Why do so many combos have the control panel on the top rear?

[4 Out of 5]

As far as I can remember, way back when I first started playing bass, all combos had the control panel at the front. Why do some brands now put them on the rear edge of the top? It doesn't seem to make sense to me, as if you can see the control panel there, then the speaker must be firing at your legs or at best at your waist - not your ears, so not very helpful if you want to use it as a monitor.
Am I missing something? Perhaps the manufacturers are going for a clean look at the front of the amp?

 

[beans-on-toast]

At the rear is how many combo’s were done in the late 1950’s by companies such as Fender. In the case of a tube amp, you want the tubes and transformers to clear the speaker so it has to be set back from the speaker baffle. There is also tubes cooling better when close to the open back and easy access to changing them.

Why do some non tube amp manufacturers do this now? Cooling of the power transistors and tradition.

Some companies turn the labels around so you can see them properly from the front.

 

[two fingers]

If your combo is sitting on the floor it makes sense to have them on top.

When you go to adjust the knobs, you have to squat down to see the front panel. If they're in top, they're easy to see.

 

[Biggbass]

When playing standing up, it's easier to see and tweak the knobs when they are on top. As opposed to having to bend over or drop to one knee to adjust knobs on a front facing control panel.

 

[Redbrangus]

I think it's done, at least in part, to make the front face smaller -- to give an appearance of a smaller form factor. I agree that it isn't optimum, ergonomically speaking.

 

[dbase]

Also, the control panels are most always black background with very small white labeling so it's hard to read the settings. In an onstage environment the lighting might not be so good and it would be nice if the amp had backlit controls so you can see the functions.

 

[bertbass666]

Back in the mists of time when rock & roll was invented, musicians used to stand behind their amps when playing so the amp manufacturers put the knobs where they could easily be seen and adjusted by the players. Skip forward many, many, years and musicians say why are the knobs at the back where I can't see them properly. The answer to your question is, Because that's the way it's always been done. Imagine an AC30 with the knobs at the front, it just wouldn't be right!

 

[chris_b]

I've seen 50's Fender and Gibson combo's where the labelling on the amp is facing the back. I guess they expected the player would be sitting behind the amp. Now the players are standing in front of the amps the design is neater if you don't see the control panel from the audience. Most players I've seen have been in the "set and forget" camp so after the sound check it doesn't matter where the amp is, let alone the controls.

 

[Lobster11]

Here's my (conspiracy) theory: Using upward-facing controls encourages users to place the combo on the floor next to or behind them for easy access. With the speaker blasting the backs of the players legs, they have to turn up the volume to hear themselves. This of course causes the rest of the band to turn up, in which case everyone realizes that they need to buy bigger amps. Rinse and repeat. Manufacturers sell a lot more amps.

 

[Ggaa]

I had a Sunn SB200 combo with front knobs, but it was elevated, so it was easy to see and mess with.

 

[mikecd1]

Many of the current combos I've seen notch an area at the back of the cab to fit the amplifier section into. Seems like GK, Fender and others do this and would assume that cost-wise its the best solution and doesn't interfere with speaker performance.

 

[Ostie]

At the rear is how many combo’s were done in the late 1950’s by companies such as Fender. In the case of a tube amp, you want the tubes and transformers to clear the speaker so it has to be set back from the speaker baffle. There is also tubes cooling better when close to the open back and easy access to changing them.

Why do some non tube amp manufacturers do this now? Cooling of the power transistors and tradition.

Some companies turn the labels around so you can see them properly from the front.

View attachment 4106790

If cooling was an issue, why did Leo put the tubes in upside down, so that the heat goes right up into the the tube socket and chassis? Also, they tend to rattle loose and gravity makes them fall out of the socket.

 

[beans-on-toast]

If cooling was an issue, why did Leo put the tubes in upside down, so that the heat goes right up into the the tube socket and chassis? Also, they tend to rattle loose and gravity makes them fall out of the socket.

No design is perfect. Being close to an open back helps. Turbulence is also caused by the speaker cone movement. Despite the issues, Fender and other companies are still making them the same way. Ampeg took another approach with the B-15. The tubes are on top of the chassis with a tube cage cover. Better cooling, less rattle. Changing tubes is a lot easier when there is easy access. Reaching deep into a chassis under less than ideal conditions is never fun.

Tubes generate and can take a lot of heat. That isn’t really a problem. The electrolytic capacitors have a longer service life when run cooler.

 

[Kukulkan61]

It doesn’t matter when you have one of the coolest combos ever put on this earth!

 

[birminghambass]

I like my rig to be high off the ground so I can hear it. Unfortunately most combos aren't very user friendly in that respect. I did find the perfect format for me however:

Pretty heavy for a 1x12 combo at 50lbs, but on top of my 2x12 it's a monster.

 

[coyote1]

The original amp designs were PA amps, and poor ones at that. The top-mount control makes sense if you are a singer or speaker, and that amp is out in front of you (for obvious feedback reasons).

 

[longfinger]

if you can see the control panel there, then the speaker must be firing at your legs or at best at your waist - not your ears,

That's how many folks position their amps! LOL. It is what it is. There are many units with controls on the front and kick-back tools built in (stand or cab shape) for those who want it.

 

[Stewie]

So that you won't put the PA head on top of it, silly.

 

[InhumanResource]

At the rear is how many combo’s were done in the late 1950’s by companies such as Fender. In the case of a tube amp, you want the tubes and transformers to clear the speaker so it has to be set back from the speaker baffle. There is also tubes cooling better when close to the open back and easy access to changing them.

Why do some non tube amp manufacturers do this now? Cooling of the power transistors and tradition.

Some companies turn the labels around so you can see them properly from the front.

View attachment 4106790

Aren't the newfangled amps in these units oriented vertically nowadays too? As opposed to horizontally on top like older units. Saves space and stays out of the driver's way like you said.

 

[chadds]

Bending and sticking your posterior out at the audience when adjusting the controls is bad form. Unless you have that rare exceptional booty.