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The right set-up

Sub Freq

Sub Freq

Dec 14, 2014
20
6
52
#1
Hello fellow bassist,

This website has alot of useful information on everything a bassist needs. However, I have a question in regard to set-ups. I believe in only buying something once, not buying something and figuring out that I should've bought product "B". I play a 4-string Fender Jag and I'm using a combo amp Acoustic 20 (please don't laugh). My style of playing is smooth and low, Jazz, R&B and Neo-soul. I don't do alot of slapping or popping.

I'm not going to ask what's better or why its better. Just need to be pointed in the right direction. My budget is $2000 and I have a suv to move the rig.

I'm looking to future proof myself with a head amp and cabs consisting of 1x15 and 2x12's..

Is there a head amp that can run such a set-up without having to buy a second amp? What head amp offers an aux out for IEM?

I do apologize for this long post, but I played a gig last night a local coffee spot and I was really dissatisfied with my sound. I want to be able to not just hear it, but to feel it too....
 
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#2
Sub, I'm no expert, but since no one has posted, my two cents are; take some time to read a lot of post in here just to get more background on what others like and use. Use the search box to narrow your results. There are probably hundreds of amp head and cab combinations, and the only real answer is what sounds good to you. A price range and music playing goals for the system may help get more replies. So, maybe I can get the ball rolling for you by suggesting you look at (and go play if you live near a store), a 250w carvin combo with 2x10 that can drive an extra 15" if you want to. Good luck!:bassist: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
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#3
I recommend against mixing different types and sizes of drivers unless you use a cross-over and have selected all the drivers based on the role they will play in a two or three way system.

Two 115 cabs or two 212 cabinets, or even a 412 would be a better alternative to mixing a 115 and a 212. The reasons are numerous, but the two most important are that the power handling and differing EQ requirements of any two such miss-matched cabs nearly always result in poorer performance, despite what conventional wisdom and marketing jive assert.

Adding a 15 does not "bring the lows," unless it is a specialized sub. Moreover, one of the cabs will be the weak link, and will prevent full benefit from its "mate." However, you can somewhat overcome those balance problems with a two channel power amp.

All IME.
 
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#4
Jim Carr said:
I recommend against mixing different types and sizes of drivers unless you use a cross-over and have selected all the drivers based on the role they will play in a two or three way system.

Two 115 cabs or two 212 cabinets, or even a 412 would be a better alternative to mixing a 115 and a 212. The reasons are numerous, but the two most important are that the power handling and differing EQ requirements of any two such miss-matched cabs nearly always result in poorer performance, despite what conventional wisdom and marketing jive assert.

Adding a 15 does not "bring the lows," unless it is a specialized sub. Moreover, one of the cabs will be the weak link, and will prevent full benefit from its "mate." However, you can somewhat overcome those balance problems with a two channel power amp.

All IME.
Click to expand...


Dr. Jim,
Thank you for the info. I'm actually getting into playing live so this is truly a learning experience. From what I gather from some of the posters here, that it's better to have too much than not enough because you can always adjust the volume. I do understand though about using a two channel amp for the separate cabs, but I didn't know about mixing two different sizes.
 
#5
70'sRockChild said:
Sub, I'm no expert, but since no one has posted, my two cents are; take some time to read a lot of post in here just to get more background on what others like and use. Use the search box to narrow your results. There are probably hundreds of amp head and cab combinations, and the only real answer is what sounds good to you. A price range and music playing goals for the system may help get more replies. So, maybe I can get the ball rolling for you by suggesting you look at (and go play if you live near a store), a 250w carvin combo with 2x10 that can drive an extra 15" if you want to. Good luck!:bassist: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Click to expand...

RockChild,
Thank you for responding. I'm still going thru all the different post and reading alot of reviews and suggestions. My budget is $2000... And thanks for the carvin link.
 
#10
Sub Freq said:
That's a good point too and the reason why I'm staying away from 4x10 cabs for now.
Click to expand...
Get a really good 8 ohm 210 to start and then a second 210 later. This can create a rig that is portable, flexible, fail-safe, and better than a 410 in every way.

210array.jpg
 
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#15
Sub Freq said:
Hello fellow bassist,

This website has alot of useful information on everything a bassist needs. However, I have a question in regard to set-ups. I believe in only buying something once, not buying something and figuring out that I should've bought product "B". I play a 4-string Fender Jag and I'm using a combo amp Acoustic 20 (please don't laugh). My style of playing is smooth and low, Jazz, R&B and Neo-soul. I don't do alot of slapping or popping.

I'm not going to ask what's better or why its better. Just need to be pointed in the right direction. My budget is $2000 and I have a suv to move the rig.

I'm looking to future proof myself with a head amp and cabs consisting of 1x15 and 2x12's..

Is there a head amp that can run such a set-up without having to buy a second amp? What head amp offers an aux out for IEM?

I do apologize for this long post, but I played a gig last night a local coffee spot and I was really dissatisfied with my sound. I want to be able to not just hear it, but to feel it too....
Click to expand...

If you only want to buy once, you need to do a lot of test driving. Most amps/cabs have a "flavor" to them; you need to find your flavor. Lots of good suggestions so far...

Are you a knob twister or set-it-and-forget-it type of person? Pre-amp sections vary widely. Another reason for test driving.

2K should get you a sweet rig, buying used can stretch your investment even more.

=wr=
 
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#16
wave rider said:
If you only want to buy once, you need to do a lot of test driving. Most amps/cabs have a "flavor" to them; you need to find your flavor. Lots of good suggestions so far...

Are you a knob twister or set-it-and-forget-it type of person? Pre-amp sections vary widely. Another reason for test driving.

2K should get you a sweet rig, buying used can stretch your investment even more.

=wr=
Click to expand...

This all makes alot of sense. Not really a nob twister, but I like having the ability to dial in my tone.
 
#17
Every room is different from the last. More EQ ftw. If you're going to hang out at TB you can go poweramp with pedals and go blind mad and broke over the years tweaking. I "managed" with my, now vintage, Trace rig for best part of 20 years before I got into TB. You should be so lucky.
 
#18
Downunderwonder said:
Every room is different from the last. More EQ ftw. If you're going to hang out at TB you can go poweramp with pedals and go blind mad and broke over the years tweaking. I "managed" with my, now vintage, Trace rig for best part of 20 years before I got into TB. You should be so lucky.
Click to expand...

LOL, you're right!! I got my eye on MXR Octave pedal and Envelope Filter..
 

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