Please define “slam”

[And I]

 

[fdeck]

Merging the various descriptions of "slam" together, the closest thing I've experienced is the sound of dialing my amp flat, and turning up the gain. If that's not exactly what "slam" is, it's probably a pretty good approximation. Coincidentally, flat voicing is also where your amp has the fastest transient response.

 

[moreblues]

Definition of SLAM Lol

 

[Phalex]

Let the boys be boys.

 

[retslock]

I’ve seen the term “slam” used fairly regularly and was curious if it is well defined. How do you define it?

Guitar and drums have been my primary instruments but changing to bass due to hand issues. I use Mesa D800+ as primary and Mark Bass LM3 as backup into Ampeg Pro Neo 1x15 cabs. Not sure if I’m achieving slam with this gear.

It’s a colourful descriptor that doesn’t mean anything unless you know the context of it’s use. It’s also helpful to have an understanding of the term user’s taste as a reference. What does “cool” mean? Ask a hundred people, you get a hundred different answers.

 

[burgerdj]

I think slam resides in the cabinet, not the amp. Sufficient power combined with high sensitivity and quick transients of high quality speakers.

 

[danbones]

sir, this is textbook Boom Bap

 

[Sid the Kid]

I think slam resides in the cabinet, not the amp. Sufficient power combined with high sensitivity and quick transients of high quality speakers.

Very much this. To me slam equates to a big amount of air pressure being moved in relation to less midrange frequencies involved, but at an SPL where both would be uncomfortable. I think it could be a good thing sometimes and a bad thing other times, but I would rather be able to produce slam than not.

Useless information out of context? Probably! But you guys are nicer about receiving useless information than my wife-n-kids so here we are!

 

[gstaats]

How about something more grand than just slam?

 

[punchdrunk]

This.

 

[gstaats]

So reading through this thread, it makes me realize how many subjective terms we use to describe an amps tone ...
Slam, grind, heft, thick, warm, glassy, hifi, modern, muddy, tubey, tight, loose, vintage, focused, dark, creamy, thin, raspy, weak, anemic, fat, twang, punchy, hefty, boom, woofy, woody, wooly, crunchy, smooth, harsh, pleasant, meaty, clear, throaty, hollow, (any brand namey) , chewy, barking, nasal, buttery, round, brown, grunt, bite, big, bold, huge, edgy, earthy, rich, honky, bloody, juicy, hollow, sterile, milky, flabby, solid, growls, aggressive, lush, liquid, controlled... and the list goes on...

no wonder we can't tell some one what an amp sounds like!

 

[blacktocomm]

I have never heard that term used in the context provided. I learned something new today.

 

[Michedelic]

View attachment 4470636This.

Where ya been? We missed you back at post 15.

 

[Michedelic]

So reading through this thread, it makes me realize how many subjective terms we use to describe an amps tone ...
Slam, grind, heft, thick, warm, glassy, hifi, modern, muddy, tubey, tight, loose, vintage, focused, dark, creamy, thin, raspy, weak, anemic, fat, twang, punchy, hefty, boom, woofy, woody, wooly, crunchy, smooth, harsh, pleasant, meaty, clear, throaty, hollow, (any brand namey) , chewy, barking, nasal, buttery, round, brown, grunt, bite, big, bold, huge, edgy, earthy, rich, honky, bloody, juicy, hollow, sterile, milky, flabby, solid, growls, aggressive, lush, liquid, controlled... and the list goes on...

no wonder we can't tell some one what an amp sounds like!

Not to mention Choad Hammer. A sound unto itself.

 

[logdrum]

Basketball, an angry teenager leaving the room, a move used in roller derby, what you do to your brakes to avoid killing the homeless man because you are reading the text from your BFF and what hipsters do to this thing they call poetry.

 

[logdrum]

How to ruin a perfectly good truck IMO.

I guess a gooseneck trailer is out of the question

 

[Thundar]

M6 Carbine -> SWR Goliath SR.

Yes...I Have to agree, that is my rig as well, and it definitely has slam!

 

[Michedelic]

I guess a gooseneck trailer is out of the question

Lowriders don’t need no stinkin’ gooseneck trailers.

 

[Ronzo]

This is actually pretty well-stated, if I understand the concept properly. "Slam" a good combination of heft and definition. Either/or wouldn't get it done.

So, I would say a nice old Fender amp does not "slam". Sure, it will have some warmth and heft to the tone. But the attack and definition would not be there. I've read that MarkBass amps have plenty of clarity and definition, but lack "booty" (heft). (I have zero personal experience to back that up.)

Probably the most notable amp that most have experienced "slam" from would be older GK 800/400 RB amps. They seem to be universally accepted as having both beef/heft and clarity/definition.... aka "slam".

And THAT, my friends, is why my ancient GK 400RB will have to be pried from my cold, dead hands!

 

[agedhorse]

I guess a gooseneck trailer is out of the question

The receiver would have to be mounted on the top of the cab