Tiny size but BIG SOUND bass amp?

[Munjibunga]

In Australia that lot would set you back over $9,000.

What's that, $800 US?

 

[Munjibunga]

Another vote for the Aguilar TH500. It will make any cab sound great.

... as long as you like a lot of low mid you can't EQ out.

 

[bdplaid]

Hey TBers. I'm after some advise. As I have to regularly move my bass rig up and down stairs I'm looking for the loudest but also smallest bass amp that can keep up with a loud pub rock band.

If it were me, I'd start looking at cabs first, they're the worst from which to find that "big" sound, as you say. Going up and down stairs, I'd be looking at single speaker cabs, either 112s or 115s, with side handles. You can get two if you like.

I've had several 112s and they vary all over the place with how much low end they produce. I think my favorite has been the Rumble 112, but their issue is they only handle something like 250 watts per... But they sound really good. But they may not be made any longer.

I recently got a MarkBass NY121 and I think I like it. Haven't had it on a gig yet, but it seems like it can put out some good low end using a Mesa D800+. 29 lbs, and I got it on sale so it didn't kill my wallet. Might kill yours tho, in AUS.

I also have two Mesa Subway 115 cabs. IMO they're the best 115 ever made. Loud, deep and light. 'Spensive, though.

Any of the Class D amps mentioned will be great, but they all sound different and it depends on what you like. I like relatively uncolored amps, and my fave in this regard, and because it just sounds HUGE, is the Quilter BB800. The Mesa Subway is great if you like to mess with your tone, as it has parametric mids. And in general it sounds really big.

The Fender Rumble amps are really good for the money. I have had a Rumble Combo 500 which sounded great, but a little sparse on the deep low end. I also have a Rumble 500 head, and it has a great old school, punchy sound. But again, light on the deep lows. I don't think I'd be wanting to haul the 500 combo up/down stairs, tho, IMO it's a touch awkward for that, as it only has a handle on the top.

My main stage rig for thumping rock bands is two SW115s and a Quilter BB800, or Mesa Subway D800+. I prefer the Quilter because I think it's clearer and I just like the way it sounds through the SW115s.

Good luck!

 

[Tim Skaggs]

Hey TBers. I'm after some advise. As I have to regularly move my bass rig up and down stairs I'm looking for the loudest but also smallest bass amp that can keep up with a loud pub rock band.

Get in a very long line. If you find the ultimate amp with the characteristics you described (small, light, loud, & lotsa low end) please report back here.....

 

[Ric5]

Tiny size but BIG SOUND bass amp?

Bose

 

[Ric5]

 

[Ric5]

 

[retslock]

What's that, $800 US?

$9,000 Aus dollars converts to just under $6,500 U.S.

 

[Wisebass]

Ampeg SVT and 2 8x10 cabinets. No sacrifices.

Stacked vertically!

The OP asked for tiny, one of the cabs might be enough.

Well i'm currently using old style solid state gear from Marshall or Ashdown. Love the sound. Hate the weight. Looking for something like a Trace ELF or similar if it can get vloud enough hooked up to a 2x12?

Hi TanglefooT1959

The ELF would not be loud enough for me, with two guitars and a loud drummer.

A lot of other heads with 300- 500W can do the job.

Heaps of good options out there!

But I don' t know "downunder" prices.

He can get a very loud, modern 2x12 that weighs only 39 lbs if he's willing to spend the money. That saves a lot more weight than buying a lighter amp.

This was my first thought too. Elder 212 cabs are heavy to lug around.

Depending on your local used market, you can easily get rid of pounds without spending a fortune!


may the bass be with you

Wise(b)ass

 

[Slevage]

Ampeg SVT and 2 8x10 cabinets. No sacrifices.

Except a couple of discs.

 

[hintz]

Man that's a killer rig!

Within a week both a 12/12/6 and a 15/6/1 + 15sub popped up on a FB Group! I couldn't believe my luck, living in Sydney these things are few and far between.
I grabbed the 2 15 Cabs so I could take one to small gigs and both to big gigs. After playing just the 15/6/1 I'll probably never need to take both cabs to a gig, just one is loud and sounds so good.

The DG900 sounds amazing through it. I'm pretty much leaving it set completely flat with a tiny cut in the Low Mids. The VMT sounds great through it.

View attachment 3151343

Beautiful rig!! I like yours better than mine no doubt!! My cab ain't heavy but it's too big for most situations....Ok, really it's because I live in an apt with stairs and I'm lazy!! LOL

 

[hrodbert696]

Sooo much depends on the guys you're playing with. Two guitarists and a drummer playing "pub rock" can be stupid loud or can be very smart and controlled. How much amp you need to be heard depends on what you're competing with.

I use a GK MB210-ii combo, pretty portable and good all-around amp. It's able to get loud enough that small-to-medium venues will complain about us. And there's always the possibility of DI to the PA for more. But there are bands in which it wouldn't be enough.

 

[amper]

Ampeg SVT810, 2 810's, and a Roadie. Weight problem solved.

What about the roadie's weight problem?

 

[micguy]

What about the roadie's weight problem?

So long as the springs on your car are tough enough, not an issue. It'd be ideal if he had his own car, of course, but a roadie with his own transportation? Not likely on what I'm gonna pay him.