Which Micro Head?

[GrooveWarrior]

I'm putting together a small portable rig. I have a Bag End S12-D, single 12" cabinet. 8 ohms 200 watts.

Vote for the micro head you would choose. If you have other suggestions, feel free to chime in.

I know they have similar features. I prefer the head to have aux in and headphone out. Some of them have it. Some don't. It's not a deal breaker, though.

 

[Ryan_B]

Oooo... I can"t wait to see the results of this one!!

 

[TrevorOfDoom]

of those listed, I'd swing the TC.

IRL, I chose the Orange Terror Bass. Loud as balls.

 

[blindrabbit]

I'll be following this one, as I'm looking to make a similar change myself. So far I've been really impressed with the Genz-Benz heads I've been trying, but I've also enjoyed SWR gear for years and had no complaints with the HeadLite when I tried it. Didn't mind the TC Electronic head, but didn't fall in love with it either. I've not tried any of the other heads.

 

[GrooveWarrior]

Maybe I should add that I will be buying used when I decide, if that impacts your decision.

 

[Chef]

The Orange is really loud. It's also very colored, which is fine if you like it's flavor.

If you're looking for out-and-out small, and 200 watts, look at the GK MB200.

 

[kander]

I ended up getting a micro amp after not being able to haul my SVT around (temporarily). The Shuttle 6.0 is awesome: it sounds damn good and I love being able to use headphones with it. I use it with a VT bass pedal and it makes me wonder why I bust my back with the SVT.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

If you go for the Markbass, go for an actual LMII or III and not the 250.

 

[BadJazz]

I have a Shuttle 6.0 that works great with my Bag End D12-D, so that got my vote. I slightly prefer my Tiny Terror, but thats not on your list, so the Shuttle gets it.

 

[gilez]

I just hooked up an Amplite to a MM Preamp with a Goliath 3. (yes I like SWR)
Still playing with the sound. My passive Warwick makes a more than usual aggressive growl. But my fender is very clean. Sounds great.

 

[60bass]

I just got one of the new Ampeg Portaflex heads. The PF-500 and so far I really like the tone from that head. At $399.00 for 500 watts @ 4 ohm it's a good deal. The PF-350 at $299.00 for 350 watts @ 4 ohm is another option.

Of course if you're not into the Ampeg tone then I'd go with the GB Shuttle series. I've played through the 6.0 and it's real nice. The Neo-Pak 3.5 is a great head you can find one used. Especially if you have the 2 ohm option mod from Genz on it.

Keep Low

 

[::::BASSIST::::]

I really like the Gallien-Krueger MB500. Its loud, great eq setting points, and most important... fantastic tone. Its also less than 4LBS and a true 1u. Not too pricey either.

Great amp.

 

[wsmerwin@hotmai]

I own and LOVE the (discontinued) Euphonic Audio iAmp 800. Nineteen pounds probably doesn't qualify as a "micro amp" but the EA is so clean it will make you think it doesn't work at all, and capable (with the right accessories) of anything. If you can find one check it out. I don't like the new transistor in the iAmp Pro as much as I like the 800. I have cabinets by Euphonic Audio (NL 210 and CXL 112) and an EV S 18 3 cabinet and I can mimic the sound of any bass and any rig with this equipment as well as produce the purest / most authentic guitar sound. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[GrooveWarrior]

I own and LOVE the (discontinued) Euphonic Audio iAmp 800. Nineteen pounds probably doesn't qualify as a "micro amp" but the EA is so clean it will make you think it doesn't work at all, and capable (with the right accessories) of anything. If you can find one check it out. I don't like the new transistor in the iAmp Pro as much as I like the 800. I have cabinets by Euphonic Audio (NL 210 and CXL 112) and an EV S 18 3 cabinet and I can mimic the sound of any bass and any rig with this equipment as well as produce the purest / most authentic guitar sound. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I used to have an iAmp 350 with a CXL 210. My favorite amp setup that I have ever had. I got rid of the head when we started playing bigger gigs and needed more power. I got rid of the cabinet just recently now that I am paring back down. That cabinet weighed a metric ton. I've considered getting another 350. You can get those for about $325 pretty often around here.

 

[pandabassman]

The Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 is really hard to beat, but if you don't mind a little extra girth (but no more weight), then the shuttleMax 6.0 is OUTRAGEOUS. Tube AND solid state preamp channels, switchable AND blendable (either by hand or with an included [but not required for use] 5-button foot switch), with 4 band eq (with dual sweepable mids) for EACH preamp, plus controllable tone shaping. Through the Genz NeoX 2x12 it's absolute AUTHORITY (and does great as stage volume for 3000 seat auditoriums), and through a Bag End 1x15 it's pretty awesome as well, even as low as you made need the volume to be for small rooms/intimate settings. Awesome, powerful, flexible, and very roadworthy.

Both the shuttle and the shuttleMax weigh almost nothing, so it's a more of a bulk and budget issue. I love 'em both (and I own the Max 6.0, own a shuttle 3.0 and have borrowed the shuttle 6.0 when my rigs were in storage) but really appreciate the extra "tweakability" of the Max.

Plus, you'll get some of the best customer service around.

Best of luck with it.

 

[Chef]

I used to own an SVT. It wasn't not micro either.

I own and LOVE the (discontinued) Euphonic Audio iAmp 800. Nineteen pounds probably doesn't qualify as a "micro amp" but the EA is so clean it will make you think it doesn't work at all, and capable (with the right accessories) of anything.

 

[tnickk]

Markbass all day.

 

[TonyP-]

Markbass all day.

Yep...Especially in the micro arena.

 

[eyvindwa]

Another vote to at least include the Orange Terror Bass in your list of options.

 

[playerunk]

why isn't the GK mb200 up there ? For only one 200w rated cab it should be plenty. Also cheap,light,small with a headphone out. What could you want more ?