Using a powered speaker for an amp

[RitterSport]

First, I'd like to complain about TB's new password requirements. Ten characters is really annoying.

OK, back to the subject at hand. I have a Fender Rumble 40, which is fine for small gigs in bars and restaurants, but underpowered for larger spaces. I've been thinking about getting a Rumble 200 or maybe some 300W amp for larger gigs, or when I'm playing a show outside. However, for some shows I've done recently, the sound guy had everyone go through the PA, either the one that was there, or my own JBL Eon715 speakers (I have a pair of these that I bring for some of the groups I play with).

For a gig where they didn't have a PA and didn't want to use mine, but it was a large space, is there any reason to get a bigger amp? Or, could I either use a DI box to my own Eon715, or out from the line out from the Rumble and into the Eon?

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

A powered speaker would work fine, but I'd suggest adding a DI box. If you play an active bass, a passive DI would do fine. If you play a passive bass, you might want to check into a more robust active DI. I know Sansamp makes some good stuff, but I haven't used them in several years, so I don't know anything about the current Sansamp line. When I go directly to a PA, I use an Ampeg SGT-DI. I really like it.

 

[ardgedee]

First, I'd like to complain about TB's new password requirements. Ten characters is really annoying.

If anything, ten of a good mix of characters (upper case, lower case, punctuation, numbers) should be a bare minimum. Less than that is considered insecure -- can be cracked relatively quickly. I hope you're using more than 10 characters for any site you make purchases or financial transactions on.

 

[Wasnex]

The EON 715 has a built in digital mixer. You should be able to just plug in. However, wading through pages on the back panel interface to make adjustments will be inconvenient. A nice preamp/DI would give you analog controls at your fingertips. Many Preamp/DIs put out line level. The Eon manual implies the inputs can handle mic or line level. I didn't see a spec for nominal or max input level, so a bit more research would be a good idea.

It may be possible to make adjustments with your phone via JBL Pro Connect. The manual says: "The JBL Pro Connect app is a Bluetooth Low Energy control application used to remotely control the features within the EON700." It's not specific in regards to whether the app can be used to control all of the internal mixer functions...so a bit more research is required here as well.

I think another important factor is the type of sound you want. A pair of Eon 715s should certainly get plenty loud, but they are not going to sound like a traditional bass amp. I am okay with that, but you may not be.

 

[agedhorse]

Convenience may dictate just using a larger bass amp and speakers. Sometimes a simpler solution just works better.

 

[mcnach]

First, I'd like to complain about TB's new password requirements. Ten characters is really annoying.

I wouldn't use a phrase as a password, not like that. But if you get rid off the spaces, replace a few characters to include numbers and symbols, it could work. Something like "10char6acters6isreallyann6oyin@"

 

[RitterSport]

Thanks! I think I'll go ahead and save $500-$700, simplify my set up and stick with the Fender 40, using the JBL EON as needed, either with a DI box or out from the 40. I have the JBL connect app and I'm comfortable changing various settings on the speaker itself or remotely.

On the password question, I don't really care if someone hacks this account, so I liked my simple password. I mean, what's the worst they could do.

Edited to add: Basses suck! Mwa ha ha!

Wait, where did that come from?

 

[erratick]

On the password question, I don't really care if someone hacks this account, so I liked my simple password. I mean, what's the worst they could do.

Edited to add: Basses suck! Mwa ha ha!

Wait, where did that come from?

Lol. Depends on if you re-use passwords, or if you're in the classifieds. The worst is probably scamming someone out of a nice bass or a couple grand...

 

[Azari]

I’ve looked into FRFR speakers for use as a bass cab and the really nice ones that are actually good for bass will run you just as much or more than an actual bass amp. Or at least that’s what I’ve found.

I have considered buying a cheaper passive stage monitor and powering it with a tiny Quilter bass head which has FRFR mode. But just as a practice amp.

 

[RitterSport]

I’ve looked into FRFR speakers for use as a bass cab and the really nice ones that are actually good for bass will run you just as much or more than an actual bass amp.

I already have the JBLs, so using those won't cost me anything. I think they sound good with bass running through them.

 

[gregunit]

I would use a di box off my pedal boards. Simple, clean, easy

 

[Jeff Hughes]

I think every bass player should have rigs for different gigs: small venue 1x12, 1x15, 2x10 and large venue/outdoor 4x10, 6x10, 2x15.

 

[RitterSport]

I think every bass player should have rigs for different gigs: small venue 1x12, 1x15, 2x10 and large venue/outdoor 4x10, 6x10, 2x15.

Maybe someday, when I'm on my Intensity in Ten Cities tour.

 

[Iristone]

You can, but a separate power amp into a regular bass cab may also work. The key is the low-end extension. Some PA woofers are designed to be used with subwoofers, so they may not have the deep bass in thenselves.

 

[BAG]

From what I've read the line-out of the Rumble 40 is post-EQ and gain so personally I wouldn't bother with a DI box for what you are proposing as you'll be able to tweak your sound as needed through the powered speaker.

I've done a similar thing in the past using a preamp pedal straight into a powered speaker and it can work quite well.

Going direct to a PA on the other hand a DI box would help. The sound engineer would prefer a dry signal (or after any effects pedals you might use) so that you don't mess up their FOH mix by changing EQ or gain on your amp

 

[RitterSport]

From what I've read the line-out of the Rumble 40 is post-EQ and gain

Yes, definitely. Even the master volume affects the line-out for some reason.

The sound engineer would prefer a dry signal

That's usually me or the guitar player. I'm playing small gigs.

 

[eniac]

I think the answer depends a lot on the type of music, how close the audience is to the stage, the age segment you're trying to please (or not piss off, however you want to look at it)... things like that.