I still have that same Ibanez 10 watter. 8 bucks from Goodwill, was 10 but they discounted since it is missing a knob. You can mic them for recording.
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whats better combo or separate.
- Thread starter magic8161
- Start date
I still have that same Ibanez 10 watter. 8 bucks from Goodwill, was 10 but they discounted since it is missing a knob. You can mic them for recording.
The best of both worlds would be a combo that has an external speaker output (that doesn't shut off the internal speaker.) Couple that with an external cabinet of your choice and you are all set.
The question is, do combos with extension speaker outs exist anymore. I am sure they did in the past but I can't think of an example off the top of my head.
The question is, do combos with extension speaker outs exist anymore. I am sure they did in the past but I can't think of an example off the top of my head.
For me it is entirely a question of cost.
Here in NZ it would have cost me nearly twice as much to buy a GK head and 2x12 cabinet as it cost to buy the MB212 combo.
I would like to have gotten an MB112 and the separate MBP112 powered cabinet to give me options when arriving at a gig but once again, the cost was a lot more than buying the 212 and I already have a very good small combo for smaller gigs. It just means I have to make the decision of big or small before going to the gig. As I supply PA anyway the small combo gets used for almost every gig.
Here in NZ it would have cost me nearly twice as much to buy a GK head and 2x12 cabinet as it cost to buy the MB212 combo.
I would like to have gotten an MB112 and the separate MBP112 powered cabinet to give me options when arriving at a gig but once again, the cost was a lot more than buying the 212 and I already have a very good small combo for smaller gigs. It just means I have to make the decision of big or small before going to the gig. As I supply PA anyway the small combo gets used for almost every gig.
I own combos and separates. My combos are pretty small. PJB BC120 and a TC Electronic BG250 combo. I haven’t rehearse a lot with the PJB and the TC sits in my summer house as a practice tool.
If I got with a combo it’s my guitarist’s Fender Rumble 500 2x10. Not a huge fan of the tone and everything seems to vibrate off of it. I do like being able to sit on my amp though.
I use heads and cabinets because I get to mix, match, and scale as appropriate. There is also the “fun” factor of being able to use same head with a 1x15, a 2x10, or a 1x10 instead of being stuck with the combos built in sound.
Also it’s a lot easier to keep a backup head than a backup combo.
If I get paid to play, I try to make sure I’m able to do whatever it is that I can to ensure that my responsibilities for a good performance don’t become anyone else’s problem. Separates help me do that!
If I were to buy a combo today I’d get a GK MB combo with the powered extension speaker.
If I got with a combo it’s my guitarist’s Fender Rumble 500 2x10. Not a huge fan of the tone and everything seems to vibrate off of it. I do like being able to sit on my amp though.
I use heads and cabinets because I get to mix, match, and scale as appropriate. There is also the “fun” factor of being able to use same head with a 1x15, a 2x10, or a 1x10 instead of being stuck with the combos built in sound.
Also it’s a lot easier to keep a backup head than a backup combo.
If I get paid to play, I try to make sure I’m able to do whatever it is that I can to ensure that my responsibilities for a good performance don’t become anyone else’s problem. Separates help me do that!
If I were to buy a combo today I’d get a GK MB combo with the powered extension speaker.
I’ve had good luck with combos. I appreciate the convenience and simplicity, I don’t mind sticking with one tone flavor and cab size, and really don’t play all that loud.
I think a modern high powered combo with extension out is a real nice sweet spot that can work for most players. Basically a head and one 8 ohm cabinet in one box, add the extension when needed. 500 watts and 2x 112, 115 or 210s will cover so many situations. Of course there are the ends of the spectrum that dictate otherwise, especially high volume, headroom needs and taste for more variety.
One notable pro to separates is replacing only one thing when something blows. I was fortunate that the head on my Markbass CMD combo comes out and accepts any little mark head when it died; but that example is an exception to the norm. Otherwise it’d be dead and I’d have a whole other rig right now!
I think a modern high powered combo with extension out is a real nice sweet spot that can work for most players. Basically a head and one 8 ohm cabinet in one box, add the extension when needed. 500 watts and 2x 112, 115 or 210s will cover so many situations. Of course there are the ends of the spectrum that dictate otherwise, especially high volume, headroom needs and taste for more variety.
One notable pro to separates is replacing only one thing when something blows. I was fortunate that the head on my Markbass CMD combo comes out and accepts any little mark head when it died; but that example is an exception to the norm. Otherwise it’d be dead and I’d have a whole other rig right now!
Buy a combo that can support an external cabinet if you need it.If you dont need that much coverage leave the extra cabinet at home.With a separate head and cab you are always going to have at least 2 pieces a head and a cab and maybe 3 if you need an extra cab.With a combo most of the time you will have 1 item the combo itself and every now and then maybe an extra cab if you really need it.There are many combos on the market that have plenty of power for your needs.
I very much prefer separates/modular.
As of today, I have two Mesa Subway 115 cabs. I have several heads. I always take at least one cab, but can grab whatever head fits the gig.
Occasionally, I need no cab. That allows me to take just my head and nothing else.
Point being,y whole rig is modular. Take what is needed and leave the rest at home.
As of today, I have two Mesa Subway 115 cabs. I have several heads. I always take at least one cab, but can grab whatever head fits the gig.
Occasionally, I need no cab. That allows me to take just my head and nothing else.
Point being,y whole rig is modular. Take what is needed and leave the rest at home.
Consider practicality. How many gigs require the full set? How much room can be saved in your vehicle by leaving some home or by arranging three smaller pieces rather than one big one? In the event of a "swift exit" from a club, you could grab your bass(es) and head instead of leaving the whole rig behind. How much easier is it to carry three lighter loads than one heavy one after a gig? If bassists are worried about how much an instrument weighs, how much more important is it to factor in lugging around a behemoth rig? All of these become more crucial as we age and find less youthful strength and stamina available. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Hope this helps.
Carvin made a 210 and 115 cabinet that has a two space rack on top. It also tilts. So it is like a combo. Mine a 210 is now at a rehearsal space with my old SWR. I had the smaller B1000 head previously and I had rack adapter for that. AI series 4 combos have removable heads also and I think Genzler. Best of both worlds
Separates used to have the advantage of not having all the weight in one box, but that that is less of an issue with gear (and especially amps) having become so light.
That said, I still like separates for 2 big reasons: 1st, I can (and do) keep a spare amp head in my car for if the amp section poops out on a gig, or has some kind of problem (that has happened twice to me over the years). 2nd, ALL THE COMBO AMPS MADE NOW HAVE THE CONTROLS IN THE BACK, WHICH IS THE WORST DESIGN EVER!!! (IMHO, of course
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I know there are ssome exceptions to this rule (thank you Hartke and Bugera). I must be the weird one for HATING this design, as I assume market research has let all the big manufacturers to the conclusionthat most people like the rear-mounted controls.
I get that on a small stage/rehearsal space you will be standing right in front of your amp, and it is easy to see and make adjustments from that angle. However, I HATE having the driver pointed at the back of my legs as it means I can't hear the mids and high end very well. I almost always pop it up on a chair or amp stand (or a the very least tilt it against a wall) so I can hear what's actually coming out the front, and the rear controls are awful for that.
Ok rant over
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That said, I still like separates for 2 big reasons: 1st, I can (and do) keep a spare amp head in my car for if the amp section poops out on a gig, or has some kind of problem (that has happened twice to me over the years). 2nd, ALL THE COMBO AMPS MADE NOW HAVE THE CONTROLS IN THE BACK, WHICH IS THE WORST DESIGN EVER!!! (IMHO, of course
)I know there are ssome exceptions to this rule (thank you Hartke and Bugera). I must be the weird one for HATING this design, as I assume market research has let all the big manufacturers to the conclusionthat most people like the rear-mounted controls.
I get that on a small stage/rehearsal space you will be standing right in front of your amp, and it is easy to see and make adjustments from that angle. However, I HATE having the driver pointed at the back of my legs as it means I can't hear the mids and high end very well. I almost always pop it up on a chair or amp stand (or a the very least tilt it against a wall) so I can hear what's actually coming out the front, and the rear controls are awful for that.
Ok rant over
.The first combos were designed to be placed in front of the player, so controls at the back made sense.
Carrying backups is also a good point. I always carry 2 amps. Taking 2 full sized combos to a gig would be a hassle.
If I'm using a combo onstage it's usually "my personal monitor". (My 'usual' preference over IEM is to hear house + decent sidefills + little amp.... picky I know, I don't always get my way).
Bigger wasn't better here, so the 102P went away in favor of a a 121P on a stand, laid on the side the controls are handy enough. (Don't worry, this is pre-show, everything got dressed-out later):
Different stuff for different stuff.
Bigger wasn't better here, so the 102P went away in favor of a a 121P on a stand, laid on the side the controls are handy enough. (Don't worry, this is pre-show, everything got dressed-out later):
Different stuff for different stuff.
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Because of the many different styles/size/location of gigs I play I find that a small combo with a speaker out it what works best for me.
I currently use a Trace Elf 1x10 combo and will be getting a 1x10 ext cab in the future( If i find that I need it)
I currently use a Trace Elf 1x10 combo and will be getting a 1x10 ext cab in the future( If i find that I need it)
