Heads with Multiple Inputs

[Bassinthemudd]

I have a few stereo basses. Although I often run separate rigs, I'm also really liking the sound of mono amplification, not to mention the simplicity.

I've got an old Italian tube PA amp that has been converted into an instrument amp. I used to have an Oliver B200, and am aware of old Ampegs like the B15, and other brands, that have multiple inputs.

I'm considering a Mark Bass Little Mark Tube. I'm wondering what other amp heads have dual inputs (that can be used simultaneously.) Bonus points for 1/4"/XLR combo jacks with phantom power.

 

[coreyfyfe]

EA doubler II with the footswitch can do channel 1, 2, or both. Not sure if you can do it without the footswitch. Has an XLR input with phantom on channel 2.

https://gollihurmusic.com/content/manuals/DoublerManual-1Mar2017v2.pdf

I have one, solid amp. Mostly used it for upright and don’t really play many db gigs anymore so I’m selling mine, but it’s been a great amp otherwise.


Edit - reread the manual - sounds like you can either or both with the front button when a bass is plugged into both jacks. Never tried it myself but good you don’t need a footswitch.

 

[gtirard]

I have a few stereo basses. Although I often run separate rigs, I'm also really liking the sound of mono amplification, not to mention the simplicity.

I've got an old Italian tube PA amp that has been converted into an instrument amp. I used to have an Oliver B200, and am aware of old Ampegs like the B15, and other brands, that have multiple inputs.

I'm considering a Mark Bass Little Mark Tube. I'm wondering what other amp heads have dual inputs (that can be used simultaneously.) Bonus points for 1/4"/XLR combo jacks with phantom power.

The GR Bass Dual 800 and Dual 1400 have 2 inputs. They "offers the possibility to connect two instruments (two bass or one bass and one keyboard) but also one instrument with the possibility of using the two equalizations alternatively or simultaneously."

 

[Jeff Scott]

I have a few stereo basses. Although I often run separate rigs, I'm also really liking the sound of mono amplification, not to mention the simplicity.

I've got an old Italian tube PA amp that has been converted into an instrument amp. I used to have an Oliver B200, and am aware of old Ampegs like the B15, and other brands, that have multiple inputs.

I'm considering a Mark Bass Little Mark Tube. I'm wondering what other amp heads have dual inputs (that can be used simultaneously.) Bonus points for 1/4"/XLR combo jacks with phantom power.

Are you looking for an amp with two inputs, or an amp with two inputs in which each one goes to a separate preamp channel that is then combined into the power amp? Big difference.

 

[Bassinthemudd]

Are you looking for an amp with two inputs, or an amp with two inputs in which each one goes to a separate preamp channel that is then combined into the power amp? Big difference.

I'm interested in checking out both types.

 

[gtirard]

The Quilter BB800 had 1 input for a passive bass and 1 for a active bass.
Although it's not intuitive, you can use both simultaneously.
I don't know if it would work in your context?

 

[CryingBass]

Maybe a "doubler" pre-amp pedal ( many options ) into a mono amp?

 

[CryingBass]

And just curious: When you say "stereo basses" are you talking about seperated pickup outputs ( ala RickOSound ) or actual l/r stereo, which I have not heard of before.

 

[zombywoof5050]

I'm wondering what other amp heads have dual inputs (that can be used simultaneously.) Bonus points for 1/4"/XLR combo jacks with phantom power.

Acoustic Image have some models that fit that description. They are no longer in business since their founder died recently, but I imagine that you could find one on the used market. I have a Clarus+ and like it very much.

 

[Bassinthemudd]

The Quilter BB800 had 1 input for a passive bass and 1 for a active bass.
Although it's not intuitive, you can use both simultaneously.
I don't know if it would work in your context?

Good to know. I've got a SWR Mo' Bass head that has a similar input configuration. One is active/passive and the other is active. It states in the manual that both inputs can be used simultaneously. But, the inputs seem to be out of phase, as the low end disappears when both inputs are used.

And just curious: When you say "stereo basses" are you talking about seperated pickup outputs ( ala RickOSound ) or actual l/r stereo, which I have not heard of before.

Independent outputs for each pup, which is stereo if each pup is amplified independently.

 

[Bassinthemudd]

Maybe a "doubler" pre-amp pedal ( many options ) into a mono amp?

I've got that base covered. Looking for grab and go, easy setup/breakdown.

 

[LSM07]

Phil Jones D600 and BG400 (the latter is a combo amp, however).

 

[zombywoof5050]

Independent outputs for each pup, which is stereo if each pup is amplified independently.

I know of basses that have separate outputs for each pickup (I've owned Alembics), but 'usually' there is the option to run in mono with both pickups going to a single output on the bass. Your basses don't have this option?

If the amp has two inputs and only one set of EQ controls, then I don't really see any advantage to using both inputs (provided your bass can run in mono). The Mark Bass you mentioned does have a separate gain control for each input, so I guess you could maybe have one pickup with some tube grit and the other one set clean, but you're still stuck with only one set of EQ controls.

 

[abarson]

The now-discontinued Warwick LWA1000 was a two-channel amp, but I don't know whether the two channels could be used simultaneously. Nothing specific in the manual, except a mention of a foot switch that would allow channel selection.

 

[Bassinthemudd]

...'usually' there is the option to run in mono with both pickups going to a single output on the bass. Your basses don't have this option?

No, they don't.

The Mark Bass you mentioned does have a separate gain control for each input, so I guess you could maybe have one pickup with some tube grit and the other one set clean, but you're still stuck with only one set of EQ controls.

A common complaint about passive V/V/T or V/B/T controls is that they often function like a 3-way switch, or at least with very minimal ability to vary the mix. This is a valid complaint in my experience. I'm curious to see if one of the amps that has two inputs, but without gain controls for each, would be better in regards to mixing accuracy. The amp pictured below has a common eq section for both channels (each with their own gain control.) This gives me a lot more control.

Although I won't likely do it when using this simpler setup, two outputs also give the option of applying effects to each pup independently.

 

[Jeff Scott]

I was thinking of something along the lines of this.

 

[gtirard]

I was thinking of something along the lines of this.

View attachment 7034309

Yes, this is THE REFERENCE.

Each time I see a thread about amp with 2 inputs for 2 instruments, this amps is listed as being the reference, but unfortunately it is discontinued, and it doesn't seem to be easy to find it used.

I think the GR Bass Dual seems to be a good successor / replacement though. And like the Walter Wood, GR Bass amps are very transparent souding.

 

[Wasnex]

I use to run Ric-O-Sound with my 4001 through my SVT and I didn't think it made much of a difference. I thought running Ric-O-Sound into two separate amps made a bigger difference and sounded better...but it wasn't long till I moved on to biamping...which IMHO sounded even better.

The only current amp that comes to mind for me is a 50th AV SVT.

I have a couple of older hybrids with two channel preamps, but I don't think either of them allows both channels to be used simultaneously. I do have a vintage Showman Reverb that allow simultaneous 2-channel operation. However, if I remember correctly the two channel are out of phase. I can still sound good, but you get some interesting interactions between the two channels.

A small mixer with high Z inputs would work. There are also some two channel preamps designed for acoustic work such as the Grace Felix and the Headway EDB2 H.E. These preamps are pretty pricey.

 

[Wasnex]

Gollihur offers a Bass version of the Genzler Acoustic Array Pro. I believe a matching extension cab is available as well.

Gollihur Series Bass Acoustic Array Pro Amplification (Exclusive)

GOLLIHUR EXCLUSIVE - This two-channel amp offers high-impedance instrument AND phantom-powered mic inputs, multi-band EQ, and a bass-centric speaker design based on the Bass Array 110. Just for upright and acoustic basses - and made specially for my customers. Also check out the matching 1x10...

gollihurmusic.com

 

[gtirard]

@GR Bass Staff is it possible to use the 2 channels of the Dual amp simulteanously?

Edit: If would think so, since the wesite says "offers the possibility to connect two instruments (two bass or one bass and one keyboard) but also one instrument with the possibility of using the two equalizations alternatively or simultaneously.")

Problem solved, I think?