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Need help finding my ultimate amp.

the newer combo amp i've been looking at , at Sweetwater's site ... is the Ashdown Rootmaster 500C ...

either the 1-12 or 2-10 .. ??

Ashdown Rootmaster RM500C210 - 500W 2x10" Bass Combo

That's very nice. I'm going to have to pop in there and listen to it. That pretty much has everything except the pre-eq DI at a real good price point. Is there a catch that I'm missing? I can't get to Sweetwater this weekend so it'll have to be next weekend before I can listen to it. Stupid holiday stuff and family.
 
These threads always amuse me- not for someone needing help, I'm always ok with that. Before I even click on the thread I can guarantee I know some of the responders and exactly what amp they'll suggest. It's almost like the responses are pre-typed for them.

I'm a GK guy, but I'd suggest staying away from them in this scenario, probably Ampeg as well. Both brands have a nice growl and punch to them, while great in some band settings, I'm not sure that's what you'll want. If you're going to play techno and trance, they may be a bit much when you want a deep booming sound.

I'd probably suggest Fender or Markbass here. Markbass is a little pricey and out of your budget brand new, but some of the used amps are in your range. Here are all the used Markbass amps on GC's website.
 
I'm just learning to play and I have a Yamaha TRBX 304 That I currently use through an iRig HD 2 and Sony Studio headphones.

This was initially ideal as I live in a house with several people and knew that especially just starting out they were not going to want to hear me. I also use a Novation Circuit as drum machine.

Now I've decided that I want to start looking for an amp. I'm not in any hurry so I'm trying to do as much research as possible. I've listened to several cabs in the store and I prefer the way 10s sound for my style.

Hopefully someone can help me find something that meets as many of my desires as possible if not all as it's a lot of wants. What makes this more difficult is I have a budget planned of about $700.00USD

- I am not set on separate head/cab or combo so either is fine.
- I do want a setup that is 2x10 and expandable to 4x10 or 2x10+1x15
- I want 200W+ on the 2x10 and amp, welcoming suggestions on power for the expansions
- I want aux input with mix control for using the Novation Circuit
- I want a DI/Line output that is pre-eq
- I want wide enough freq response to accommodate the Boss SY-300 when I get one

If it helps, I have hopes of playing a wide rage of styles but one of my main intents is to play real bass with techno and trance style drums and synths. Initially just using the Novation Circuit for accompaniment and eventually adding in the SY-300 to enhance and layer the bass.

Of course I'm open to all advice. This is just based on the research I've done so far.

I'm also fortunate enough to live close to Sweetwater, SamAsh and a GuitarCenter so once I have some suggestions I have a good chance that one of the stores will have units I can try out and hear in person.


Finding all that and a level for the AUX is not going to be easy... but whatever you put through the aux likely has its own level control?

I'd suggest the Mesa D800+ for an amp. Because it's just delicious. In addition the built-in variable HPF control will allow you to get the bottom end tight and avoid boom/mud or simply crazy lows being sent to your speakers... which can be pretty cool especially if into synth-like sounds.

As for cabs... I love my Barefaced Two10, I use two of those and the whole combination is fantastic for a wide range of styles... but you might prefer something more full range. The choice of cabs I'd go for are all 12", so I'll let someone else chime in for full range 210 cabs.
 
I should also mention that the Yamaha is an active bass. I've seen a few amps that have a switch for active/passive but most do not. Is having an active/passive switch something I should add to my list?

Don't worry about the passive/active.
Most active basses are not actually that high output, and you can't just make the generalisation (even if lots of people do, but they would stop if they actually tried a few more basses... but I digress).

The 'active' mode is often just a simple attenuator that sometimes worsens your sound. As I rule, if an amp has active/passive, I plug into the passive. If it sounds ok (which 99.9% of times it does) then that's it. If it saturates, then use the active attenuated signal. This is for any bass, whether active or passive. Some passive basses have huge output (for example, any G&L with the MFD pickups... and I've used a bunch of aftermarket neodymium pickups that are very high output too, totally passive).
Best of all is to have an amp with an input gain control: that way you set the input gain to whatever works with your setup. Many amps these days have that. The Mesa D800+ I mentioned earlier has that too, of course.
 
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this combo will blow you away...check out "bebass" fellow TB-er all round good guy and owner of this store...Link Removed

I know you said 2X10 so look into this Link Removed + Traynor Amps

there is a 500 watt version of the amp as well

rock solid gear, amazing tone, built in N America, well priced

no affiliation other than conversations with him here and I have the head and have played the combo
 
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Ultimate amp? So soon??

I'd suggest for your first amp you set your sights on something realistic, like a 300 watt amp and a 112 or 210 cab. When you get to the point of gigging you can add an extension cab.
 
I recently started getting into rack rigs. They are very flexible and affordable right now. I have small mixers for a multi synth, looping setup but I could easily find a rackmount mixer. Getting a separate power amp and preamp allows you to decide where your effects go, and if you have a preamp with crossover or even just get a crossover, you've got a lot of flexibility. Finding rackmounts to fit your budget is easy.
 
- I am not set on separate head/cab or combo so either is fine.

For what your goals are, I think a separate amp and cab is your smarter choice.

- I do want a setup that is 2x10 and expandable to 4x10 or 2x10+1x15

Why? I think you would be better served with two matching 210's or two matching 115's.

- I want 200W+ on the 2x10 and amp, welcoming suggestions on power for the expansions

I would shoot for a 500 watt head, and two 8 Ohm cabs.

- I want aux input with mix control for using the Novation Circuit

Be careful here. Many aux inputs are headphone out only. Do some research on the amps and this feature before buying.

- I want a DI/Line output that is pre-eq

Almost all are pre-eq. Why is that an ask for you? Personally I want post EQ.

- I want wide enough freq response to accommodate the Boss SY-300 when I get one

This is going to be tough on you small budget. You will be happier with a more capable cab IMHO, but those dont come cheap.
 
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Save yourself some headaches and go modular. I'd say a nice loud budget head like a Carvin or Bugera Veyron and start with an 8ohm 2x10 cab. Later add another matching 8ohm 2x10 cab. You'll be loud, proud, and modular all at the same time.
 
Fender Rumble 500 combo at $600 is an excellent start with which you can grow. Alone it is more than enough for jams; rehearsals, and gigs. Expandable to the stars. Best of luck to you @bmmcwhirt
^What he said. It even looks like your requirements are based on the Fender Rumble. You can have either a 500 head and which ever cab you want, but that might go over budget. I gig with a 500 combo with a 2x10 extension cab so I have 500 watts going into 4x10, and that will do anything you want. Additionally, the controls on the 500 will give you any sound you want.
 
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Skip the aux input and go with a small
Mixer. I use a mackie mix 5 to combine my bass and keys/synth and it's worked the best for me so far. I can control the level of each with the gain know and have a 2 band EQ on the keys. Both instruments get the amp EQ applied but you can make it work.

Dragging 2 complete amp setups can be a real pain if you don't have very small
Cabs or a really big car.
 
Lots of brand fans here.

I agree with all who advised you on these points:
1) Head + Cab (better for expanding and potentially trading later)
2) Buy used if possible. So many great deals here.

I would add, though, avoid cheap gear that you can't unload later. They are a waste of money.

Class D heads are so light and getting pretty inexpensive. You may end up with a set up like I have... 2 Class D heads and two neo 210 cabs. I have two separate rigs...one for home and one for practice space. But for bigger gigs, I can run both. Very light and transportable.

If I had a behemoth tube head or a monster combo, I would be limited. I drive a small sports car and I can fit everything I need for a gig in my hatch and passenger seat.
 
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