + cab that would be suitable for metal rehearsals with overactive drummer like
Tonehammer 500 W
Markbass Little AG 58R
Gallien Krueger RB 1001

and buy small cab 100-200 W for home practice and bigger cab for rehearsals so I can travel with my bass and head only
I play fingerstyle and very lightly, so my small Kustom is on 75% power all the time. I know the power difference is huge, but is it convienient (possible) to use 500 W and bigger heads and set up like 0.5 volume. There are lots of recommendations for Darkglass 900 W but is it even possible to use bedroom volume for such powerful heads?
Also I'm thinking about going head XLR output -> usb audio interface -> krk rokit g5 but I would like to have also a classic head+cab / combo setup because its obviously not the same

Worth mentioning I don't play too loud at home because of neighbours

Thx for help

 

[Slevage]

Keep what you have for practice at home ( you won’t get much$if you sell it). The GK is your best option for a loud band IMO, but the GK700 is often preferred for breakup at higher volumes. Make sure your first cabinet is 8 ohms so you can add another.
The GK 2-12 options are loud.

 

[Sid the Kid]

With the Darkglass head you can switch the power supply to handle a 2 ohm load, which will decrease the power output of the head when presented with an 8 ohm load. I don’t think the Darkglass head was any louder than my 700RBii or even my Tonehammer 350 cranked. Power is weird like that, doubling the amount power doesn’t double output, it just gets you 3 extra DB’s where true doubling of volume is perceived around 9db. (Someone correct me if I’m wrong) the Darkglass head seemed to have a high amount of THD at loud levels and that was exacerbated by the drive circuits. We didn’t get along. I also disliked switching from the distorted channels to the clean as they require drastically different EQ so kiss on the fly changes goodbye. I had much better luck using a Microtubes pedal and any other amp and the sound was the same or better.

There’s no real reason you can’t do exactly as you are planning, it will work great as long as you respect the capabilities of your speaker. I have 6 cabs, 2 stacks at home for gigging and one at each band practice space. It is totally worth it to save your back humping cabs in and out of rehearsals. Older heavy cabs are very affordable and still sound great, and if it’s staying in one place who cares how much it weighs! I like Guitar Center’s used section for buying these old cabs, price is great and for whatever reason shipping is ridiculously cheap. Recently I grabbed a Genz Benz Uber410 for $350 delivered.

Of the heads you listed I think the Aguilar would be my choice. 1001 is a great head but it is loud and clean where the Aguilar can be made to drive at lower volumes. Also the Aguilar is no slouch when it comes to output and it is more easily repaired/replaced than the ol 1001. 250w at 8 ohms really opens up the second cab options as well. The TB user Eublet has done a wonderful post about how the Tonehammer controls interact and I highly recommend checking it out, this knowledge reveals the versatility of the Tonehammer. Post #1825 in the following link. https://www.talkbass.com/threads/ag...-500w-megathread.717712/page-92#post-13429692

Good luck and have fun!

 

[MCS4]

If what you are saying is that you would leave the big cab at your band's rehearsal space and keep a smaller cab at home so you can practice with an amp at home without lugging the big cab back and forth from rehearsals, then yes if funds permit this can be a good option. This is what I generally do when I am in a band that has a dedicated rehearsal space, although admittedly I did not go out and buy a cab just for playing at home... my home cab is an old 2x10 that I retired from gigging when I bought my current rig. I don't think I would have spent the money on a cab only ever intended for home, but everyone's mileage can vary. I'd be more inclined to do something where I have a couple of cabs I could combine when max volume at certain gigs is needed but split them up for general home practice and rehearsals, so both cabs have a live purpose as well.

 

[Tj smith]

I’d just buy the size head and cab that u want for gigs. They have volume knobs so u don’t have to practice at gig volume

 

[Solipsistik]

I'd go with the Mark Bass head and a 58R 104 cabinet for playing out and keeping whatever you have for practice. They're matched and both are very light, very portable and very powerful together. 36lbs for the Energy or Pure versions of the cab (the Pure has a tweeter, probably better for musical styles you're not playing, by the sound of it) and the head is maybe 6? I can one-hand my Energy cab and it feels impossibly light. The finish of the cab feels cheap but they take a serious beating without complaint, and that's worth something in itself. At 58 I have no trouble carrying two of those cabs, one in each hand, and that is worth something when you are gigging.

As for high-powered amps, I've used my Bergantino Ultra in my spare bedroom for practice for months before I moved it to my workshop where it can stretch a bit more. That amp has 1000W @ 8 ohms and 2000W with a 4 ohm load. It had no trouble being turned down to around 1/3 volume to accomodate the space connected to a 400W, 8 ohm 102HF cabinet.

Obviously, I'm a big fan of light cabinets because it takes a lot of the argument for why I shouldn't have a cabinet on stage away. It's not a lot of work and I can go FOH from any of my amps with a XLR cable. I do go DI/IEM at one venue just because it's painfully loud on the stage.

There are more expensive options and they *might* sound better. Ampeg and Bergantino for example, make great cabinets that are reasonably light (under 50lbs) and heads that make big power (800W+). You can definitely mix and match head brands with other brands of cabinets, too.

Here's a (I know it's weird but this space works amazingly for practice) pic of one of my 58R 104 Energy cabinets beside my older Behringer 300W combo amp. It's worth seeing the size in comparison with things you know (Gretsch shortscale on right, Headless Frog on left). And when I tell you that the 4x10" cabinet weighs literally *half* of what the Behringer combo weighs, I am not joking.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

The solution I came up with for this was get a head rated for 2.67 ohms or better yet 2. Then have a 4 ohm 212 and an 8 ohm 112.
This allows you to have a home rig, practice rig, gig rig. You can scale it up or down depending on what your needs are. Comes in handy especially if you rehearse somewhere and don't want to carry a cab back and forth. You can leave a cab there and have a cab at home. Then bring whatever you need for the size of the venue for the gig.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Hello,

This is my first post although I've been reading a lot of useful stuff here.

I'm thinking about upgrading my Kustom KXB10 practice amp.

Does it make sense to buy a head + cab that would be suitable for metal rehearsals with overactive drummer like
Tonehammer 500 W
Markbass Little AG 58R
Gallien Krueger RB 1001

and buy small cab 100-200 W for home practice and bigger cab for rehearsals so I can travel with my bass and head only
I play fingerstyle and very lightly, so my small Kustom is on 75% power all the time. I know the power difference is huge, but is it convienient (possible) to use 500 W and bigger heads and set up like 0.5 volume. There are lots of recommendations for Darkglass 900 W but is it even possible to use bedroom volume for such powerful heads?
Also I'm thinking about going head XLR output -> usb audio interface -> krk rokit g5 but I would like to have also a classic head+cab / combo setup because its obviously not the same

Worth mentioning I don't play too loud at home because of neighbours

Thx for help

One, do not buy or use an amp that can provide more power to the cab than the cab’s RMS rating.

Today there is no real price advantage buying a 500 watt amp or one sub 200. And a 500 watt amp will be easier to sell than a 200 watt if you decide to move on.

As long as you amp comes with a volume control and not being afraid to use it, you will be fine with home practice regardless of it’s potential output wattage.

Don’t confuse wattage with volume. It’s the combination of your amp and cab working together as one unit that will provide the end result. So understand your cab’s efficiency rating be for buying.

In general 2 speakers will sound fuller, but not twice as loud as one speaker.

Best wishes on your search.

 

[Solipsistik]

The solution I came up with for this was get a head rated for 2.67 ohms or better yet 2. Then have a 4 ohm 212 and an 8 ohm 112.
This allows you to have a home rig, practice rig, gig rig. You can scale it up or down depending on what your needs are. Comes in handy especially if you rehearse somewhere and don't want to carry a cab back and forth. You can leave a cab there and have a cab at home. Then bring whatever you need for the size of the venue for the gig.

I've come to realise that having 4 ohm cabs is generally less flexible and not as much louder as you would think. Most (NOT all) amps work at their best output at 4 ohms, though as you say 2.67 ohm offers you the ability to push nearly as much power as in 4 ohm mode out of most amps that support it. Just remember that if there's a dynamic fan, it's going to run all the time at those impedances. I use this with my Berg head which can do 2.67 ohms, as I have two 102HF cabs which are 4 + 8 respectively. I have way more than enough power at that impedance (like, 1300W more than I need). Now that I have the bigger cabs (both 8 ohms) it makes sense to do what I'm doing - I have three practice/rehearsal rigs which can be used as a gig backup at any time, in three different places, and the least powerful head I have can push a full 500W at 4 ohm impedance.

 

[el murdoque]

Does it make sense to buy a head + cab that would be suitable for metal rehearsals with overactive drummer like
Tonehammer 500 W
Markbass Little AG 58R
Gallien Krueger RB 1001

and buy small cab 100-200 W for home practice and bigger cab for rehearsals so I can travel with my bass and head only
I play fingerstyle and very lightly, so my small Kustom is on 75% power all the time. I know the power difference is huge, but is it convienient (possible) to use 500 W and bigger heads and set up like 0.5 volume. There are lots of recommendations for Darkglass 900 W but is it even possible to use bedroom volume for such powerful heads?

Yes, that totally works. If you're going for something like a 1x10 for home and as much as you need for rehearsal, then you'll be able to use your head at both places. A 1x10 usually has significantly less than 250W capability, but your head has a volume knob, and you hopefully have the common sense to not overdo it.

 

[Solipsistik]

One, do not buy or use an amp that can provide more power to the cab than the cab’s RMS rating.

I mean, this is good advice in general but one can definitely just turn the volume down on the oversized amp to save the speaker/s in the cabinet. I personally feel that buying a head/cab of less than 400W is a bad idea, however. You may need it for a spare someday. I'm not a fan of buying anything that I couldn't take to a gig if needed.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I mean, this is good advice in general but one can definitely just turn the volume down on the oversized amp to save the speaker/s in the cabinet. I personally feel that buying a head/cab of less than 400W is a bad idea, however. You may need it for a spare someday. I'm not a fan of buying anything that I couldn't take to a gig if needed.

Sure can. Why tempt fate? Crap happens and I’ve seen too much of it over the last some 50 year and found it a good idea to avoid it if at all possible. Call the extra money (if any) money for assurance. Or insurance if you’d rather. I’m pretty sure when you send your car insurance premium in you aren’t doing it because you’re a lousy driver. Just saying.

 

[Aloe]

well, a 500w head is not that an overkill for home usage.

get a good cab, so you’d be able to turn it louder when you’ll need to. look for 8 ohms and 300W or higher, might be a 1x12, 1x15 or 2x10.

if you’re looking at like a 1x10, a 200w micro head might be a better match. you’ll likely need a second cab when playing out.

also be aware, most of heads have a cooler inside, not a problem when playing with a band, but might be audible in a quiet home. if that’s a problem, consider a Mesa d350 or Phil Jones.

 

[Wasnex]

Yes it can be useful to have two rigs. If the Kustom is doing the job at home and not causing problems with the neighbors, keep it instead of spending even more money on a small cab. You can still bring your high-powered head home, but you don't have to unpack it.


Obviously you need a rig that can play loud enough. IMHO it's also beneficial to build a rig that can produce the type of tone you want. There is quite a bit of variation in personality between the heads you mentioned. Cabs also tend to have their own personality. IMHO Go play a bunch of amps and cabs and find the combination that works for you; rather than worrying about what we like. Millions of bassist think nothing could be better than and SVT an 810E. Great rig for sure, but it really doesn't work for me because I prefer a more HiFi sound. I learned the hard way by purchasing a brand new SVT and 810 without ever hearing one. I was a very expensive mistake .

In regards to keeping the volume down at home. Consider a silent practice setup. A small mixer and decent set of headphones can work really well.

 

[Low End Scum]

This is totally reasonable and a way I used to run things before I ended up with a surplus of gear. I have a little Aguilar DB112 (amongst other cabs) at home, and leave a 90's Peavey 115 Black Widow at rehearsal which is VERY loud.


Funny enough you mention the Darkglass 900 and that's what I have lol. Yes it can be done at bedroom volumes very easily and is not excessively sensitive like other amps I've had (Like the Fender Bassman Pro 300, not the one that looks like a 70's bassman, the rebranded Sunn 100T). I also have an Aguilar DB750 head that also is very easy to have at bedroom levels. Are they overkill? Yes. But are they lacking in versatility to do both tasks? Not at all.

 

[jVilla76]

Out of the bass amps you listed as options for playing metal I would choose the darkglass first then the tone hammer second, just based on the baked in sounds of those amps. Make sure you play through the darkglass before buying as they have a unique sound that works well for metal but might not be your bag. I tend to side with Eric Gales on how he likes his amps. On a recent interview with Rick Beato he says he's looking for "loud and crystal clear" in a amp. You can always add a bit of grit to your signal via pedals but you can't take it out of your signal if it's baked into your amps sound. The darkglass is a very colored sound to my ears so there is that.

 

[Nebadon2000]

Mesa BD-800

 

[mikeswals]

I would just keep that home practice you already have, and if it works fine.
But I would absolutely snatched up that GK1001 for your gig rig is its available!

 

[J Wilson]

The great thing is I CAN'T hear the neighbors beating on the front door when I'm practicing.

 

[PabloDiablo]

Thanks a lot for all your suggestions.

Summarizing:
Generally there is no problem turning the volume down for stronger amps to bedroom levels
Powering e.g. 200 W cab with 300 W amp is ok when volume is low (like at home)
Final loudness comes from combination of speakers and amp, wattage is not a defining factor

I've come across really good offer for Ashdown Mag 300 Head (500 PLN = 130 USD) and Hartke 4.5XL (500 PLN = 130 USD). The owner of Ashdown assured me the head is fine for metal drummers and gigs - although in "only" has 200 W / 8 ohms when used with single 4x10 Hartke.

I'm curious what do you think - Ashdown Mag 300 Head + 2 cabs Hartke 4x10 400 W - is Ashdown (300 W / 4 ohms) powerful enough for 8 speakers?

Also I found 1x12 Aguilar GS112 (300 W / 8 ohms) for 425 USD and they seem to be great - this would be for home practice. I wouldn;t combine it with 4x10 Hartke.

My Kustom KXB10 is 10 W with 10" speaker. I'm tired of it because of the sound, its flat. I'm upgrading my BTB 625ex to Nordstrands, using DG Harmonic Booster, MXR Chorus and would really like to hear the difference clearly and appreciate more. This is my motivation for getting better home practice setup. I hope Aguilar would let me enjoy long practice hours more

Unfortunately the problem with GK 1001 is its age. There is only one available at the moment - from 1990" and the guy selling it has a lot of negative opinions for selling non conforming products, so I'm a bit affraid.