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Small combo for audible practice / travel
- Thread starter ChrisB2
- Start date
I have the Micromark 801 which I got for quiet rehearsals. It works well and sounds like a real bass amp.
For gigs, I just go direct to PA through a DI box.
For gigs, I just go direct to PA through a DI box.
If you want small and portable I really recommend a positive grid spark mini. It’s rechargeable and you get a decent amount of bass for such a tiny speaker.
Neat little amp! Gonna keep an eye out for the inevitable “I use one of these to fill up 200 person room no problem, no FOH support” posts.
You might be right but that story will be a fairytale. I'll personally vouch for it just holding its own in an 80 seat pub with no drums and only vocals in the PA but that's its absolute outside limit. I'd call it a pro quality practice amp. I have a little Phil Jones rig (that's louder) and a Markbass 801 (that isn't) but if I were in the market for something like this the Traynor would be my first choice.
For what the OP seems to be after that Yamaha looks great. The low desk friendly profile alone has me interested. I have a very small space and practice at my computer. Regular sized amps are always in the way to some degree. The battery is a real plus too for campfire playing.
For that specific purpose I use a Markbass Micromark 801. Small print and good tone, couldn’t be happier.
Before you go on your next trip, buy a RB108 from Guitar Center and try it on the trip, if it you want a little more, take it back and the 110. What you call "camping" is probably different than what I call "camping", different than what the next person has in mind. In my mind, an acoustic bass of some sort is the required solution, but I'm picturing campfire and tents.
I had one. Loved the small form factor, battery and deep bass but couldn’t stand the following issues, so I sold it.
- High latency on the aux input: Spark Mini aux in latency issue
- Hissing sound that appears only at certain volume level: Spark Mini gated hiss?
Yea I get those too. Hoping they fix the latency issue with a firmware update.
It’s def not perfect. I get hiss with bt audio too depending on what channel I’m on. It also clips kinda quick, at least with my active bass. Although I do get some nice bass at lower volumes.
It’s a quirky device, but as far as I know the only portable and rechargeable amp that’s plug and play. It’s def gotten me to practice a lot more and just for that I really love it.
While I would vote for the small MarkBass, My own small amp for much less $$ is the Acoustic BC50. Looks like a small floor monitor and holds it's own for rehearsals and has a terrific sound! I've seen them used for $125 - a fantastic bargain. 50W 10" driver.
Another vote for the Markbass micro mark 801. It is the best sounding small amp I've heard and perfect for playing along with acoustic guitars. Also has the aux input and headphone jack as well as a good DI out.
Also, the 801 8” is rated at 200 rms watts aes. Fender and Ampeg don’t appear to publish those specs for their similar 8” or 10” combos. You can also connect an extension cab to the 801 and get 60 watts rms.
Exactly. Since you already have many amps, why not an Headrush FRFR-108. Small and can be used for PA, karaoke, speech, conferences, backyard party's, etc. You can probably plug your bass direct in one of the input (active bass will give you greater control).
I think overall PJB gives you an honest appraisal of your technique, or lack thereof. I like my minuscule Micro 7 for mobility’s sake.
