Double Bass Qsc cp8 as upright bass amp

[EmilioGiovanoli]

Hello people,
Just wanted to know if someone ever experimented using the qsc cp8 to amplify the UB. I’d use it to blend a condenser mic and a pickup with a Felix preamp. The cp8 seems very interesting in term of price and weight, and I’m looking for something that I could use for small to medium gigs, sometimes outside too, and would be easy to carry around. I was also thinking about the Qsc K10.2, but it would be an heavier and more expensive solution. I mostly like to play acoustic when I can, so I’m looking for something that would boost my sound to the level I can’t reach with my hands (I also really liked the Phil Jones bg110 when I tried it with my pickup, but I dont know how it would work to blend a mic). Any ideas or suggestion from someone who tried a similar setup?

 

[AGCurry]

Emilio, I have used not the CP8, but the QSC K8, which seems to be an earlier (less sophisticated?) product. Both times, it's been in the context of a duo with an amplified guitarist/mandolinist/singer, at fairly quiet volume.
I used an Electrovoice RE55 microphone. That's a high-quality dynamic omnidirectional mic. It worked well, with no EQ. Of course there was not a floor-shaking fundamental from low notes, but I would say I got a natural and pleasing result.

 

[Jefenator]

Wasn't aware of this CP8 model - might be the moderately priced PA monitor I've been looking for.
I did once try my K10.2 as a bass amp. It wasn't bad but for that application I just seem to prefer an actual bass amp. Even bass gear that is voiced to be flat & neutral (and thus you would think should interchange with PA speakers) has a certain pant-shaking presence that makes me feel more at home.
YMMV. (I usually have to contend with ham-fisted guitarists & drummers. Amp requirements are usually less stringent when playing just that first notch above unplugged levels.)

 

[Ryan in PDX]

I use a K10 with a dynamic mic or pickup. It's always had more than enough power, and it's built like a tank. I haven't seen the CP series up close, but I'm guessing the lower price and lighter weight come at the expense of some durability and component quality. On one hand, that tradeoff is probably negligible on an upright gig. On the other, you've already sprung for a pickup, condenser mic, and top-shelf preamp, so spending a little more on the rest of the signal chain doesn't seem like a waste to me.

OP, the K8.2 would be at the top of my list if I were in your shoes, provided you're sure you want a PA speaker.

 

[AgostoMortal]

I have used the CP8 for this. I had the K10 and have also the CP12 for PA use. I normally use the CP8 as a floor monitor when I have to do sound. The CP series sounds incredible, in fact, I was very surprised to find out I like them better that the K's when I tested then next to each other at almost half the price. They look to me like a new version without the bells and whistles to lower the cost. Sounds wise they are killer.
Now about your question, I used it once as a DB amp, with a pre before going in and I really liked the sound both at home and at the gig. But ultimately decided not to use it as it is still heavier than my other options but it sounds great.
A

 

[Ric Vice]

I owned and used a QSC K8. It’s was very durable and powerful enough for smaller gigs. It required a decent preamp preamp where the K8.2 has a EQ section. The tone and low end of K8’s V1 wasn’t as refined as a well built bass amp and cab. It was my outdoor cab.

 

[Zbysek]

I prefer dedicated bass amp/cab when there is no FOH. IME, bass cab will usually outperform PA cabs when comes to delivering low frequencies to the audience.

On the other hand, PA cabs shine for personal monitoring purposes (when there is FOH) because of the possibility to be raised to ear level.

My 2 cents. YMMV.

 

[bassdivad]

I have used the CP8 for this. I had the K10 and have also the CP12 for PA use. I normally use the CP8 as a floor monitor when I have to do sound. The CP series sounds incredible, in fact, I was very surprised to find out I like them better that the K's when I tested then next to each other at almost half the price. They look to me like a new version without the bells and whistles to lower the cost. Sounds wise they are killer.
Now about your question, I used it once as a DB amp, with a pre before going in and I really liked the sound both at home and at the gig. But ultimately decided not to use it as it is still heavier than my other options but it sounds great.
A

can I ask what is your even lighter option?
qsc homepage says 9.5 kg / 21.0 lb
thanks

 

[AgostoMortal]

can I ask what is your even lighter option?
qsc homepage says 9.5 kg / 21.0 lb
thanks

Fender rumble 40..not sure the actual weight difference but it feels substantially lighter..specially when carrying the bass on one hand..and having to make one trip to the playing area, also no backpack with pre amp and cables, easier setup.

 

[yodedude2]

Fender rumble 40..not sure the actual weight difference but it feels substantially lighter..specially when carrying the bass on one hand..and having to make one trip to the playing area, also no backpack with pre amp and cables, easier setup.

for the record (and for those playing along at home), the internet says the weight difference is 2 pounds.

 

[AgostoMortal]

wow, didn't know that. The rumble feels substantially lighter for some reason, so when long walk distance is required and/ or awkward places..the rumble gets the job done.
A

 

[Ric Vice]

I’ve owned cabinets of virtually identical weight but different outside dimensions and bulk. They can feel heavier, Just my take of course.

 

[neddyrow]

tried a few PA speakers, definitely need a preamp.

I prefer an amp head and cab more designed for DB. I do love 8" speakers as I have an MAS 18, 28 and a Revsound 48VT. Powered by an Acoustic Image Ten2 head - great eq section - no preamp required.

If you can make it work with the right preamp, I'd go for it. Seems like a light solution and QSC makes great stuff!

 

[Ric Vice]

tried a few PA speakers, definitely need a preamp.

I prefer an amp head and cab more designed for DB. I do love 8" speakers as I have an MAS 18, 28 and a Revsound 48VT. Powered by an Acoustic Image Ten2 head - great eq section - no preamp required.

If you can make it work with the right preamp, I'd go for it. Seems like a light solution and QSC makes great stuff!

That's the rub, isn't it? Mike gets such a good sound from those cabinets as they are designed specifically for bass. I'll have to check out the 4x8 Revsound. I an 8's believer

 

[redtomfunk]

How do CP8 perform in terms of feedback?
I play a Marcustico mixing the piezo with a mic and with a tweeter I get generally feedback. In bass cabinets you can switch the tweeter off but not on a CP8. Any real world experience with that?

 

[ashok]

....I have an MAS 18, 28 and a Revsound 48VT. ....

i know yours are different sizes but can you say anything about the tone of the revsound cab compared to the MAS cabs?

 

[hensonbass]

I have been using a K10 as a monitor for years and it works great whether it’s on a stand or in the floor. You can see mine in this video.



Another upright player I know uses a K8 and likes it very much.

I personally like hearing my bass as the audience will hear it.

 

[Ric Vice]

i know yours are different sizes but can you say anything about the tone of the revsound cab compared to the MAS cabs?

Mikes cabinets are difficulty to compare with standard speakers. The only MAS cabinet similar to the Revsound 48 vt would be the MAS 4x5.5 or 4x6 which also has a 4x3.5 linear array strip similar to the Genzler cabinets

 

[BobDeRosa]

I have been using a K10 as a monitor for years and it works great whether it’s on a stand or in the floor. You can see mine in this video.



Another upright player I know uses a K8 and likes it very much.

I personally like hearing my bass as the audience will hear it.

Nice group!

 

[redtomfunk]

How do CP8 perform in terms of feedback?
I play a Marcustico mixing the piezo with a mic and with a tweeter I get generally feedback. In bass cabinets you can switch the tweeter off but not on a CP8. Any real world experience with that?

Can anyone comment on this?