Where is the next generation of micro heads?

[ole Jason]

The TE Elf was pretty revolutionary when it came out. Not long after, we got the BAM200 and Warwick Gnome in a similar size format. But that was nearly 10 years ago. The 200w Darkglass heads are really the only thing comparable that has been released fairly recently.

From a technical standpoint we may be at the limit of how much power can be packed into a chassis that small but it would be nice to see quality of life features like a more robust EQ section or a variable HPF given the popularity of small amps among upright players. It seems like these really small heads are pretty popular so why don't we see more companies jumping onboard or anyone really innovating on the format? Are there any new heads I've missed?

I realize the micro head monicker is somewhat subjective, I'm mostly thinking of amps in the 2lb range that are physically small enough to fit in a small gigbag pocket.

 

[ardgedee]

There's probably a lower limit on the features that can be packed into a tiny amp. Still need space for all the knobs.

Probably the more important factor is that a good preamp section in a low-power amp is just as expensive as it would be in a high-power amp, and people are going to be unwilling to buy a 200-watt amp if it only costs 10% less than its 800-watt sibling.

 

[JimmyM]

Those really small heads are small because not only is wattage small, but so are the feature sets. Expanding the feature sets without expanding the chassis will result in cramming knobs and switches close together and making it really difficult to change settings if you need to because you can’t read the panel. Some of them are hard enough to work with already with the necessary stuff. Now you can use a bigger box, but at that point, it defeats the selling point of micro size.

The other consideration is cost. Nobody wants to pay much for those little heads due to low wattage. Adding more features will bring the price up as well, and if I’m going to pay more for a head, I want a corresponding bump in wattage.

That’s my take. Feel free to disagree but you’re wrong.

 

[funkinbottom]

Expanding the feature sets without expanding the chassis will result in cramming knobs and switches close together and making it really difficult to change settings

Agree 100%. That's why it should have bare minimum on the amp, with all other EQ/filter opptions. controllable from an App on your phone or tablet.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Frankly, I don't want them any smaller. Not enough room on the chassis as it is.

 

[-Stingray]

I think an HPF is the one missing feature. I’ll open my wallet for the first micro that shows up with one.

 

[Hoochie Coochie Man]

One factor in the size of an amp chassis is the front and back panel area taken up by connectors, and controls. If most physical controls were eliminated and implemented in software control via a bluetooth connection to an app, the size of an amp could be made smaller. An amp with only an IEC power inlet, a 1/4 inch phone jack input, a speak-on output connector, and a master volume control as the only physical controls and connectors, with everything else controlled by a phone or tablet would be one way to make the smallest possible package. Don't assume that the power handling capabilities of output power section semiconductors, and power supply components have reached the ultimate state of miniaturization and power handling. The TE Elf is an amazing example of miniaturization, but someday, it may seem antiquated compared to what the future may bring. Maybe a 500 Watt amp the size of a typical cell phone with a connector dongle for I/O is something that could exist.

 

[Passinwind]

Agree 100%. That's why it should have bare minimum on the amp, with all other EQ/filter opptions. controllable from an App on your phone or tablet.

Nah, the control access should be straight off your bass.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

Agree 100%. That's why it should have bare minimum on the amp, with all other EQ/filter opptions. controllable from an App on your phone or tablet.

Personally, I have no interest in an amp that uses an app to control features or even connects to my phone in any way. The less I have to use my phone to get by in life, the better.

 

[Hoochie Coochie Man]

Personally, I have no interest in an amp that uses an app to control features or even connects to my phone in any way. The less I have to use my phone to get by in life, the better.

I agree, but time and technology march on.

Aside from my Mesa Subway amps, most of my amps are big and heavy with big old power transformers, and output transformers. None of them are for sale.

 

[ardgedee]

Nah, the control access should be straight off your bass.

...or a pedal board?

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Nah, the control access should be straight off your bass.

Heck, there are minimal sized power amps.
Some run on 9-18 volts.
Example:

44 Magnum | Power Amp - Electro-Harmonix

44 watts of clean and natural power in a pedal-sized package!

www.ehx.com

And there are others with more wattage.

Why not just put the whole shebang inside the bass?

Plug a speaker cable from the bass to a speaker.
Use a Neutrik locking jack of course.

 

[Passinwind]

...or a pedal board?

That’s the Debbil’s Work in what passes for my world, leaning over an amp to tweak knobs is already enough of a chore!

I did buy a Spark 2 amp recently though (for guitar mainly) and running the app on a Pad is bugging me a lot less than I thought it might. It really helps to have lots of physical knobs on the amp plus 8 presets switchable at the amp.

 

[klattman]

I guess space is space. I’d like to see an ashdown ant with 500W+. Knobs on the top and pedalboard friendly is handy.

 

[buldog5151bass]

You put the controls in the bass and the amp can only be used with that bass, never mind you are hacking up the bass.

Sometimes people just overthink things.

 

[Passinwind]

Heck, there are minimal sized power amps.
Some run on 9-18 volts.
Example:

44 Magnum | Power Amp - Electro-Harmonix

44 watts of clean and natural power in a pedal-sized package!

www.ehx.com

And there are others with more wattage.

Why not just put the whole shebang inside the bass?

Plug a speaker cable from the bass to a speaker.
Use a Neutrik locking jack of course.

That gets discussed fairly frequently on the pedal builders forum I frequent, seems like something Jerry at JTEX or Nathan at Sushi Box would do. Now that Parts Express is selling most of the ICEpower modules I think DIY powered cabs are going to become a lot more common too.

 

[Passinwind]

You put the controls in the bass and the amp can only be used with that bass, never mind you are hacking up the bass.

Sometimes people just overthink things.

My vision is that the bass would come that way new, and the control protocol would be universal, similar to MIDI. Both sides could be widely customizable.

In any case, my phone stays in the car when I go out to play, but I do use a Pad for charts occasionally and if it could do double duty I might bite.

 

[walterw]

The TE Elf is an amazing example of miniaturization, but someday, it may seem antiquated compared to what the future may bring. Maybe a 500 Watt amp the size of a typical cell phone with a connector dongle for I/O is something that could exist.

sure, but by then wouldn't that be kind of like building a carbon fiber horse-drawn carriage?

the idea of a "bass amp" at all might be a quaint throwback when everything is modeled and direct and wireless

 

[walterw]

plus, are we really so spoiled that now we're complaining an 800w bass amp the size and weight of a hardback book is too big and heavy?

 

[ardgedee]

plus, are we really so spoiled that now we're complaining an 800w bass amp the size and weight of a hardback book is too big and heavy?

e-reader tablets have ended up changing expectations for a lot of things.