What features would you include? Passive and active inputs but do you include 2 jacks or a pad switch? Rotary 4 band EQ, 3 band rotary with sweepable mids or graphic EQ 7 bands or higher? Built in compressor? Class D? How many watts? I'm in a unique situation to be able to design an amp for a custom build and am curious as to what people look for in a bass amp. Of course my first inclination is to just make it like I want it but I would like to hear opinions on what others are looking for. The slate is clean, how would you design your bass head?
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If you could build a custom bass amp head...
- Thread starter Hawk256
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A few features I've seen on some amp heads, but I wish were more common:
Mute switch + tuner output (tuner output stays live when muted)
All EQ with sweepable freq (concentric knobs), bass shelf/low mid/hi mid/treble shelf. EQ response flat at center detent
Effects loop pre/post EQ switch
Adjustable damping factor
Mute switch + tuner output (tuner output stays live when muted)
All EQ with sweepable freq (concentric knobs), bass shelf/low mid/hi mid/treble shelf. EQ response flat at center detent
Effects loop pre/post EQ switch
Adjustable damping factor
One input.
Two channels:
The first channel has a 12AX7 tube and the Alembic/Fender tone stack - as a matter of fact, it has the Sushi Box FX Underground Accelerator circuit as preamp.
The second channel has Gain (some super clean super high quality studio gizmo), then a 7-10 band graphic EQ, which is switchable (on/off). Both channels end with a HPF that goes from 20Hz to 120Hz and a Master.
After that, we have the channel mix options: Either A or B or Blend. This option is foot switchable and there is a blend knob to set the mix between the channels. And finally, the real master volume - this is one big ass knob.
Channel A could give me the rich and glorious sound of the Underground Accelerator right there in the amp.
Channel B is the monster Utility channel. You want to use your pedal board? Go ahead, plug in and disable the EQ. All you have is gain to boost your pedal signal to line level and master to pump it into the cabs.
Something in your sound is not fitting the room? Switch on the EQ and cut/boost the offending frequencies until happy.
You're playing through your channel A, but the bass has a mid scoop and the cab has a mid scoop and you're lacking mids? No problem. Just dial in a massive mid bump in channel B and blend both until happy.
On the rear, there will be combo jacks for the cabs (speakon / 1/4"). It will be 2 Ohms stable.
There is a DI out pre/post,
as well as an FX loop that's serial/parallel switchable with a mix knob.
Two channels:
The first channel has a 12AX7 tube and the Alembic/Fender tone stack - as a matter of fact, it has the Sushi Box FX Underground Accelerator circuit as preamp.
The second channel has Gain (some super clean super high quality studio gizmo), then a 7-10 band graphic EQ, which is switchable (on/off). Both channels end with a HPF that goes from 20Hz to 120Hz and a Master.
After that, we have the channel mix options: Either A or B or Blend. This option is foot switchable and there is a blend knob to set the mix between the channels. And finally, the real master volume - this is one big ass knob.
Channel A could give me the rich and glorious sound of the Underground Accelerator right there in the amp.
Channel B is the monster Utility channel. You want to use your pedal board? Go ahead, plug in and disable the EQ. All you have is gain to boost your pedal signal to line level and master to pump it into the cabs.
Something in your sound is not fitting the room? Switch on the EQ and cut/boost the offending frequencies until happy.
You're playing through your channel A, but the bass has a mid scoop and the cab has a mid scoop and you're lacking mids? No problem. Just dial in a massive mid bump in channel B and blend both until happy.
On the rear, there will be combo jacks for the cabs (speakon / 1/4"). It will be 2 Ohms stable.
There is a DI out pre/post,
as well as an FX loop that's serial/parallel switchable with a mix knob.
Honestly? @agedhorse handled it for me. The TT800 has been pretty much my favorite piece of new gear I have ever bought.
I'm not trying to make light of your question. What a unique position you're in to be able to design your own amp!
But this thing really does it all.
800W, two channels, tube pre, versatile EQs, HPF on each channel. lightweight, small, tuner out, a RIDICULOUS number of inputs and outputs to handle pretty much all of your needs, aux in, headphone out, USB charger, and TONE!!!!!
I simply can't even imagine a better amp for my purposes.
I'm not trying to make light of your question. What a unique position you're in to be able to design your own amp!
But this thing really does it all.
800W, two channels, tube pre, versatile EQs, HPF on each channel. lightweight, small, tuner out, a RIDICULOUS number of inputs and outputs to handle pretty much all of your needs, aux in, headphone out, USB charger, and TONE!!!!!
I simply can't even imagine a better amp for my purposes.
1000 watts, 2ohm capable, DI out, Headphone out, Speakon outputs, Volume/Bass/Treble.... On/off.
And the most important item... backlit control names displayed on top of the knobs, not beneath where you cant see them.
Oh! and a built-in bass tuner.
And the most important item... backlit control names displayed on top of the knobs, not beneath where you cant see them.
Oh! and a built-in bass tuner.
Built in receiver for wireless from instrument
Built in wireless ethernet capability.
Digitally controlled tone/volume stack via html over wireless ethernet
FX loop with wireless capability
Jack socket, gain, vol and 3 band tone on the front for when the tech fritzes or I can't be bothered to set it up (separate preamp to managed tone stack)
class D power amp
Built in wireless ethernet capability.
Digitally controlled tone/volume stack via html over wireless ethernet
FX loop with wireless capability
Jack socket, gain, vol and 3 band tone on the front for when the tech fritzes or I can't be bothered to set it up (separate preamp to managed tone stack)
class D power amp
Gain/master setup with musical overdrive
Adjustable hpf
2.67 ohm is fine, dunno maybe 500+ watt
5 band eq (3 overlapping sweeping mids)
Super quiet DI with pre/post switch
Bluetooth aux
Front to back fan so stuff can go on top and next to it.
That's really most of it. Besides the necessary input pad, speaker and amp protection.. IEC cord included should be like 10-12 feet not 6.
Just keep it under like 12# doesn't have to be flyweight.
I like the idea of those little "fake" rack handles as knob protection. A la MB200 and others.
Slightly "soft" feet 5/8" or taller.
Adjustable hpf
2.67 ohm is fine, dunno maybe 500+ watt
5 band eq (3 overlapping sweeping mids)
Super quiet DI with pre/post switch
Bluetooth aux
Front to back fan so stuff can go on top and next to it.
That's really most of it. Besides the necessary input pad, speaker and amp protection.. IEC cord included should be like 10-12 feet not 6.
Just keep it under like 12# doesn't have to be flyweight.
I like the idea of those little "fake" rack handles as knob protection. A la MB200 and others.
Slightly "soft" feet 5/8" or taller.
Must-have: (in no particular order)
Made in USA.
Adjustable HPF.
EFX loop.
DI out with Pre/Post EQ switch.
Four band EQ with sweep-able Hi mid and Low mid.
Class D power, minimum 800 watts @ 8ohms.
Foot switchable clean Boost and Tuner/Mute.
Rack ears.
Nice-to-have: (in no particular order)
Back-lit front panel.
Capable of running safely at 2ohms.
Max 3 rack space high.
MSRP around $650.00.
AUX in with adjustable level control on front panel.
Phones out on front panel.
USB charging port on front panel.
B.
Made in USA.
Adjustable HPF.
EFX loop.
DI out with Pre/Post EQ switch.
Four band EQ with sweep-able Hi mid and Low mid.
Class D power, minimum 800 watts @ 8ohms.
Foot switchable clean Boost and Tuner/Mute.
Rack ears.
Nice-to-have: (in no particular order)
Back-lit front panel.
Capable of running safely at 2ohms.
Max 3 rack space high.
MSRP around $650.00.
AUX in with adjustable level control on front panel.
Phones out on front panel.
USB charging port on front panel.
B.
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Two fully independent input channels (Edit: w/ FX insert points on each)
Sweepable HPF
Meter or level indicator at the preamp to aid adjusting first gain stage
Absolutely nothing that requires programming, a display screen, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (deal breaker for me)
(Apologies, Jim
) (Edit: Bluetooth aux input OK, but w/hardwired jack also)
Sweepable HPF
Meter or level indicator at the preamp to aid adjusting first gain stage
Absolutely nothing that requires programming, a display screen, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (deal breaker for me)
(Apologies, Jim
) (Edit: Bluetooth aux input OK, but w/hardwired jack also)
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I'm not sure about perfect in every way, but if mine had 500 watts of power in each of the two amps, I'd be a lot happier. Oh, and the High channel needs to be able to drive 4 ohms.
Passinwind
I know nothing.
- Dec 3, 2003
- 23,087
- 46,071
- Disclosures
- Designer/Toaster Tech @ Passinwind Electronics
Probably about like this: A DIY 1/2 Rack Bass Preamp
In post #64 you can see how this evolved into a single box solution, and that amp is still my daily driver to this day. Usual disclaimer: these are non commercial builds just for my own amusement, don't try this at home without adult supervision.
One of the big reasons I went DIY was my serious dislike for fan cooling given my own playing situations. Many manufacturers have quieted things down enough by now that it's become more or less moot though.
And given a re-take I'm just building a 100 watt tube amp right now.
Edit: if you're contemplating selling any Class D amps to anyone else in the US, for Jah's sake put a big enough budget in place upfront for the necessary regulatory approvals.
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How about 2 channels, with a TRS input jack to accommodate "Rick-O-Sound"?
I'm greedy. I'd like a LPF as well.
Freekmagnet
Commercial User
I was dreaming about a tube-driven state variable filter EQ section as a presmp followed by a 500-800w class D power section.
For bonus points, it could have a DBX 160 style compressor built in.
For bonus points, it could have a DBX 160 style compressor built in.
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A Hiwatt clone with a 3 band parametric mid range EQ for a tube head.
As for a class D integrated head, the feature I want in any amp is the 3 band parametric mid range EQ is a minimum requirement. It would be stereo 500 watts (@ 4 ohm) a side with the ability to bridge, have an onboard optical compressor, a mixable side chain, effects in and out, tuner out, headphone out, and 4 speaker outs (two per side), left-right and blended XLRs, and a HPF.
So what this amounts to, take the features of my Eden Preamp ( see avatar), and blend it into Agehorse's Mesa WD-800 TT head. Or just save yourself some consternation, not to mention saving a boatload of bucks it would take to build an integrated amp with my specs, and just buy one of his heads. If you need compression, that's why Keley is in business.
Two channels:
Clean: based on Ampeg or Acoustic, 3-band EQ, with an 1176 end of chain.
British: based on Marshall Super Bass, 3-band EQ, effects loop.
Power stage: 2 x 400-watt Class D, switchable between dual channel paralle, and combined with stereo effects loop.
Connectivity:
Pre DI out, Channel 1 out, Channel 2 out.
Channel switching: 1/2, switchable to 1/(1+2).
Headphone out after stereo effects loop.
I'd be able to build a very similar sounding rig from what I already own, plus a pair of Crown power amp, though.
Clean: based on Ampeg or Acoustic, 3-band EQ, with an 1176 end of chain.
British: based on Marshall Super Bass, 3-band EQ, effects loop.
Power stage: 2 x 400-watt Class D, switchable between dual channel paralle, and combined with stereo effects loop.
Connectivity:
Pre DI out, Channel 1 out, Channel 2 out.
Channel switching: 1/2, switchable to 1/(1+2).
Headphone out after stereo effects loop.
I'd be able to build a very similar sounding rig from what I already own, plus a pair of Crown power amp, though.
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