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Power amp to go with a modeller
- Thread starter kyral210
- Start date
This question is asked very often.
There are not many power amps specifically designed for bass, and the few available are rarely more affordable than a full featured bass amp.
- A lot of us just plug their external preamp/modeler into the effect return of a normal bass amp, in order to bypass the preamp.
- Other use PA power amp, Crown for example
That said, you can try:
- Straight Ahead mini - Power Amp
- Guitar Sound System Sumo (several models)
- GR Bass Pure Amp
What gtirard said. I use a PodGo + amp and cab for guitar playing, and I actually run the PodGo through a bass head.
Any used bass head will work, just run the Helix through the effects loop if it has one or try to set the amp as flat as possible and run it into the main input.
Any used bass head will work, just run the Helix through the effects loop if it has one or try to set the amp as flat as possible and run it into the main input.
I forget to mention another option: powered cabs.
Not many, but GR Bass as offers active (powered) versions of some of the super lightweight cabs:
The specs are hard to believe. For example:
AT212 Slim-800 ACT => 800 Watt - 11,9 Kg - 26,2 lbs
You can connect your preamp/modeler (or even your active bass) directly to these powered cabs.
Not many, but GR Bass as offers active (powered) versions of some of the super lightweight cabs:
The specs are hard to believe. For example:
AT212 Slim-800 ACT => 800 Watt - 11,9 Kg - 26,2 lbs
You can connect your preamp/modeler (or even your active bass) directly to these powered cabs.
Blackstar also has a powered 15. Not a lightweight, though -- 43 lbs.
Blackstar Unity Bass Active Extension Cab 250-watt 1x15"
Blackstar Unity Bass Active Extension Cab 250-watt 1x15"
Many of the Powered PA Cabinets from Yamaha, QSC, JBL, Electrovoice, ... will work.
To really succeed with modeling, you need a good Full Range Flat Response cabinet. Unfortunately, most cabs label as "FRFR" are designed for "Guitar" frequencies.
Add a powered sub to a Guitar FRFR, and you'll easily be able to carry a loud gig without PA support. Nowadays, loud stages are getting rare. The venue sound is better if stage volume is kept low to let the FOH control the volume.
If you have PA support, then IEMs are going to be the best overall option.
To really succeed with modeling, you need a good Full Range Flat Response cabinet. Unfortunately, most cabs label as "FRFR" are designed for "Guitar" frequencies.
Add a powered sub to a Guitar FRFR, and you'll easily be able to carry a loud gig without PA support. Nowadays, loud stages are getting rare. The venue sound is better if stage volume is kept low to let the FOH control the volume.
If you have PA support, then IEMs are going to be the best overall option.
I plug into the effects return of a regular amp and cab when I use my Helix.
One thing to add to that is to make sure that when you set up your patches, do not use a cab sim/IR. Since you are already going through a cabinet, you don't want to double up. This does limit your ability to simulate cabs, but I don't really feel like I'm missing out on much when I do that on bass.
One thing to add to that is to make sure that when you set up your patches, do not use a cab sim/IR. Since you are already going through a cabinet, you don't want to double up. This does limit your ability to simulate cabs, but I don't really feel like I'm missing out on much when I do that on bass.
I've done both, but the simplest and lightest if using the FX return is the Harley Benton 800B which uses an Icepower AS700 power module, so reliable, meets spec and clean.
I haven't tried this, but I'm sure it's the most affordable, reliable and straightforward option.
I'm using the Quilter BB800 like many because I had it already, and the Harley Benton 800B is a sort of affordable verison of the Quilter BB800.
(Why use a PA power amp in rack format, it's going to be stereo and you only use one channel or have to bridge it?)
Yes but power amps for guitar are less powered (example 100W or 200W), and those for PA are 2 channel + rack format
True. For bass 300W is the minimum. However it also depends of the nature of your gigs. For some 100w is enough.
Also, having two channels can be a nice feature too.
A 2ch power amp need not be stereo*. You can use only one channel as it will make no difference to the unused channel (CH2 can be a backup), you can use CH2 to drive a 2nd enclosure** especially if they are say 2 4R cabs, biamp (with an actual electronic xover), or if you really must, bridge the 2 channels. Or you could use 2 signal chains with different processing and/or types of speaker cabs etc. This can be a very flexible setup if you choose to utilise it, usually for less money than a single channel bass dedicated amp/head.
I used a Yamaha pro amp for many years as the rack with a pre, rack tuner and the rack itself, meant I had a 2kW capable (if I used both channels) for less weight than my old Peavey SS head.
* Simply having 2 channels with the same signal through them is dual mono, not stereo.
** Almost all 2ch rack amps have a 2 channel mono setting where you plug into channel A and the signal is routed to both channels, but is only controlled by the attenuator on channel A.
I highly recommend the Crown XLS series of power amps. 1/4" inputs, selectable input sensitivity, and even a built in High Pass Filter.
The only bad thing about a powered PA cab is that they are not flat on top for setting an amp or another cab on.
however some are designed to be used as a stage wedge monitor, which can be nice for practice.
Another benefit of using a powered PA cab is that it can also be used as a PA speaker or wedge monitor. most now have a mic preamp and small mixer, so they can be a full vocal practice amp too. Even if one ends up not meeting your needs, it's a great piece of emergency equipment to have around.
I've used mine to set up a mic for announcements at functions and toasts at friends weddings ect.
however some are designed to be used as a stage wedge monitor, which can be nice for practice.
Another benefit of using a powered PA cab is that it can also be used as a PA speaker or wedge monitor. most now have a mic preamp and small mixer, so they can be a full vocal practice amp too. Even if one ends up not meeting your needs, it's a great piece of emergency equipment to have around.
I've used mine to set up a mic for announcements at functions and toasts at friends weddings ect.
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Old Peavey and Carvin power amps are dirt cheap. I have 3 and still use them on occasion.
If you don’t have to move them it’s good but, if you do it’s a workout.
If you don’t have to move them it’s good but, if you do it’s a workout.
this is not always true, for example the Yamaha DRX-15 that I use for reinforcing my synth/drum machine and bass setup has a flat top. I use mine in monitor position, tho
