PA instead of amp?

[soontobedead]

Hey, guys,

Though this is a PA question, didn't feel right puttin it in the Live Sound subforum. Hope this is ok.

I don't have an amp big enough to put in a rehearsal space the band is trying to put together and I can't afford a OK amp right now. Since I bought a Sansamp VT Bass and made a DI mod to it so I can take the sound direct to console, is it a good move to buy a (comparatively cheaper) portable PA system so I can hook the VT bass signal straight to mixer and go through the PA speakers, thus eliminating the need for an amp?

I wouldn't like tone degradation in any way, is this to be expected? I'm not very familiar with the whole live audio setup, so would using the PA's speakers muddy up the sound (like using 1x15 vs 4x10 amps)? I play in a kinda tech, fast band, and would like to mantain a good response on the bass side of the sound.

Hope any of this made sense. Thanks!

 

[bassguyforgod]

in my oppinion i preffer a amp. the tone is considerably differnt unless u get a nice pa system. my suggestion attempt to try it out before u buy to see ow it sounds.
everyones oppinion is different.
hope this helps

 

[Exxcell]

Depends.

A portable PA system that is cheap is most likely not going to be your best bet.

Going used on gear is awesome for people with a tight budget.

Around where I live, a good 4x10 and decent head can be bought for no more than $400.

 

[Downunderwonder]

Is the band getting a PA? Even if only a vocal pa you can add a crossover and a sub and VT should get good tone with the character control. Essentially that is what JimmyM relies on for many gigs.

 

[CL400Peavey]

The problem is you need to have subs, and everything that goes with them, to get the full range of sound from your PA.

 

[BLDavis]

I tried going ampless for a while but it didn't work for me. Unless I could get a bass player friendly foh guy with good pa gear, and a seperate monitor mix, everthing just turned to mush.
B.