Double Bass Simplifying the rig

[Ric Vice]

Actually, my issue with my AI amps is too much good. I have a Focus r2 III and a Clarus S4+. Both amps are very similar with roughly the same actual volume output, size and weight. There are just a few features that were changed from the Focus to the Clarus, but depending on the gig, I really use the features that each head has that the other hasn't got. I'd really like to sell one to help fund a new bass but I just can't make the choice. These are relatively simple amps but pack a ton of usability. And more and more, I like simple.

How very true, as Montgomery Scott always says "engineer's love to mess with things". I'd be perfectly happy with an pre amp that had one volume knob and configured itself to work and any space. Me thinks I wish for to much.


Ric

P.S. as a mater of fact, once I get used to a particular amplifier or pre amp, once I have the sound dialed in, most of the adjustments to the settings are little tweaks. It's not often that I have to radically alter the EQ. A HPF will take care of most issues.

 

[Roger Davis]

P.S. as a mater of fact, once I get used to a particular amplifier or pre amp, once I have the sound dialed in, most of the adjustments to the settings are little tweaks. It's not often that I have to radically alter the EQ. A HPF will take care of most issues.

Yes Ric. It's generally just the HPF that needs a bit of adjustment, that and the gain/vol. Perhaps Grace could have simplified the Felix by equipping it with two knobs per channel and the rest trims/presets. (Perhaps)

 

[B String]

How very true, as Montgomery Scott always says "engineer's love to mess with things". I'd be perfectly happy with an pre amp that had one volume knob and configured itself to work and any space. Me thinks I wish for to much.


Ric

P.S. as a mater of fact, once I get used to a particular amplifier or pre amp, once I have the sound dialed in, most of the adjustments to the settings are little tweaks. It's not often that I have to radically alter the EQ. A HPF will take care of most issues.

One item for me is.... I have an upcoming theatrical gig where I quickly have to change between upright and electric bass. On the Focus 2r III, there are two mutes, one for each channel. This works great for leaving the volumes so they're right for the house mix and recording. Very fast and easy. The Clarus S4+ has one overall mute, (like most amps) so its just a little more effort changing to and from the upright in the dark since I have to find the same spot on the volume knob in the dark.

 

[threetone]

One item for me is.... I have an upcoming theatrical gig where I quickly have to change between upright and electric bass. On the Focus 2r III, there are two mutes, one for each channel. This works great for leaving the volumes so they're right for the house mix and recording. Very fast and easy. The Clarus S4+ has one overall mute, (like most amps) so its just a little more effort changing to and from the upright in the dark since I have to find the same spot on the volume knob in the dark.

Unplug the jack halfway out of the clarus input.
When you need to change from urb to ebass, plug it in and semi-unplug the other.
Works just as well/fast then mute buttons.

 

[B String]

Unplug the jack halfway out of the clarus input.
When you need to change from urb to ebass, plug it in and semi-unplug the other.
Works just as well/fast then mute buttons.

My problem with that has been the one handed plug in. The head is so light that it moves. Also, at volume there can be noise from unplugging and plugging in again. The very small amount of noise we hear from the amp tends to be much louder when going through the house and recording. I can do it but the mute on the Focus makes it sooo much easier.

 

[kerrycares]

How very true, as Montgomery Scott always says "engineer's love to mess with things". I'd be perfectly happy with an pre amp that had one volume knob and configured itself to work and any space. Me thinks I wish for to much.


Ric

P.S. as a mater of fact, once I get used to a particular amplifier or pre amp, once I have the sound dialed in, most of the adjustments to the settings are little tweaks. It's not often that I have to radically alter the EQ. A HPF will take care of most issues.

I just spent an hour with my AI dual channel head then read the manual and noticed that there are " internal jumper" options inside the amp. Does anyone have any experience with optimizing these settings?

I would be interested in learning more before I open up my amp.

 

[kerrycares]

In paring down my rig it seems that after all of the trial and error and money the AI and Realist is the simplest rig for me.

I have used Headway, MAS, Genzler, techamp , AccuGroove, Radial ,Walter Wood, little Wizzy, Genz Benz, Fishman, Galien Krueger, Bose, Troll.

AI Contra and Ten2 cover my playing in all situations except concerts where backline is provided.

I have found that the Headway and Radial preamps are invaluable for front of house applications.

 

[kerrycares]

My buddy that owns a local music store convinced me to demo the GK MB 112 II and at first blush it sounds better than my Ten2.
Not as feature rich but a really natural,open sounding amp.
At $399 and 28 pounds it's worth a look.

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

I just replaced the speaker in the MB150S. For the last few years I have used a Clarus and Acme B-1, finding that combination to sound very natural and adequate for most gigs. Comparing the two at home, I was struck by the volume the little GK puts out and how good it sounds, considering that it's a 12" woofer in an aluminum box. It really does sound much better than I remember.
I like the tiny footprint and convenience.

The AI Coda was sold last week.

I'll play music through it tomorrow at the shop to further break in the driver and use it on gigs this weekend.

I'm going to try to use this amp with my Kay strung with Spirocore Reds. That's simplification.

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

First gig down. As I remembered, the MB 150 can be a bit boomy; certain notes kind of jump out. I played in the same room last week with the Clarus /B1 on a chair and got a more even tone. I used a small tripod amp stand with the GK and it may have been better on a chair. Anyway, I got a very usable tone, with clarity and a one trip carry. The other guys didn't seem to have a preference. So far, convenience wins.

It occurs to me that the Coda wouldn't have worked at all in that room.

 

[kerrycares]

I saw Rodney Whitaker last night and he uses the AI Coda combo as well.

 

[Groove Doctor]

My buddy that owns a local music store convinced me to demo the GK MB 112 II and at first blush it sounds better than my Ten2.
Not as feature rich but a really natural,open sounding amp.
At $399 and 28 pounds it's worth a look.

That's good to know. In a music shop I tried it with electric bass & ABG, no DB. I liked that GK combo, but LOVED the GK MB200 (same head) into an Eden EX112 better. The Eden was much heavier though.

I'd Love to try the Ampeg 210av cab some day. Great reviews with DB too.

 

[John Chambliss]

GK MB112 ii works well for me and DB, but it's more like 34 lbs.

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

This is my third MB 150S. I sold the first one, seeking MBOL. The second one was on permanent loan from a friend. He said, "I'm not using it and you should keep it". At the two year point, I was surprised when he asked me to return it.
So I moved on.
This thread dovetails with the MBOL thread for me because I don't feel like seeking an amplified tone which sounds like my bass is ever achievable or really practical. I want a tone that sounds reasonably like my bass, supports the musicians I'm playing with and doesn't have me fiddling with blending in a mic or thinking about anything but the music. Tone wise, I may seek something closer to a good recording of my bass, although I've been disappointed in those efforts. Compromises must be made in the final mix to support the end product. It ain't all about the bass. Sorry.
So, I'm enjoying my Spirocore strung Kay and my GK MB 150S. I sold my Coda+, partly because it had too many features I would never use and partly because it often lacked a direct and clear tone that I want.
We're paid to support whatever group we play with. That means:roots, quarter notes, good time, a solid foundation and clarity. I'll take the simplest path to that outcome I can.
TEHO, YMMV........

 

[mikeln]

I recently have gotten some time back (kids graduated)..and am back gigging again. So I've been re-evaluating my setups. I still have and use an original GK MB150S that I had to have the amp resoldered/repaired (GK did it), so it still sounds the same as ever. However, my old Fishman Model B preamp has some issue and started going microphonic-like. (Fishman has been a little help, though they tell me to find some local electronics shop to fix it). Picked up an FDeck HPF2...just wish it had a clip on it like my Fishman so easier to access the volume control locally. [Sorry, the Axes: DB: Englhardt fishman full circle, Electric: MTD 535, EUB: Azola...mainly straight ahead jazz/big band/salsa]. So, awhile back I got an EA Doubler (love it), easy to carry to gigs as a backup head if needed...and nice on big band doubles...and in most places there was some sort of speaker cabinet available. Long story shortened, I wanted another "in between" rig (my MB150S has never been able to out-shout a big band) that was light and could use my EA Doubler. Ended up with a Phil Jones Compact 4....could not be happier. Did a lot of setup testing and found that I can now leave all the EQ flat on the EA head, and that little cabinet sounds exactly like my DB...only louder. Also the Electric sounds awesome. And with easily enough sound power to completely overcome a big band (if I wanted...).

 

[HateyMcAmp]

I'm stoked to see all of the metal lunchbox love. I too went back to using a MB150S after a couple years on "better" rigs. Its clear why these things were industry standard for so long; they don't sound very MBOL, but its just a nice useful DB tone that sits well in the band mix even on louder stages. Combined with a bridge wing pickup, it can generate some legit output and keep up with a drums. Any issues I have with it (kind of brittle sound with a piezo and feedback when the amp is pushed) are honestly solved by just running my basic FDeck HPF series 1 as a buffer and twiddling with the phase and sweepable filter right when I plug the bass in to adjust to the room. I tend to run the amp dead flat. Sound guys seem to know about this amp and are pretty happy when I roll up with it, similar to when you bring a P-Bass to a blues gig. For a pickup/preamp/amp rig that costs about $500 if you buy the amp used and everything fits in a small gig bag, it remains a great value for working players, even if only as a second rig.