Simplified Amp Systems

[iriegnome]

So, being a junky for information - Riddle me this Batman -
A simple amp/Pre - Gain/Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble and that's it.
High power 400+ watts.
Do they exist? What is your thoughts about them?

 

[Jehos]

The simplified EQ plus the high power is probably what is killing you. Have you checked out Markbass? The Little Mark II is very close to what you want, but it has low/high mid and their two "color" knobs that you can just leave off if you don't like them. With everything set flat, you get just the tone of your bass coming through. I'm personally a fan, I switched to their 2x10 combo with a 1x15 extension cab and doubt I'll ever go back--it gives me good clean power, simple controls, and very lightweight enclosures that won't kill your back.

 

[gregoire1]

I assume your talking about a head. I'm the same way, Keep It Simple, Stupid. I like plug-n-play systems without all the extras that keep distracting me.

Ampeg B1-RE 300watts and only 5 (i think) knobs, but nobody here likes it.

 

[Hyper-sloth]

The simplified EQ plus the high power is probably what is killing you. Have you checked out Markbass? The Little Mark II is very close to what you want, but it has low/high mid and their two "color" knobs that you can just leave off if you don't like them. With everything set flat, you get just the tone of your bass coming through. I'm personally a fan, I switched to their 2x10 combo with a 1x15 extension cab and doubt I'll ever go back--it gives me good clean power, simple controls, and very lightweight enclosures that won't kill your back.

I am also a big fan: I've been sold. I always had pretty simple amps ( anyone remember the Yamaha B100?). I like to set up fast for gigs.

 

[zombywoof5050]

Alembic F-2B preamp with a good power amp, probably the only amp I'll ever use.

 

[iriegnome]

I have seen this one amp a while ago. A couple of tubes on top and kind of all open. I don't at all remember what it was, but I am sure someone knows

 

[iriegnome]

I think that may have been a demeter or something

 

[Jehos]

I just realized, you could do this yourself, but it would probably be expensive. Get a decent rackmount preamp, like they use for microphones. Something that is just clean gain. If the preamp has hi-Z inputs, just plug your bass straight in. Otherwise, go bass -> direct box -> preamp -> power amp. Use the EQ on your bass.