How much Amp power do you need?

[Clammy]

In all my years of touring and being supplied backline on the road, I've never had "too much" amp/watts, but I've definitely had too LITTLE. I know which way I prefer, and what works for me. And the visual aspect of a big amp simply cannot be discounted (for my style of music - Metal).

Cheers!

 

[Pimmsley]

I've played a lot of funk and jazz gigs and reception/corporate gigs in a variety of venues around Australia... For most of them it was a GK 400 RB into either an 8 ohm 15" jbl cab, or 8 ohm ampeg 410... I never felt I was missing out for those gigs and larger venues had FOH support through a DI... When playing louder indie rock and cover band gigs I did often struggle to keep up with that gear... It really depends on your needs and I must add that having recently up'd my wattage and cabs, I'm enjoying things a lot more...
I would look at 300-500 watts as a starting point... You will regret anything less IMO

 

[georgestrings]

I think you should play what works for you, and let others do the same.

Just because you dont understand/accept something does not invalidate it for someone else.

Yeah, do what you want but don't tell me what I "should" be playing.

Agreed 100%!!!

- georgestrings

 

[CL400Peavey]

Agreed 100%!!!

- georgestrings

+1


And just to say it again: Wattage does not equate to volume.

It is very possible to play an SVT-VR through two 810's at bed room level.

Is that more than some would need? Sure. Is it a lot of gear to carry? Sure. Could someone get by with a different rig (be it smaller or lighter) in the same situation? Sure.

None of those invalidate the use of the bigger rig. The fact that it is big doesnt mean it is loud. It may have that potential, but that doesnt mean the person using it is an idiot and plays too loud.

Makes me wonder about the the guys that say, "Anything more powerful/bigger than XYZ is too loud..." Are they lacking the mental prowess to run their rig at an acceptable level?

 

[ArtechnikA]

Yes.

Ultimately, there is no upper bound. You cannot have too much - so it's not about that.

However - it weighs something, and it costs something - which gets to the value of each.
And the incremental cost of each compared to XYZ.

When you can have 800W for ~5 lbs - the "I don't want to carry a big rig" argument becomes specious.

When I can have 1000W for $100 more than 500W, unless you are really desperate for that last $100 - which you will pay _twice_ when you sell the 500 and buy the 1000 - the cost/value issue deserves consideration.

 

[CL400Peavey]

Yes.

Ultimately, there is no upper bound. You cannot have too much - so it's not about that.

However - it weighs something, and it costs something - which gets to the value of each.
And the incremental cost of each compared to XYZ.

When you can have 800W for ~5 lbs - the "I don't want to carry a big rig" argument becomes specious.

When I can have 1000W for $100 more than 500W, unless you are really desperate for that last $100 - which you will pay _twice_ when you sell the 500 and buy the 1000 - the cost/value issue deserves consideration.

+1

I bought a 3,000 watt amp and a Pre for what it would have cost me to buy a 500 watt micro based on the same pre. Sure its a little bigger and heavier, but still very manageable when set next to my tube amp.

Doesnt mean I am any louder with either of those, than with my "Practice Micro".

 

[modulusman]

Just wondering if you guys that bring the big rigs to gigs ever get told by the management that it is blocking the view of the TV behind the stage.

 

[CL400Peavey]

Just wondering if you guys that bring the big rigs to gigs ever get told by the management that it is blocking the view of the TV behind the stage.

If there are TV's on stage I unplug those futhermuckers durring set up.

 

[karl_em_all]

Good catch...obviously a total troll!


Unless the original post was from 12-28-2005

hahaha!

 

[JimmyM]

Just wondering if you guys that bring the big rigs to gigs ever get told by the management that it is blocking the view of the TV behind the stage.

Not once ever. You want to watch TV? Go home and watch it.

 

[ArtechnikA]

Just wondering if you guys that bring the big rigs to gigs ever get told by the management that it is blocking the view of the TV behind the stage.

I know you are kidding, but once again this blurs the lines between amp power and speakers, which are two separate things.

If you're in a small venue - bring a small speaker, and turn down. Fridges are probably not for the corner bar...

My 1000W amp is exactly the same size (although a little heavier) as its 500W brother. Neither would block a TV ;-)

 

[georgestrings]

Just wondering if you guys that bring the big rigs to gigs ever get told by the management that it is blocking the view of the TV behind the stage.

I don't, because people come to see my band as the main attraction - I suppose that might happen if your band is merely there for the purpose of providing "background music"...


- georgestrings

 

[tastybasslines]

300-500 watts into 4 Ohms and a 410 or 212 will do most things for most people in a live bar/ rock setting.

Wouldn't it be better to have more power so you don't have to work the amp as hard?

 

[CL400Peavey]

Wouldn't it be better to have more power so you don't have to work the amp as hard?

Depends on your cab. 300-500 watts is going to put *most* 212's or 410's at their mechanical limits.

 

[ArtechnikA]

Depends on your cab. 300-500 watts is going to put *most* 212's or 410's at their mechanical limits.

I think what he's getting at is a point I made earlier - I'd rather run a 1000W amp at 400W than a 400W amp at 400W.

 

[tastybasslines]

You may not have realised it but TB isn't very representative of the bass playing world. Extremists are overrepresented. They project their own extremism onto anyone presenting a moderating viewpoint that would threaten their worldview of thunderous stage bass being the end of ends for all occasions.

This made me laugh. I agree fully.

 

[tastybasslines]

Depends on your cab. 300-500 watts is going to put *most* 212's or 410's at their mechanical limits.

So if I have an amp rated 900W at 4 ohms, and 2 8ohm, 300W 12's running through it...Would that be too much power in your opinion? I'd only be able to use 1/2 the amps power effectively you would say?

 

[CL400Peavey]

I think what he's getting at is a point I made earlier - I'd rather run a 1000W amp at 400W than a 400W amp at 400W.

At that point you are going to be reaching all sorts of limitations of the system. One transient peak and your speaker cab is going to pop.

I do get having more than enough rig to cover the gig, so I can let it run along at an idle rather than at red line though.

 

[JimmyM]

It would be if you're clueless about operating your gear in a professional manner

 

[groooooove]

all situations are unique.. to play with just guitars, i can often use my double bass without an amp.

other times, with just guitars, you may need a 4x10 or something.

if you need more, you need more.. there is no guide as to what will work when, especially with wattage numbers, as they seem to matter very little. i've seen 300w amps sound plenty loud and others sound really weak and quiet. its all subjective.