Preamp --> Power Amp --> Cab Rigs?

[dincz]

This is one way of doing it on a budget - not that you mentioned budget:

It doesn't do dirt but I run a BDI21 into it when needed. The channel strip's EQ (4 band with parametric mids) has almost endless tonal possibilities, can deliver up to +20dBu output level so it will drive virtually anything. I'd guess pretty much any channel strip would do the same. No brand mystique round here.

Yes, it's a Behringer power amp - power amps are power amps when run well within their limits. Long-term reliability? No idea, but no complaints in the few months I've had it.

Finally, a Barefaced Compact. The cab is where it's worth spending a bit more.

 

[::::BASSIST::::]

^^ What's the name/model of that channel strip?

 

[mrjim123]

No cons yet, so here's mine - weight. I've been considering going preamp, amp - would love to, in fact - but I'm 62, and lugging heavy gear is not getting easier.

A rack setup is bound to weigh more than most comparably powered stand-alone bass heads. But, a pedal + power amp ... hmm ...

 

[dincz]

^^ What's the name/model of that channel strip?

LA Audio MPX1. Later ones were called MPX10 to avoid confusion with the Lexicon multi-fx of the same name.

 

[dincz]

No cons yet, so here's mine - weight. I've been considering going preamp, amp - would love to, in fact - but I'm 62, and lugging heavy gear is not getting easier.

A rack setup is bound to weigh more than most comparably powered stand-alone bass heads. But, a pedal + power amp ... hmm ...

There's no way a rack will match the weight of a modern lightweight head but they don't need to be ridiculously heavy. My rack (post #21) weighs 23 pounds so it's quite manageable.

 

[::::BASSIST::::]

LA Audio MPX1. Later ones were called MPX10 to avoid confusion with the Lexicon multi-fx of the same name.

Thanks. I like the features... HPF, dual parametric... if I'm ever in the market for a new preamp this one will get a hard look.

 

[AngusHasMoxie]

No cons yet, so here's mine - weight. I've been considering going preamp, amp - would love to, in fact - but I'm 62, and lugging heavy gear is not getting easier.

A rack setup is bound to weigh more than most comparably powered stand-alone bass heads. But, a pedal + power amp ... hmm ...

Carvin's new poweramps are all under 15 lbs. pair that with a 3 space rack and a sansamp RBI and you're looking at around 25 lbs. not too shabby.

 

[dincz]

Thanks. I like the features... HPF, dual parametric... if I'm ever in the market for a new preamp this one will get a hard look.

They've been out of production for around 10 years - mine was made in '97 - but come up used in the UK at ₤50 - ₤60. If you can find one that's been installed in a studio rack, it should be in good shape.

 

[BassmanPaul]

That is a big relief.

And while we're at it, a course of antibiotics should clear up that case of moxie that you have Angus! Even more relief then. All that scratchin' must be driving you bonkers!

 

[mrjim123]

Carvin's new poweramps are all under 15 lbs. pair that with a 3 space rack and a sansamp RBI and you're looking at around 25 lbs. not too shabby.

Glad to hear that. I could never seem to find the weight of a rack. I assumed they were a little heavier.

 

[::::BASSIST::::]

They've been out of production for around 10 years - mine was made in '97 - but come up used in the UK at ₤50 - ₤60. If you can find one that's been installed in a studio rack, it should be in good shape.

thanks for the info.

 

[RadioactiveGuy4]

Eden WTDI ----> Peavey IPR1600----> Peavey TVX410 or if I wanna get stupid loud Peavey Headliner 410 + Peavey TVX410+ Ampeg PH1832 thats 10x10's 2x 6.5's 2x Horns and 1x18.

 

[dluoma]

Db659 with an eureka in the loop, crown xls1500 power amp. Best rig I've ever had.

 

[Joshtruction]

Are there any decent tube power amps out there for bass?

 

[CL400Peavey]

Are there any decent tube power amps out there for bass?

The problem with tube power amps is that you run into the same restrictions as regular all tube amps.

Weight/heat/limited power. You are never going to find a 1,000 watt all tube power amp that you want to realistically use in a bass rig. Finding a killer 1,000 watt ss amp is a cinch.

 

[Jim C]

Not with any reall power (i.e. greater than 300 watts).
Ampeg made a 300 watter that you see occasionaly for sale
Less powerful units by Mesa, Marshall, and peavey are still around on the used market
Audiofile stuff is available for stupid big money

Edit: Simulpost; what he said!

 

[srxplayer]

Db659 with an eureka in the loop, crown xls1500 power amp. Best rig I've ever had.

Very nice set up. I don't mean to hijack the thread but I'm intrigued by your rig. How are you using that? Are you running the Eureka into the effects loop of the Aguilar and plugging the bass into the Eureka? Or vice versa? How does it sound?

 

[johnpbass]

Aguilar Tonehammer and newly acquired Peavey IPR1600.
I used a pre/poweramp setup several years ago, but switched to an amp head because of the weight. Rig was a Demeter VTBP201 and Crest CA4. Now with class D power, the power amp weight is a non-factor. Pre/poweramp setup gives you a lot of flexibility IMO.

 

[Flump]

I currently run an Axe-fx II with a Matrix GT1000 power amp. It's both my guitar and bass rig for different bands.

All I do is put it on top of an Egnater cabinet for guitar gigs and my SWR Go-light for bass gigs.

 

[BassmanPaul]

Glad to hear that. I could never seem to find the weight of a rack. I assumed they were a little heavier.

I've not actually weighed my amp racks but an SKB four space filled with a Carvin DCM1000L and my tube pre-amp can be easily lifted with two fingers. That's good enough for me.