Using an Avalon U5 live

[pjh2112]

I am thinking about getting an Avalon U5. I plan on using it live. I was wondering, though, what is the difference in running it with a power amp and running it by itself?

 

[bongomania]

It cannot drive a speaker cab by itself.

 

[pjh2112]

Let me clarify a little. Is there any point to using a avalon and a power amp. No speaker cab.

 

[bongomania]

Why on earth would you want a power amp without a speaker cab??????

 

[pjh2112]

That's why I am asking. I take that as a no. I am new to separate power/pre thing. Sorry for the ignorance.

 

[Joe Gress]

The Avalon is/has a DI right? You wouldn't need a power amp in that case. Just the Avalon.

 

[pjh2112]

Thanks

 

[bongomania]

Yeah, sorry if my reaction seemed excessive--it's just that the whole, exclusive point of a power amp is to drive a speaker cab.

There is an exception, insofar as we talk about the particular tone of the power section of an all-tube amp, but it's an exception.

 

[Jojabeau]

Are you thinking Avalon-power amp-speaker cab?

 

[Brim]

You could use the Avalon to feed a powered speaker (like a BERG IP series cab).

 

[TimWilson]

If I may, fellers, I believe what the OP means to ask is, can the Avalon be used essentially as a preamp to feed a power amp.

Bass >to> Avalon U5 >to> Power Amp >to> Speaker Cabs

And that'd be a 'yes'. I've done it: I ran the bass into the Avalon, then into a Mesa Boogie's 'preamp in' jack, then to the speakers. Sounded great.

The bigger issue is this: The Avalon's aren't built for road abuse. They were designed for recording studios. Yeah, you'll see SOME bassists use them live, but not many. They won't take a beating.

 

[bongomania]

Guys, he specifically said NO speaker cab at all.

 

[TimWilson]

Oh yeah. Duh. Geez, I gotta make these JagerBombs a little weaker... And maybe slow 'em down a little.. (but oh, so tasty...)

 

[SteveC]

The bigger issue is this: The Avalon's aren't built for road abuse. They were designed for recording studios. Yeah, you'll see SOME bassists use them live, but not many. They won't take a beating.

They may not be designed for road use, but there are MANY bass players who have these in their live rigs.