How do you guys use multiple amps at once?

[godofthunder59]

I use a Whirlwind Selector A B box to run two heads together.http://whirlwindusa.com/catalog/bla...hers/selector-multiselector-instrument-switch

 

[NeverIsNow]

OP: When you do this, also make sure both your amps are plugged into the same grounded AC power outlet.

Why does this matter? Enlighten me, could an outlet surge protector with multiple inputs do the job?

 

[groooooove]

i have in the past used the line out (sometimes labeled "tuner out") to go into the input of other things. works just fine.

 

[tothemax]

I just started using an AB\Y box and I love it... found one new on eBAY for $25 and it works great ART Accessories Cool Switch. I'm really hooked on the dual amp sound for guitar. I run all my effects into a tube amp (either a Egnator Rebel 20 or Blues Jr.) and a VOX Pathfinder SS 15r clean with some reverb (and Trem. via footsw). I love the tone mix between tube and SS (the best of both).

Haven't tried it with bass yet... enjoy!

 

[AndyLES]

Why does this matter? Enlighten me, could an outlet surge protector with multiple inputs do the job?

Sure. the point is to avoid ground loops (i.e., huuummmmmm).

 

[Marley's Ghost]

When running two rigs, be very careful with placement, or suffer the dreaded "cancellation" effect.

 

[Joe Louvar]

Why does this matter? Enlighten me, could an outlet surge protector with multiple inputs do the job?

No ground loops, less noise, safety - and yeah, that's perfect for the job.

 

[NeverIsNow]

When running two rigs, be very careful with placement, or suffer the dreaded "cancellation" effect.

What about one on top of the other?

 

[CAW]

Why does this matter? Enlighten me, could an outlet surge protector with multiple inputs do the job?

It's one way to eliminate ground loops. However, good splitters will also provide isolation on their outputs, so this isn't always necessary. And if you're using a couple of high-wattage amps, you don't want them on the same mains circuit as their combined current load may pop the breaker. So I'd argue it's better to get a splitter that provides proper isolation on its outputs.

 

[hrodbert696]

Radial ABY for me. One goes clean to an amp, the other through an effects chain and to the other amp.

 

[Marley's Ghost]

What about one on top of the other?

That should be ok. I won't even get started on talking about matching cabs. Nobody's got time for that.

 

[Ferret]

I use two in a bi-amp type setup. Trace Elliott runs 15 on top and Peavey Mark 6 runs 8x10 on the bottom. I use an ABC box due to multiple basses and wireless. From bass to ABC to wireless to boss GT 6b effects processor. From there it is stereo out ( I can Xlr out from there also if need be) to dual compressor then to dual 32 band EQ. One line then to the amp inputs. From there the trace Elliot that runs the 15 is Xlr out to mixer and the 8x10 is mic'd. 810 handles the lows which is why I mic it and the 15 are highs. Just in case hiss from speaker due to more highs I have more control over dealing with in the mix.
Oh yes, and all plugged into Furman

 

[Raf Seibert]

Back in the day, I ran through two separate Bassman amps, one behind me, and one behind the drummer. Since both heads had two parallel input jacks, I could just run an instrument lead into one, and run another lead from the second jack to the other amp. It worked great, but I understand that's not what you're trying to do.

Raf

 

[KeithAlanK]

An ABY box is preferred, but many tuner pedals have two outputs so you can run two amps easily. Only drawback is that one of the outputs typically doesn't mute when you tune, so a volume pedal on that side is recommended.

Personally, I biamp. And the 2 amps that I feed from my preamp are also biampable, so I could get stupid or just relax because I have a lot of redundancy.