Probably a dumb question on my amp inputs

[Yam the Bomb]

I have a Phil Jones Bass amp. I think it’s called the suitcase Compact? But it has two preamp sections both with their own input and both with identical controls.

My question is...why? When would I use a 2nd one? Two bass players playing through the same amp maybe? If it’s for me to set the tones two different ways why would they make me unplug from one and plug into the other? Wouldn’t a flip switch work better?

I cannot figure out what the point of this is. Probably something obvious that I’m overlooking.

 

[RoaDan]

I have a Phil Jones Bass amp. I think it’s called the suitcase Compact? But it has two preamp sections both with their own input and both with identical controls.

My question is...why? When would I use a 2nd one? Two bass players playing through the same amp maybe? If it’s for me to set the tones two different ways why would they make me unplug from one and plug into the other? Wouldn’t a flip switch work better?

I cannot figure out what the point of this is. Probably something obvious that I’m overlooking.

One for "Active" and the other for "Passive"??? That would be my thought but I actually run two basses into one amp. Of course I don't play them at the same time but if I did I would probably be a YouTube sensation right now. Hmmm, that gives me an idea...

 

[RyanOh]

Two channels are really useful if you play electric and upright on the same gig.


EDIT: link to OP's amp. P: BG-400 Suitcase Compact | Phil Jones Bass

 

[Roland GR 88]

It's designed so one can have 2 different basses ready to go that need different e.q. settings. Like an upright beside an electric as posted above.

 

[Yam the Bomb]

One for "Active" and the other for "Passive"??? That would be my thought but I actually run two basses into one amp. Of course I don't play them at the same time but if I did I would probably be a YouTube sensation right now. Hmmm, that gives me an idea...

No there is a toggle switch for active/passive. That’s not it. I need to call the Phil Jones company and ask them that?

 

[charlie monroe]

No there is a toggle switch for active/passive. That’s not it. I need to call the Phil Jones company and ask them that?

As has been mentioned, it is for doubling gigs where you play BG and DB in the same set or gig.

 

[agedhorse]

Two channels are really useful if you play electric and upright on the same gig.


EDIT: link to OP's amp. P: BG-400 Suitcase Compact | Phil Jones Bass

It's designed so one can have 2 different basses ready to go that need different e.q. settings. Like an upright beside an electric as posted above.

As has been mentioned, it is for doubling gigs where you play BG and DB in the same set or gig.

Yup, this is the correct answer

 

[mrjim123]

OP, you can probably find the user manual online.

 

[non]

Two channels are really useful if you play electric and upright on the same gig.


EDIT: link to OP's amp. P: BG-400 Suitcase Compact | Phil Jones Bass

this link to there web page has some of the controls labeled wrong but the manual for this amp is correct with the control labeling.

 

[chilibass2]

I use a 2 channel WW (and a 2 channel AI) for 2 pickups that I have on my upright - each channel with its own volume and eq - very useful. Maybe that was the purpose here (although I'm not familiar with the PJ stuff).

 

[jazzyvee]

I also have a phil Jones bass amp, the M-300 head that has two separate inputs. I originally bought it to use for my basses that have individual pickup outs so i can eq them individually. But now that i have a DB i can use that head If i take it on a gig with another electric bass and give them a channel each.