I made the leap. Tech 21 bass preamp and powered cab

[LuckyScott]

Got the Tech 21 bass driver and a head rush 12 inch powered speaker cab and it sounds great.
Nice tone , punchy, and plenty of volume. It is really going to make my life simpler with less stuff to haul around.
I have been putting it off for years but now I'm glad I took the leap.

 

[Mojo34]

You are not alone. I was lucky enough to get a Tech 21 Deuce Deluxe a couple of years ago, and I use it with a couple of different Tech 21 pedals, depending on what I'm doing. 99% of the time I use an Acoustic Flyrig for electric bass, and I find the sound amazingly rich. I assume the Headrush is equally satisfying.

 

[Brandon Shea]

Those HeadRush units look awesome! I've been thinking about picking up something like that in the near future to simplify my practice space. Can't go wrong with Tech21, either.

 

[Geogio]

Sansamp and a Trademark 60 have both served me well. The TMP type of technogy with engines is now in the forefront of effective and efficient sound reproduction, it's exciting, fresh and forward thinking.

 

[jimmydean]

I went that way (HeadRush/Ampeg SGT/Zoom MS60B)for most of the year and it was a nice rig . This month I have switched to a Rumble 800 combo and a Rumble 100 for smaller venues .

 

[MegaSwing]

Got the Tech 21 bass driver and a head rush 12 inch powered speaker cab and it sounds great.
Nice tone , punchy, and plenty of volume. It is really going to make my life simpler with less stuff to haul around.
I have been putting it off for years but now I'm glad I took the leap.

Photo, please. Or else…

 

[LuckyScott]

I'll work on the photo part. Have never posted a pic here but I guess I'll figure it out.

I'm not a big technology guy, just old school. Grew up with a SVT and a fridge cab being the ultimate rig. But in the 80's I bought my first GK amp and was amazed how small it was.
Currently rocking a rack mounted GK fusion amp but realizing that passive speaker cabs are now the limiting factor.
Love the sound of two 4X10 cabs on stage, but it's really not practical in today's world. Have realized that the house PA is delivering the bass sound so I just need a on stage monitor more than anything.

 

[michael_t]

Got the Tech 21 bass driver and a head rush 12 inch powered speaker cab and it sounds great.

I have a question for you...

Assuming you're talking about the SansAmp Bass Driver DI, how would you control the stage volume on the monitor without affecting the signal going out to the FOH? On a typical Tech 21 preamp/DI, the LEVEL knob controls both the XLR and the effected 1/4" output, which can be a limiting factor with this particular setup as you can't controls the stage volume without affecting the FOH.

I've recently acquired the Mesa Subway Bass DI-Preamp. One of the features I really like is it has two XLR outs, one at mic level (for FOH) and one at line level (for the monitor), and their output levels are controlled with two separate knobs, making it easier to control the stage volume without affecting the FOH.

 

[LuckyScott]

I have not tried it yet but I'm assuming I can control it using the volume knob on the powered speaker cab.

 

[michael_t]

I have not tried it yet but I'm assuming I can control it using the volume knob on the powered speaker cab.

Yes, you can... BUT... The volume control is at the bottom of the unit, as in way at the back where it can't be easily accessed. I don't think it's something you can do on the fly during a set.

 

[Chris Chong]

It seems to be hard to reach on the slant back position on the floor.
Can consider getting a stand, so the bass hits the chest One could really feed the bass.

 

[LuckyScott]

Well, you are correct. Not easily reached on stage.
Not sure of another way to control the sound during a show without increasing the volume to the sound an.

 

[danelectro42]

I made a similar move with an Battalion pre amp in the Headrush 12 this past spring, gigged all summer with it, and will probably never go back to a regular amp head/cab setup. This has been a game changer- perfect sound, and I can always hear myself now.

 

[LuckyScott]

I used the sans amp set up last night at rehearsal. Worked flawlessly. The tone is not as rich as my tube head but plenty acceptable and does not get buried in the mix. I play in a LA guns tribute band so there's two really loud guitar players and a really loud Drummer. The issue reaching the knob was not an issue at all since the volume knob is right in the corner and easy to access.
It sounds great and makes a tiny footprint on the stage. I will be able to make one trip from the car to the stage without having to use a dolly. I love it.

 

[Jay Corwin]

I'm interested going this route for my rock rig. I've been running a Sansamp VT Preamp into the effects returns on my heads. I just wonder about how well these really move air compared to a bass cabinet, and if the 2000 watts is really as good as advertised.

 

[Brandon Shea]

I'm interested going this route for my rock rig. I've been running a Sansamp VT Preamp into the effects returns on my heads. I just wonder about how well these really move air compared to a bass cabinet, and if the 2000 watts is really as good as advertised.

I'm seriously considering getting one of these HeadRush units after seeing this thread and thinking about it for a while. Guitar Center's return policy makes this pretty tempting... I bet I'd have a pretty good feel for whether it's the right choice after using it at home for a couple weeks.

 

[Jay Corwin]

I'm seriously considering getting one of these HeadRush units after seeing this thread and thinking about it for a while. Guitar Center's return policy makes this pretty tempting... I bet I'd have a pretty good feel for whether it's the right choice after using it at home for a couple weeks.

I'll be expecting a full report!

 

[Mojo34]

We all are!

 

[coyoteboy]

Ive got the MicroBass III back on the board with zoom multi's in the stereo loop running to a powered BF One10T. No worries at all about volume, ive got a couple other 10CR cabs. Convenience, versatility, and volume. It can really roar all by itself too.

 

[learning_towalk]

Are you guys using the MK1 or MK2 Headrush?