Is 100 solid-state watts enough for stage monitoring?

[scadh]

My son's band plays bar-and-grill-sized local gigs, for which I run sound. We're looking for a small, lightweight amp (because I'm old, and load-in/out sucks!) with enough power to be used as the bass monitor. We run the bass direct into the board and out of the PA, so it really just needs to be loud enough for the bassist to hear onstage. Would something like a Fender Rumble 100 have enough juice to be heard over the drums and 2 guitarists? The band plays mostly classic-rock and southern-rock covers, so there are a few tunes that get loud but definitely no speed metal. There are 3 other stage monitors (2 up front, 1 at the drums) and I know I could always bump up the bass level to those, but it's already pretty loud and muddy up there and I'd like to keep ambient level down when possible).

If not, would 150 do it? Or would I need to get to 300?

 

[CallMeAl]

A Rumble 100 would probably do it; or get a Rumble 200 or GK MB 112 ii and be sure it’s enough

 

[Downunderwonder]

No telling how not so loud you think they are vs anyone else's situation. Some of the guys here play bar gigs with 100w Rumbles and NO PA support. Others drag significant rigs to play WITH PA support.

My 10c is you might be a bit light with a 100w Rumble and rock music and kids.

On the other hand, making it work would serve them well if you are playing relatively small venues that don't really need the arsekicking PA rig.

There's a recent big thread about stage amps doing all the work, started by JimmyM.

 

[tshapiro]

Given there are lots of variables, I would say no. I think the Hartke kickback amps are what I see a lot of pro players use live when toting a small monitoring bass amp. They come in both 12" and 15" speaker configurations. Both are 500 watts. If I was to look into the future, I say he'd quickly become disappointed with a Rumble 100 and would keep one of those kickbacks the rest of his life.

 

[Lowbrow]

Yes if you ran a 100-watt SS head into a multi-speaker cab. With the Rumble 100 he'd probably struggle to hear himself.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

The Rumble 100 would be an excellent choice. I have done exactly what you describe in large clubs. It is plenty of power. I would suggest you add a kick back stand to point the the speaker up so you can hear it well.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Silly question, but unless you are getting paid at least as much as a band member, why are you doing ANY other the lifting?

 

[Roland GR 88]

Silly question, but unless you are getting paid at least as much as a band member, why are you doing ANY other the lifting?

Fatherhood I suspect....
And I'd roadie for my son in a heartbeat.

As for the O.P.'s question.....the Rumble might do it but it all depends on the two guitar players. If a bit of bass is folded back through the monitors for them then setting the amp up for only himself and the drummer would likely be enough.
If the amp has to cover the entire stage then it might run out of headroom late in the sets when volumes typically increase.
I gigged with a 150w combo for many years and only hit the limit when a 50watt head was cranked or a pair of guitarists were doing volume wars.
I'd say buy bigger, buy once.

 

[Ken R]

FWIW, I played a show with a supplied backline once and full FOH system. The bass amp was that Hartke kickback, 180 watt with a 12" speaker. We play at volumes not needing earplugs. That Kickback was maxed and I could hear nothing. Moving it from behind me to in front of me pointing at my face made all the difference. The same should help with that Rumble.

YMMV,
Ken R

 

[dave_p]

depends on how too loud the band is

 

[arbiterusa]

In my band, no. We have a Rumble 100 in our rehearsal studio. It's not enough even for rehearsal, much less playing out.

In bands where the guitar player and drummer didn't learn their tradecraft in the 1970s, where volume was king of everything, it would probably be marginal but usable.

 

[gln1955]

If the drummer and guitars can keep it under control, it could work. I would go 300-500 with enough cab to handle it. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

 

[40Hz]

Just a note: Solid-state watts are no different than any other watts as long as you’re measuring the wattages the same way.

 

[micguy]

I ran a 100 watt solid state head into a couple relatively efficient 1 x 15 cabinets for a couple of years in college. It wasn't just stage monitoring, it was the only source of bass guitar in the place - usually medium sized clubs where you can cram a few hundred people in fire code wise. Although the audience was all college kids (they like it LOUD) I was asked to turn down at times. We were loud enough that I had a bout with tinnitus.

If your speakers are efficient, and 100 watts isn't enough for stage monitoring, you need to turn down (the whole band), because you are deafening yourself.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Fatherhood I suspect....
And I'd roadie for my son in a heartbeat.

I understand. But I certainly hope that if this is the case, the son should NOT make his father lug the gear - show some #$$@#!-in' respect.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

My son's band plays bar-and-grill-sized local gigs, for which I run sound. We're looking for a small, lightweight amp (because I'm old, and load-in/out sucks!) with enough power to be used as the bass monitor. We run the bass direct into the board and out of the PA, so it really just needs to be loud enough for the bassist to hear onstage. Would something like a Fender Rumble 100 have enough juice to be heard over the drums and 2 guitarists? The band plays mostly classic-rock and southern-rock covers, so there are a few tunes that get loud but definitely no speed metal. There are 3 other stage monitors (2 up front, 1 at the drums) and I know I could always bump up the bass level to those, but it's already pretty loud and muddy up there and I'd like to keep ambient level down when possible).

If not, would 150 do it? Or would I need to get to 300?

If you eq all your mids and highs up, it'll be just fine. Keep the bass down so you can crank it.

 

[Marc valero]

I just got a Rumble 100 and don't turn it up much in my classic rock band, but we have a reasonable stage volume. I line out to PA.

 

[Lowbrow]

Yes if you ran a 100-watt SS head into a multi-speaker cab. With the Rumble 100 he'd probably struggle to hear himself.

To expand the thought: this 100-watt rig sustained me for more than 10 years of regular gigging and it was LOUD.
But this is a different animal entirely than a compact, single-speaker combo.

 

[BioWeapon]

In a situation like this I'd see if I could rent out whatever piece of equipment you're considering and give it a try at a gig. I don't know how it works elsewhere, but L&M in Canada will let you rent a good portion of their less expensive gear and a night out with an amp and cab is only like 20$.

 

[MCS4]

It isn't the most cost-friendly option, but IMO your best chance of having enough volume at a relatively small weight and form-factor would be to pick up a lightweight 2x10 and pair it with any of the modern Class D heads that can easily give you 300-600+ watts in a tiny size.