My friend loves his MB112. I use a MB115, not sure how the size compares to the OP's choices, but it's pretty light and should have more than enough power for what he wants to do
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Suggestions for Performance Combo Amp
- Thread starter cheddar
- Start date
BobDeRosa
Commercial User
- May 16, 2012
- 2,445
- 4,403
- Disclosures
- Owner, Tritone Jazz Fantasy Camps
I've used a Rumble 100, a Rumble 40, and a Markbass Micro 801 as monitors with FOH systems. They're all light and loud enough to do the job. The only thing I don't love about these is that the DI provides only a post-EQ option, which puts the sound guy at a disadvantage. In these situations, I always plug the FOH cable into a Fishman Platinum Stage Preamp/DI so I can send a clean, pre-EQ signal to the sound guy and let him EQ the bass in a way that provides the best mix for the audience.
Gotta put in a plug for my Ashdown Electric Blue 180 (1X15"). It does everything you described and then some. Great at lower volumes and can handle the B on my Sadowsky. Don't know what the current version is, but it's a beast.
Again, I really appreciate all of the input. I will attempt to answer some questions and provide additional context for those who have posted in this thread.
Yes, we practice at 90-95dB (and this is right in front of the mains - so the spl is considerably lower where I am) and most of our performances are at small venues where we play at levels that make it easy for the audience to speak with one another at typical conversational levels. For my electric guitar, I play through a 5 watt tube amp (mic to PA) which I use as a monitor (do not send this through the stage monitor) set at volumes that are comfortable for me when I play in a small room in my house. I do not need to hear myself over a drummer. We provide our own sound at all our venues. I tell you all of this so that you can better understand what my needs are and what might be the right tool(s) for the job.
You have already given my a lot of constructive suggestions, so thanks again!
Yes, we practice at 90-95dB (and this is right in front of the mains - so the spl is considerably lower where I am) and most of our performances are at small venues where we play at levels that make it easy for the audience to speak with one another at typical conversational levels. For my electric guitar, I play through a 5 watt tube amp (mic to PA) which I use as a monitor (do not send this through the stage monitor) set at volumes that are comfortable for me when I play in a small room in my house. I do not need to hear myself over a drummer. We provide our own sound at all our venues. I tell you all of this so that you can better understand what my needs are and what might be the right tool(s) for the job.
You have already given my a lot of constructive suggestions, so thanks again!
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I will report back after I decide what to do and give it a try in rehearsals and live performances.
Really appreciate all of the help!
Really appreciate all of the help!
My first suggestion is always try different things you already own. The Tech21 pedal you have might be perfect for your current needs, allowing you to do as much research as you need for the eventual new amp. (We both know it's coming, needed or not, lol.)
If it were me, I'd go the different pedal DI/preamp avenue first. If your volume is fine, and you just need a better signal to the monitors, it's the least expensive route. Unless, of course, you go with a super boutique unit.
If it were me, I'd go the different pedal DI/preamp avenue first. If your volume is fine, and you just need a better signal to the monitors, it's the least expensive route. Unless, of course, you go with a super boutique unit.
Update: I tried using the Tech21 Blonde pedal in rehearsal and it worked fine. I was unable to find what I considered to be an inspiring clean tone. I did not have time to go to a store that had various combo amps that might work for my needs (none nearby), so I ordered an Ampeg RB-110 since it seemed like it could meet my needs. I have been using it as a monitor (not running bass through my main monitor) and DI to go to the board. I have used this setup at rehearsals and 2 outdoor performances.
I am impressed by the tones I am getting and have found that with the volume at about 10:30 I can hear the bass well in rehearsals and performances. Also, this gives me plenty of signal going to the board (DI is post volume/tone) and is dead quiet. I am able to get a lot of great sounds by adjusting the tone knobs and the SGT, though I have mostly run the amp with the tone knobs at 12:00 and the SGT off. It sounds great to these ears at these settings. I am using a Mustang PJ, almost always on the neck pickup with tone open, with well broken-in Chromes, playing mostly but not exclusively with a pick.
At home, I run the volume between 9:00 and 10:00. I can sing at these volumes and still hear the bass clearly.
Thank you all, again, for your suggestions. I hope that my comments are helpful for others!
I am impressed by the tones I am getting and have found that with the volume at about 10:30 I can hear the bass well in rehearsals and performances. Also, this gives me plenty of signal going to the board (DI is post volume/tone) and is dead quiet. I am able to get a lot of great sounds by adjusting the tone knobs and the SGT, though I have mostly run the amp with the tone knobs at 12:00 and the SGT off. It sounds great to these ears at these settings. I am using a Mustang PJ, almost always on the neck pickup with tone open, with well broken-in Chromes, playing mostly but not exclusively with a pick.
At home, I run the volume between 9:00 and 10:00. I can sing at these volumes and still hear the bass clearly.
Thank you all, again, for your suggestions. I hope that my comments are helpful for others!
