I just sold an iAmp 500 and own a Focus SA. I agree with macmrkt's comments about the differences in tone. I hated to sell the iAmp but could only afford to keep one and could not resist the "invisible" transport the the Focus gives you - especially helpful in NYC subways when you are schleping a cab and DB too. I usually use the FSA with a sansamp Acoustic DI which gives a nice warm woody sound and easily dials out any piezo chrip. Sometimes I'll run my active Lakland EB straight into the front of the FSA. This works well but doesn't quite drive it to full output which is fine for all but the loudest gigs.
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Double Bass iamp800 V.S. Focus
- Thread starter Jason Hollar
- Start date
BASSS
I'm glad you brought up the Sans Amp Acoustic DI. I've always wondered how that unit sounded with upright bass pickups...piezos that is.
So, the Focus SA is cool little power amp version right? And you thought it was a toss up between that and the iamp 500?
I can sincerely appreciate the need for speed when utilizing public transportation -- as I lugged my upright and a smaller Trace Elliott head all over Philly when I was in school there...a serious drag. But since I'm mostly a SUBurban dweller these days, I don't mind toting the extra weight of a solid sounding head.
I have looked at the iamp500 -- but might opt for the 800 just for the headroom.
I guess I'm gathering arguements for the Euphonic stuff -- mostly because of its power and tone shaping possibilities.
In all honesty, the more EQ the better. I play in so many strange settings (don't we all?) that I often find myself tweaking out gnarly midrange or boomy lows to compensate for the room acoustics.
I wish I did strictly quiet jazz gigs, but most of the stuff I do can get kind of loud loud -- especially when working with caffinated drummers and "lead" vocalists -- even on jazz and swing jobs. I hate when my fat acoustic sound goes to crap past a certain point. I've found, the nicer the rig, the better chance you have of maintaining stability of sound at higher volumes.
I want an amp (and speaker rig) that's super versatile and can cover most every gig.
Your Tech 21 and FSA sounds like a hip, portable rig though!
I'm glad you brought up the Sans Amp Acoustic DI. I've always wondered how that unit sounded with upright bass pickups...piezos that is.
So, the Focus SA is cool little power amp version right? And you thought it was a toss up between that and the iamp 500?
I can sincerely appreciate the need for speed when utilizing public transportation -- as I lugged my upright and a smaller Trace Elliott head all over Philly when I was in school there...a serious drag. But since I'm mostly a SUBurban dweller these days, I don't mind toting the extra weight of a solid sounding head.
I have looked at the iamp500 -- but might opt for the 800 just for the headroom.
I guess I'm gathering arguements for the Euphonic stuff -- mostly because of its power and tone shaping possibilities.
In all honesty, the more EQ the better. I play in so many strange settings (don't we all?) that I often find myself tweaking out gnarly midrange or boomy lows to compensate for the room acoustics.
I wish I did strictly quiet jazz gigs, but most of the stuff I do can get kind of loud loud -- especially when working with caffinated drummers and "lead" vocalists -- even on jazz and swing jobs. I hate when my fat acoustic sound goes to crap past a certain point. I've found, the nicer the rig, the better chance you have of maintaining stability of sound at higher volumes.
I want an amp (and speaker rig) that's super versatile and can cover most every gig.
Your Tech 21 and FSA sounds like a hip, portable rig though!
All these people keep taunting me about WW amps. They keep telling me the Woods kills the Focus, tonally. I like my Focus, but there's only so much suspense I can stand. However, a minority of people tell me the Focus is equal or better. Hmmmmmmmmm. 
Jason
I wouldn't say its a toss up as the rigs are different. The SADI/FSA rig has a much more warmed over tone but is still pretty clear. The iAmp is a better amp - much more versitile EQ, DI/effects loop options, slightly better low end, more apparent headroom and crystal clear clarity (all IMO). This is not to say the FSA/ADI rig is a slouch in any of these areas - I'd just give a slight nod to the iAmp. I do like the mids a bit better with the FSA but the iAmp EQ allows you to dial in something similar if you want. BUT - I can fit the FSA in my bass bag where as the iAmp in its case with cables is an extra 20lbs which makes a big difference when using public transportation.
I wouldn't say its a toss up as the rigs are different. The SADI/FSA rig has a much more warmed over tone but is still pretty clear. The iAmp is a better amp - much more versitile EQ, DI/effects loop options, slightly better low end, more apparent headroom and crystal clear clarity (all IMO). This is not to say the FSA/ADI rig is a slouch in any of these areas - I'd just give a slight nod to the iAmp. I do like the mids a bit better with the FSA but the iAmp EQ allows you to dial in something similar if you want. BUT - I can fit the FSA in my bass bag where as the iAmp in its case with cables is an extra 20lbs which makes a big difference when using public transportation.
- May 6, 2003
- 5,272
- 160
- 64
- Disclosures
- Proprietor Fifth Avenue Fret Shop. Technical Editor Bass Gear Magazine
My 2 pennies. I've had an iAmp for awhile. Have been using it with a Raven Labs Pre, a Full Circle and occasionally mixing in a Wilson pickup. Borrowed a WWU for the last month. Played half a dozen gigs with it. For me the WWU is the perfect DB amp. That little 7lb guy does all the work that the iAmp and the Raven put together do. I agree with previous assessments of iAmp strong low end vs WWU sweet upper mids and clarity. I prefer the WWU tone overall. Sweet, strong, and articulate. My setup cuts better with the Woods, sounds clearer without being louder, has plenty of low end, and my bandmates think it's the best sound yet.
For Fender only gigs I prefer the iAmp or an old SVT. When doubleing I agree with Tom Blouseness on the WWU and 2 VL208's. Both amps are way loud enough and both sound fantastic. Nice to have to choose between excellent things. I've not tried the Focus.
I'm on Walter's list, it's a pretty long wait. Probably around 6 to 9 months but as you may have read it is a subject to variation. The Woods is twice the cost of the iAmp and as such may be "not worth it" to some.
For Fender only gigs I prefer the iAmp or an old SVT. When doubleing I agree with Tom Blouseness on the WWU and 2 VL208's. Both amps are way loud enough and both sound fantastic. Nice to have to choose between excellent things. I've not tried the Focus.
I'm on Walter's list, it's a pretty long wait. Probably around 6 to 9 months but as you may have read it is a subject to variation. The Woods is twice the cost of the iAmp and as such may be "not worth it" to some.
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,515
- 19,943
- Disclosures
- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
I told you it would hook you!
Wow -- so many thumbs up for the WW products. Guess I've really missed the boat on this one. Now I've really got to try one and possibly get in line to order one...
Makes me wonder though...with the evolution of new, light-weight bass gear...when we might see a Euphonic iamp1000 or a Acoustic Image Focus 800 watt head??? And if so, would these be worth waiting for???
Remember...I'm looking for a one-amp-fits-all package so I can have something light enough to not be a drag to carry on acoustic jazz gigs...but in turn, have that product "pull its own weight" on loud concert and dance jobs with the electric bass. And of course, there's always the delightful double -- when band leaders ask you to bring BOTH basses...never mind the hassle right???
Makes me wonder though...with the evolution of new, light-weight bass gear...when we might see a Euphonic iamp1000 or a Acoustic Image Focus 800 watt head??? And if so, would these be worth waiting for???
Remember...I'm looking for a one-amp-fits-all package so I can have something light enough to not be a drag to carry on acoustic jazz gigs...but in turn, have that product "pull its own weight" on loud concert and dance jobs with the electric bass. And of course, there's always the delightful double -- when band leaders ask you to bring BOTH basses...never mind the hassle right???
I'm looking for a 10,000watt amp with a 6" speaker that folds up so that I can put it in my shirt pocket. This would be made of mylar plastic (it bends), so that I can aim it toward the drummer and toward the audience at the same time. Weight: about 4 oz.
That way I could play 2 gigs at the same time, in different counties, and be heard in both, but I could also travel on public transportation! Anybody tried one of these?
That way I could play 2 gigs at the same time, in different counties, and be heard in both, but I could also travel on public transportation! Anybody tried one of these?
