• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Should we DEFINE "Mini Rig of DOOM!!!"???

Mcrelly

Mcrelly

Jun 16, 2003
2,984
12
59
Minnesota, USA
Visit site
#1
It quite obvious what a regular "Rig of DOOM!!!" Massive amplification, Lots of speakers, maybe alot of accessory gear, EQs, processors, etc...

But, What should be the definition of "Mini Rig of DOOM!!!"????

Should it be Under a certain weight?

Should it only include certain speaker sizes?

Should it have certain minimum wattage requirements?

Loosely in my head, my definition has been:
--JUST enough speakers to play at YOUR required gig level.
--Enough wattage to do the same.
--a suprisingly strong performer in a small package.
 
#2
How about this:

#1 -- A "mini rig of doom" must consist of only one cabinet except for cases where it consists of two cabinets, in which case each cabinet may contain only one speaker, not including tweeters.


#2 -- Head/Brain of said rig can be no more than 3 rack-spaces high only two of which can be occupied by amplification, 3rd space may be occupied with effect/tuner or some other peice of equipment that must weigh less than 8 lbs. Head/Brain must be rack-width wide or less.


#3 -- Entire rig must be of a height equal to or less than 3/5 the height of the person playing the bass plugged into the rig. Included in this measurement will be the beer sitting on top.


#4 -- The entire weight of the rig shall not exceed 80lbs. This measurement shall not include the actual bass but shall include all cables, tuners, picks, set lists and anything sitting on top the rig during normal play including the weight of the beer in it's fresh, full state.



#5 -- Rig must be able to compete acoustically with a drummer playing heavy music at a forte level who's not miked.



*Any and/or all rules and regulations may not be changed, ammended, rescinded, or in any way altered without the express, written consent of 51% or a sum greater than 51% of the members of Talkbass.



**Due to the above clause, rules subject to change at a moments notice.
 
#3
Warning: The following responses are sarcasm!
p.w.: I think the quotes are to!! :D


will33 said:
How about this:

#1 -- A "mini rig of doom" must consist of only one cabinet except for cases where it consists of two cabinets, in which case each cabinet may contain only one speaker, not including tweeters.
Click to expand...

I like this one, I hate tweeters and in my opinion NO ONE should use them!

will33 said:
#2 -- Head/Brain of said rig can be no more than 3 rack-spaces high only two of which can be occupied by amplification, 3rd space may be occupied with effect/tuner or some other peice of equipment that must weigh less than 8 lbs. Head/Brain must be rack-width wide or less.
Click to expand...

I would suggest only 2 spaces high so we can exclude those crazy tube heads and those ugly outdated stand-alone heads that can't be mounted in a rack

will33 said:
#3 -- Entire rig must be of a height equal to or less than 3/5 the height of the person playing the bass plugged into the rig. Included in this measurement will be the beer sitting on top.
Click to expand...

I also think that pop can or 20oz bottle of water could also be used in the measurement?? Not everyone drinks beer while playing. I think we can leave out the 'plugged into the rig' off the definition becasue 1/4" is NOTHING to quibble about!!!

will33 said:
#4 -- The entire weight of the rig shall not exceed 80lbs. This measurement shall not include the actual bass but shall include all cables, tuners, picks, set lists and anything sitting on top the rig during normal play including the weight of the beer in it's fresh, full state.
Click to expand...

[Edited] I disagree, I think under 100 Lbs is more reasonable, but I agree with the 'shall include' clause since most "Mini Rigs of Doom" contain a drawer or compartment for these things and should therefore be considered part of the weight.

will33 said:
#5 -- Rig must be able to compete acoustically with a drummer playing heavy music at a forte level who's not miked.
Click to expand...

don't you mean fortissimo? "very loud"? I will not compromise on this addendum. It is IMPERITIVE that it be a rig of doom, DOOM!!!, DDDOOOOOOMMM!!!!!!!!! (sorry, I stutter)

**I decided against a requirement of being able to reproduce a constant 140 db @ 5 meters, thinking that would be just ridiculous and/or kill the guitarist.

will33 said:
*Any and/or all rules and regulations may not be changed, ammended, rescinded, or in any way altered without the express, written consent of 51% or a sum greater than 51% of the members of Talkbass.
Click to expand...

This is perfectly fine, AFTER WE COME TO A CONSENSUS!

will33 said:
**Due to the above clause, rules subject to change at a moments notice.
Click to expand...

Agreed!
 
#4
My definition has always been , a one man carryable rig , that only takes one trip to load in. Though i guess if you are the Hulk you can do this with a 810 cab so maybe its not a good definition.
 
#6
Ale said:
My definition has always been , a one man carryable rig , that only takes one trip to load in. Though i guess if you are the Hulk you can do this with a 810 cab so maybe its not a good definition.
Click to expand...

This is my vote and very simple. I purposely worked on rig that I could carry in with only one trip. I have a gig bag with all cables and a LMII in the pocket. It goes on my back. Then I have (2) Aggie GS112's with Deltalites in it weighing 36 lbs each. One in each hand is easily manageable and this is from a 60 year old. You youngsters should be able to juggle this rig...
 
#8
My definition: One-trip, one-man carry (no cart, dolly, etc.*) in with bass. My idea is that you would be subbing (can't expect help) and show up at location, park car, carry everything in, set up and ready to play in minutes. And the rig has to be powerful enough to handle a wedding gig or small club.

*I do keep a small folding dolly (b/c I'm lazy) in the car just in case I have to park a distance from the gig.
 
#13
The definition should be a strength to weight metric. But, since we don't actually measure useable decibel levels, we'll have to forego the strength part.

Regarding the weight part, the definition using the load-in-ability is in the right direction.

I'm not sure I agree with the no cart thing. I can still carry effective cabs, but why do it? That's what they invented the wheel for. OK, I know stairs come into play, and that is an issue. But, for many gigs, a good stroller rig, like the Kart-a-bag is an essential component.

That said, IME, there are two basic levels of interest for portable rigs. One is the lower volume gig, which can be done with a single speaker cab; cab in one hand, bass in the other. Call it cab under 40 lbs, head and bass manageable(no svt's). Maybe, we should refer to that arrangement as a micro rig.

The second rig is one that can cover a reasonable club date with a cover band, no PA support. Not the high decibel metal stuff - just your ordinary cover band. For that, the total rig weight ought to be under 80 pounds and stroller carts should be allowed. That could be a Mini rig.

OK those are pretty subjective definitions. But they would make sense for the types of gigs I've done over the years.
 
#14
I can carry two cabs (12's or 10's) a small head like iAmp 500 or GB NeoPak 3.5 and my bass in one trip. No need for a cart or dolly.

With the no cart/dolly in the definition it cuts down on the size and therefore: MINI Rig.
 
#16
Freddels said:
I can carry two cabs (12's or 10's) a small head like iAmp 500 or GB NeoPak 3.5 and my bass in one trip. No need for a cart or dolly.

With the no cart/dolly in the definition it cuts down on the size and therefore: MINI Rig.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I like your definition.

But, I think it is really splitting hairs and detracting from the point to get all derailed on the cart thing. I certainly COULD carry two cabs under 40 pounds plus a small head and bass into a gig. The fact that as I get older I may choose to put that stuff on a lightweight folding hand truck just indicates that wisdom is replacing testosterone, in my case. I'm OK with that being my dilemma.
 
#18
Freddels said:
My definition: One-trip, one-man carry (no cart, dolly, etc.*) in with bass. My idea is that you would be subbing (can't expect help) and show up at location, park car, carry everything in, set up and ready to play in minutes. And the rig has to be powerful enough to handle a wedding gig or small club.

*I do keep a small folding dolly (b/c I'm lazy) in the car just in case I have to park a distance from the gig.
Click to expand...

I agree with this definition. You have to be loaded in, set up, and at the bar getting your beer, while the drummer is still huffing in with his 300 pound trap case. And ready to stroll out as the bandleader is signing the checks.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Exploiter8
#19
Being a middle-aged coot I feel that I can define the mini-R.o.D. as well as anyone.

Here's my concept:

  • Two 1x12" cabs
This allows modularity. Small gig: bring one cab. Big gig: bring 'em both.​
  • A rack - mount head in the 200 watt range
    If you need more than 200 watts you need a full-blown R.o.D.​

    A 100 watt tube head can be subtituted here. I like the Ampeg V-4BH myself.​
  • A rack - mount tuner
    This actually has nothing to do with a mini R.o.D. but I've always wanted a rack tuner.​
  • A killer rack - mount wireless setup
    This actually has nothing to do with a mini R.o.D. either, but I've always wanted a wireless rig and this is a good excuse.​
  • A decent compressor/limiter
    Hey, why not?​

A rig of this nature appeals to me a lot. The components tend to be in the 40 pound range which means that you can carry them easily. The speaker cabinet size is small enough to be transported in just about anything with 4 wheels. By being modular you only need to bring as much as the gig requires.
 
#20
bucephylus said:
Yeah, I like your definition.

But, I think it is really splitting hairs and detracting from the point to get all derailed on the cart thing. I certainly COULD carry two cabs under 40 pounds plus a small head and bass into a gig. The fact that as I get older I may choose to put that stuff on a lightweight folding hand truck just indicates that wisdom is replacing testosterone, in my case. I'm OK with that being my dilemma.
Click to expand...

I'm not saying that you CAN'T use a dolly/cart or whatever, but for the definition the rig should be able to be carried in one trip. I'm talking about a normal sized grown man. If you're 100 lbs soaking wet then I guess we'd cut you some slack. If you're Paul Bunyon then . . . whatever.

I thought the idea here was to set the parameters of the size, weight of the rig to qualify as "mini".

I've shown up for a jazz gig with my bass, iAmp 500, and an Epi UL110. I could stand around and chat while holding my rig.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back