Why do we still use amps?

[Raimonds]

I've seen a bunch of interesting bass rigs from touring artists - mostly in the rock / metal scene where the guys usually send some sort a direct signal to the front of house and use amps on stage.

My question is - why do so many guys spend the money on 800+ watt amps and 8x10" cabs plus go trough the effort of transporting it to gigs, when no one except the bass player actually cares. How many bands do you know that actually mic up their cabs and don't just go trough the DI of the amp in the end?

Here's a recent example, where the guy is sending 2 direct signals to the PA. Why not use the same setup + an IR loader to send the signal directly.


P.s. I don't use an amp, and my band uses an in-ear monitoring system.

 

[zontar]

Because we like them

 

[Stumbo]

Some gigs FOH doesn't get your signal.

 

[juggahnaught]

A good question. I believe it's been asked before on Talkbass - you may be able to find similar threads using the search function (search for "ampless" and "modeling"). Be aware that this thread is going to blow up, as it's one of those discussion topics that triggers opinionated responses.

Personal bass amplifiers can still have a use in certain cases:

1. Gigs where there is no front-of-house. These tend to be smaller venues, though, so it's true - you don't need the 8x10 fridge with a 1500-watt bridged power amp, unless it's a big event outdoors (unlikely in my opinion).
2. Really large gigs that do have a front of house, where you still need stage sound for yourself and the rest of the band, you aren't using IEMs, and you can't run bass through the monitors. (In this case, the 8x10 may make sense.)

They're fun and sometimes it feels awesome to be able to play through a large rig - but it's true; with time and technology, this is increasingly and rapidly becoming vanity. However, depending on the venue and their PA capabilities, it may be useful to have either a personal bass amp or a personal monitoring solution that can provide some sound to FOH. (This doesn't necessarily justify a gigantic rig.) No excuse not to provide a rider and check with the venue if it's needed; if I had a fridge, you can bet I'd only move it if I absolutely had to, and I'd be inclined to use something smaller if I could get away with it.

 

[Raimonds]

A good question. I believe it's been asked before on Talkbass - you may be able to find similar threads using the search function (search for "ampless" and "modeling"). Be aware that this thread is going to blow up, as it's one of those discussion topics that triggers opinionated responses.

Personal bass amplifiers can still have a use in certain cases:

1. Gigs where there is no front-of-house. These tend to be smaller venues, though, so it's true - you don't need the 8x10 fridge with a 1500-watt bridged power amp, unless it's a big event outdoors (unlikely in my opinion).
2. Really large gigs that do have a front of house, where you still need stage sound for yourself and the rest of the band, you aren't using IEMs, and you can't run bass through the monitors. (In this case, the 8x10 may make sense.)

They're fun and sometimes it feels awesome to be able to play through a large rig - but it's true; with time and technology, this is increasingly and rapidly becoming vanity. However, depending on the venue and their PA capabilities, it may be useful to have either a personal bass amp or a personal monitoring solution that can provide some sound to FOH. (This doesn't necessarily justify a gigantic rig.) No excuse not to provide a rider and check with the venue if it's needed; if I had a fridge, you can bet I'd only move it if I absolutely had to, and I'd be inclined to use something smaller if I could get away with it.

Here's the venue that triggered me to go completely ampless (see the attachment). The stage was too small for 5 dudes. The bass and drums are in the corner, so for me to be able to move, I had to stand away from it quite a bit. Didn't see any use of the amp if I can't here it, so I used only the DI signal. I've played with a 8x10" on stage and have been inable to control neither my volume, neither the quality of my playing. Nothing compares to the feeling of a powerful bass rig on stage, but as far as monitoring and overall sound control - it's not your best option.

 

[beaglesandbass]

It's been talked about many many times.

Some like the way they sound better then DI boxes.
Some like to feel the bass behind/below them.
Some gigs don't always provide PA support

People like what they like and use what they use.

 

[Oddly]

You've got your answers, but here's one more.
We all got into this to be rock stars, and what says rock star more than posing in front of a wall of 8x10s?

 

[MtManiac]

Every amp sounds different, and plays differently, just like every bass sounds different and plays differently. I don’t use a fly rig into a PA because I prefer the way my rig sounds. I don’t care if nobody else but me cares how I sound. It’s my responsibility to manage the way I sound, just like it’s my responsibility to manage my tone of voice and inflection, or posture, or wardrobe when I’m meeting and speaking with someone. Nobody cares about my choice of pocket square or pants, but I do.

 

[Nunovsky]

Here's the venue that triggered me to go completely ampless (see the attachment). The stage was too small for 5 dudes. The bass and drums are in the corner, so for me to be able to move, I had to stand away from it quite a bit. Didn't see any use of the amp if I can't here it, so I used only the DI signal. I've played with a 8x10" on stage and have been inable to control neither my volume, neither the quality of my playing. Nothing compares to the feeling of a powerful bass rig on stage, but as far as monitoring and overall sound control - it's not your best option.

I don't know what you mean about it being too small...

 

[catcauphonic]

Some like the way they sound better then DI boxes.
Some like to feel the bass behind/below them.
Some gigs don't always provide PA support

That's 3 excellent reasons!!!

We all got into this to be rock stars, and what says rock star more than posing in front of a wall of 8x10s?

OK FOUR!

#5 Punks & rockers who like to 'interact' with the crowd might get them tore out (#6 They'd kinda look like weenies )

 

[catcauphonic]

#7 In-ears can never ever flap your pants legs

 

[lfmn16]

I play best when I sound the way I want. There is often nothing I can do to influence the FOH, but I can get my sound on stage.

 

[zubrycky]

Because some of us live in third world countries and play in very small stages.

 

[two fingers]

We're catching up to technology. 15 years from now the question will be even more valid than today. It's just hard to let go of old feelings. When I say "feelings" I mean like how your body rattles when your bass tone hugs you like a warm blanket because your spine is about 10" in front of your bass rig.

I'm inching toward no stage rigs ever myself. But it will be a while.

 

[Samatza]

Sometimes amps make sense and i usually play through a small combo if there is only a vocal PA. There are times though when I need to bring out the big guns just to be heard.
I use mostly IEM now for my gigs but we have a good system and I have a great preamp, not all venues will provide a send for IEM so it’s bring what you need.
Of course given the opportunity to run a big rig is always a pleasure.

 

[Hundred proof]

There seems to be the assumption around here that every gig has an FOH system with a sound person.

 

[BurningSkies]

Bass player self esteem issues up in here.

 

[10cc]

I don't know what you mean about it being too small...

View attachment 3601680

Nice bass

 

[socialleper]

I've seen a bunch of interesting bass rigs from touring artists - mostly in the rock / metal scene where the guys usually send some sort a direct signal to the front of house and use amps on stage.

My question is - why do so many guys spend the money on 800+ watt amps and 8x10" cabs plus go trough the effort of transporting it to gigs, when no one except the bass player actually cares. How many bands do you know that actually mic up their cabs and don't just go trough the DI of the amp in the end?

Here's a recent example, where the guy is sending 2 direct signals to the PA. Why not use the same setup + an IR loader to send the signal directly.


P.s. I don't use an amp, and my band uses an in-ear monitoring system.

I have been looking into these sort of systems. I like the idea, but there are some draw backs.
First, for a full band to go all in ears, it isn't cheap, and requires a fair bit of technical know how. Building a rolling cab with all the stuff you need is $3k to $5k. Wiring it all up and getting the routing right is no joke.
Some bands just can't do this. I play in places where I don't know if there is a full PA that isn't just for vocals. Some of these low rent shows require a band to have amps for the audience.
My personal two cents is while we have come a long way in amp/cab modeling that can be used in the studio or to a PA, it isn't perfect. There will always brands that aren't modeled that someone wants. Same goes for FX. Bass gets a very limited selection on things like the Helix.
I don't mind the general idea of this, and think it will get bigger as time goes on.

 

[FaithNoMan]

Mic’ing an amp sounds great. I can see your point live, but for me I went from going direct to mic’ing at home.

but I do remember the first time I played my Mesa Bass 400 cranked, live. Goosebumps.