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Looking for small amp head

G

gatogordo

Sep 3, 2010
24
0
#1
I am looking for an amp head That has a line out (use it to a combo) and XLR out to our Church's board. Basically using as a preamp for now. Will eventually buy cab for it, but for now I will line out of the amp I buy to a Roland combo,and XLR out to the board. Combo is a monitor.

I have been playing bass for 3-4 years and guitar for 20+. I know guitar amps, but I don't know bass amps. After research these are what I see. Let me know good or bad or other seussgestions. Would prefer to stay under $500

Gallien-Krueger MB200
Ampeg PF-500 Portaflex
Gallien-Krueger Backline 600
Fender Rumble 350
Peavey Headliner 600W
Eden E300 300W
Ashdown MAG 300H EVO II
Eden WTB400
Genz-Benz Shuttle 3.0

I know these are apples to oranges, but I don't know bass amps, nor have to chance to hear each one.

Let me know your opinions.
 
#2
I may be wrong, but for now all I need is the preamp. I can pair it with combo for now. I will be doing some outdoor gigs this fall, ehich I though I would get a cab to match the head I am getting. Right now looking for something to shape tone with, that latter can run a cab.

Don't need a combo.
 
#3
I had to use that kind of setup for a while at a practice space (preamp out from head into the poweramp in on a combo) because of space constraints.

If it's just P&W music you'll be doing, I'd recommend the Genz all day long. The preamp is really clean and punchy and DI is absolutely pristine.

If you need some dirt or grind from the amp for playing different styles, you may want to try some of the others. I'll say the MB200 is truly great in it's class.

Either way you go, try them out with whatever cab you may have in mind for purchase later. It might help you make the decision.

Good luck.
 
#7
Lo-E said:
You might want to look into a Carvin BX500. It does the things you need it to do, fits in your budget and sounds really good. It also has a really flexible EQ section.
Click to expand...

There are so many fine choices, some of which the opening poster listed. But as far as bang for the buck, I agree the Carvin BX500 is an excellent, flexible, and good-sounding top candidate.

So long as you're not baffled and boggled by all the controls, that is.
If you crave something a little simpler, and don't need crazy volume, the Gallien-Krueger MB200 or the Genz-Benz Shuttle 3.0 (both on your list) would also be great choices.
 
#11
I like my PF-500.
Price was good. Good size/weight. Nice power output. Good EQ section. It was everything I was looking for. I use a single SVT15E for smaller stuff and a pair of SVT410E for bigger gigs.


Everyone will tell you what they like. Go try everything you can find in your price range.
 
#12
Low Class said:
If I understand you correctly sounds like you could get by with a direct box. You can get a good one for about $100.
Click to expand...

You could get a nice DI box, Radial ProDI or maybe the MarkBass one for about $100. Just take a XLR out of that and you can take a 1/4" out to your amp.

Anyway head wise, I've been pretty happy with my Ibanez Promethean. I bought the 1x10 combo for $350 at GC, I bought it mainly to use as a practice but the head part pops out and I've been using it as my main head now. I think you can pick up the head new for right at $500. Might be something to look into.
 
#15
gatogordo said:
I am looking for an amp head That has a line out (use it to a combo) and XLR out to our Church's board. Basically using as a preamp for now. Will eventually buy cab for it, but for now I will line out of the amp I buy to a Roland combo,and XLR out to the board. Combo is a monitor.

I have been playing bass for 3-4 years and guitar for 20+. I know guitar amps, but I don't know bass amps. After research these are what I see. Let me know good or bad or other seussgestions. Would prefer to stay under $500

Gallien-Krueger MB200
Ampeg PF-500 Portaflex
Gallien-Krueger Backline 600
Fender Rumble 350
Peavey Headliner 600W
Eden E300 300W
Ashdown MAG 300H EVO II
Eden WTB400
Genz-Benz Shuttle 3.0

I know these are apples to oranges, but I don't know bass amps, nor have to chance to hear each one.

Let me know your opinions.
Click to expand...

Checkout the Gallien-Krueger MB115 Bass Combo Amp. It has an XLR line out, 200 Watts, plus a 15" speaker cab, 35lbs total, and it sounds great and it's only $400. :)
 
#16
If I was in the market for a small, powerful head for around $500, I would be looking at the Genz Benz.

Right now in the TB classified, you can find a great selection of GB products.

GB Shuttle 6 = $450
GB Shuttle 9 = $600

For that price point, the Genz Benz, especially with their reputation for excellent customer service would be hard to beat.

I am absolutely sold on Thunderfunk, however, if Thunderfunk were not available I would have two or three of the Genz Benz heads.
 
#17
For a little bit more there is the Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 amp, should do all you want with simple, flexible EQ. The Effects Send can go to the combo amp and the Di can go to your PA. The amp goes form a very nice clean tone all the way to a hard driving distortion. The amp can get quite loud and hang in there tonally. The form factor is compact, lightweight, great looking, simple controls. It sounded wonderful this past weekend at an outdoor show we did, I ws using my LDS 2126 cabinet abd a Peterson Stroboflip, and my Martin Keith Fretted Elfin 5 bass:
 
#18
Sorry to bump up a thread from last year, however I found this in the search and am in a similar situation.

I'm needing a small head for playing in church, need a good DI for the PA but also want it loud enough for personal monitoring plus adding a bit extra in the room (as I never trust PA operators to turn the bass up enough). I have an old Trace 2103x cab that I intend to use with it.

At the moment I am prejudiced towards an Ampeg PF-500 but for no other reason than its called Ampeg and lots of people on here are very praising of it. Unfortunately I don't have access to many music stores so can't get out and play lots of heads apart from the Ashdown ones. I can't afford any more than £400 (~$600 although due to the "import to Europe" premium probably $400 new price).

Oh small and light would be good as my back is buggered after too many years gigging!

Thx!
 
#20
Musical_musings, what is available in your neck of the planet, that may help us with your quest?

I assume you are in the UK, so perhaps Markbass would be in your price range, as they are made in Europe (Italy).
 

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