• 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.

Simple question are we moving back to combo amps?

rtslinger

rtslinger

Nov 14, 2006
15,585
45,090
67
Belleville,New Jersey USA
www.youtube.com
#1
With Class D all the rage and extremely light cabinets, is the bass community opting for combo amps instead of the amp head and separate cabinet?
I have been giving it some serious thought, you'd only need to bring one thing instead of the head and extra cabs not to mention additional cables.
If you were to switch back what would be your rig of choice for gigs?
 
  • Like
Reactions: RodRy, Doctor Intrepid, Bassic_desires and 1 other person
#2
rtslinger said:
is the bass community opting for combo amps instead of the amp head and separate cabinet?
Click to expand...
i have both, like both, use both, but i'm thankful for the 'modularity' (different configurations) i have to work with. they're all smallish systems, but they can be combined in different ways if/when i need to go big(er).
 
  • Like
Reactions: Matt Power, RodRy, Al Kraft and 25 others
#4
I'd be happy to go back to a combo amp. My main reason for choosing separates is because I enjoy tinkering with homemade speakers, and I can choose fairly high performance components -- Class D head and neo speaker. But the tiny gain in convenience, and the relative lack of gigs to justify new gear, keeps me with what I've got for now.

Besides, when stuff gets really small and light, I can just strap the head to the speaker and call it a combo...

upload_2021-6-9_16-45-38.png
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Matt Power, TinIndian, MynameisMe and 18 others
#5
rtslinger said:
With Class D all the rage and extremely light cabinets, is the bass community opting for combo amps instead of the amp head and separate cabinet?
I have been giving it some serious thought, you'd only need to bring one thing instead of the head and extra cabs not to mention additional cables.
If you were to switch back what would be your rig of choice for gigs?
Click to expand...


I have both and both have their pluses and minuses. These days as an old man, I prefer to carry the early edition Markbass CMD121P to the venue - make a second trip for the NY121P extension. Make a third trip to the Truck for my Bass and a mic stand. DONE!

On the other hand, I (sometimes) miss the idea of a Heritage 8x10 with a Heritage CL on top. It is a feeling of POWER for me. But alas..........old age dictates that those days are well behind me..........
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: StyleOverShow, jhfishn, bassballs27 and 6 others
#9
Depends a lot on the gig and the equipment.

I use a Fender Rumble 100 for most gigs, but I also have a Genz-Benz Shuttle 6.2 docked on a 12" cab and I can add a second 2x10 cab. The Shuttle is essentially a combo with a 3.75 pound 600W (peak) amp that can be separated, which I think is the best of both options.

When class D amps get so light that they're essentially piggybacking on a cab, it's hard to tell the difference between a combo and separate units.

Oh - I also have a Genz lightweight 2x12 Neo cab, but it's only because I have delusions that I might have to be loud at some point. The Shuttle and the 1x12 paired with the 2x10 can get silly loud. I should probably sell the Neo 2x12.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: RodRy, RColie, tindrum and 1 other person
#11
rtslinger said:
With Class D all the rage and extremely light cabinets, is the bass community opting for combo amps instead of the amp head and separate cabinet?
I have been giving it some serious thought, you'd only need to bring one thing instead of the head and extra cabs not to mention additional cables.
If you were to switch back what would be your rig of choice for gigs?
Click to expand...
Rb210 as a one cab solution. Or, a pf50t and a 115he
 
  • Like
Reactions: johnnynitro
#14
Not a chance here. I don’t mind them when they are supplied, but an amp that fits in a gig back pocket renders them obsolete for me. I like that in the event of a failure on a gig I stand a better chance of scrounging up an amp or another speaker to get by, and I am pretty hooked on having a pair of speakers to scale up or down based on the gig.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SC Bassboy, shoot-r and lomo
#15
buldog5151bass said:
If you have a combo, you have to bring everything everywhere. With a modular amp, keep one cab where you practice, the other where you rehearse, and you only have to carry your bass and head.
Click to expand...
I have two combos, but after getting a practice area broken into and my prized Fender Twin got stolen, I don't leave anything behind anymore.
 
  • Like
Reactions: KaraQ, RodRy and Clutchcargo
#19
I have a rumble 500c and it is good for small to medium gigs but I usually use it with my BRM Simplex 1x15. That combination is all the amp I ever need. The BFM is loaded with a neo 3015 and only weighs around 35 lbs so it's a pretty easy load in and out. (imho) The best way to go these days is with a light but powerful combo with an extension 2x10 or 1x15 for those times you need a little more. I'd much rather have too much than not enough.

q2CQ7PV.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Like
Reactions: btmpancake and BBassBassington

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back