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Tiny amps...tiny power amps?

Major_Rager_4MF

Major_Rager_4MF

Aug 8, 2017
269
878
#1
Awesome that we have tiny amps now, a variety actually, 300, 500, 800, even 1000 watts and 4-10 lbs? Wow. But, did I miss it, or are we lacking the isolated power amp options? If you can make an 800w amp at 4 lbs, why not an 800w power amp at 3 or less lbs? We've got the preamp pedals to drive it, so why not the power amp pedal?
 
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#2
Major_Rager_4MF said:
Awesome that we have tiny amps now, a variety actually, 300, 500, 800, even 1000 watts and 4-10 lbs? Wow. But, did I miss it, or are we lacking the isolated power amp options? If you can make an 800w amp at 4 lbs, why not an 800w power amp at 3 or less lbs? We've got the preamp pedals to drive it, so why not the power amp pedal?
Click to expand...
Quilter?
 
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#5
Kirk Bryant said:
The Baby Sumo bass amp thread here is interesting, a few guys have them. It’s a 600 watt amp in a case like a reddi Di. There’s also another 600watt amp made by guy in Nashville that is getting some love from the steel players in town. IIRC it is also referenced in the Sumo thread.
Click to expand...
Now we're talking! That's the neighborhood I'm thinking. Still a bit clunky though, 5.2 x 3.2 x 8 inches is just a tad smaller than a Quilter amp. I'm looking forward to the day when amps and preamps are just other pedals lol. I guess I miss the days of rack rigs where everything was so functionally modular. That said, I'm really looking forward to the day when amps, preamps, and effects are all apps on our smart phones lol
 
#7
#9
There's not much market for it, so most bass amp manufacturers are smart enough not to develop a product that isn't going to sell. There's an Acoustic Image Focus SA (best bass-specific mini power amp EVER!) that's been sitting in the Classifieds since last year and nobody's bought it despite multiple price drops. Most players it seems would rather buy something like a Quilter BB800 and use it as a power amp by patching into the Line In.
 
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#10
HaphAsSard said:
Older threads about small power amps. Some or most suggested products there may be too large for the OP, but I believe in crosslinking as a solution to most evils in the world: ;)
Small 500-800 watt power amp for pedalboard?
Who's making lightweight half rack power amps?
Looking for a half rack space power amp... Help!?
And the one that brought Quilter on TB:Amps' radar:
Here's your chance to get a new small form factor power amp made for you!
Click to expand...

For myself, I play a GK MB500 and the fact that it fits in my bass gig bag makes me happy. The fact that my MB200 is half that size makes me even happier. :) The new TE ELF is a marvel of engineering, but that's not what this topic is about I suppose. But they're all headed in the same direction.

Your links yielded lots of results for this discussion. The Straight Ahead seems like an excellent contender for this market. They were sold out on Reverb. I recommend anyone interested in micro amps only check into your links. :thumbsup:

EDIT:
Those of you really interested in going this direction go to @HaphAsSard 's links and join the thread, then contact the manufacturers and make your requests known. Become your own advocate.

People complaining that these amps aren't small enough-- not enough choices or whatever. Be patient-- these will come eventually. I remember years ago lugging a laptop to gigs for songlists and lyrics and people laughing about it. Now musicians own mic stand holders for their iPads.
 
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#12
Major_Rager_4MF said:
Ow ow ow....the GAS! Yeah, that's getting at what I'm talking about. Much smaller than that and I might lose it lol. I messaged them on FB for more details. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Cool! If you request it specifically for bass he beefs up some of the components. He also will do speakon outs instead of 1/4 if you like.
 
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#13
2CD9144D-A39B-4CD8-A6CA-E8656BB6E607.png
I run a swr amplite, 400 watts and takes up 1/2 of a rack space.
 
#15
Major_Rager_4MF said:
Awesome that we have tiny amps now, a variety actually, 300, 500, 800, even 1000 watts and 4-10 lbs? Wow. But, did I miss it, or are we lacking the isolated power amp options? If you can make an 800w amp at 4 lbs, why not an 800w power amp at 3 or less lbs? We've got the preamp pedals to drive it, so why not the power amp pedal?
Click to expand...


I'm not sure if I was a manufacturer that I'd want my product ON THE FLOOR!

Are you kidding Me?

People kicking, tripping, and knocking my "floor amp" would not do well for my company's reputation nor would I opt to subject my product to these NEW harsh conditions all while hoping the money I spent on the company's logo was well spent.

A few years back, someone I played with decided to get a tube pedal to drive his guitar amp. I can't be the only person that thought having a pair of preamp tubes installed in something called a "stomp box" was an insanely stupid idea.

Don't think it's any better idea if it's solid state, especially when I look at the inside of most PCB equipped amps.

Can you say "Recipe For Disaster"?
 
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