Why do we still use amps?

[brianrost]

Um, because there are still many gigs where DI to FOH isn't possible. Touring bands, sure you will have the option but then you are 100% dependent on the monitor mix. Which might be OK at the local Enormodrome but maybe not at some clubs. I'm sure over the next decade or two the use of amps will decrease.

 

[Zbysek]

Because the're fun!

 

[rtav]

I buy big amps and cabs, haul around big amps and cabs and use big amps and cabs (and a Helix LT).

why?

I like BIG BASS and I cannot lie.

 

[Raimonds]

I'll clarify some things, so you all can better understand where my opinions come from
I'm from Latvia (EU) and I play metal.
We built an IEM on a budget:

• t.bone IEM 75 system (3 pieces)
• KZ ZST earphones
• Behringer X Air XR18
• Mackie HM-400

All of this is held together in a DIY rack.
In my experience, any basement that dares to call itself a music bar or a club and accepts underground bands has at least some PA and a dude at the mixer. Frequently the venues sound is crap and the in-ear monitoring option is the only way you can actually understand what we're doing. A lot of times the monitors on stage don't do much for clarity. Plus we play with a click track.

If you are often performing in a venue that's not actually suited for live bands and requires for underground musicians to have a van full of gear - either go the other direction or invest in your gear (or borrow). I've participated in a battle of bands between unsigned underground bands on national TV (mostly 18 year old kids as myself) and they expected us to have our own transport, drums and amplification and play for free

 

[lfmn16]

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

Yes, some people on TB seem to be very surprised that everyone doesn't have the same goals and same situation as they do. It accounts for so much of the "one size fits all" advice.

 

[GreyBeard]

I have played ampless but I prefer using my own amp. There is just something about having something flapping my pant legs that makes the experience more enjoyable.

 

[G On Bass]

Hey, I'd love nothing more than to play through IEM's all the time as I get a great sound from just the Ampeg circuitry on my pedal board and it's how I practice at home. It would be better for my ears and would allow the taming of always-too-loud guitarists, much to the delight of venue patrons. Of course, that would imply that every venue we book into has a FOH system capable of carrying the band, or that we have to purchase bring such a beast. Plus, until everyone in the band has IEMs there's not much point.

 

[Raimonds]

Hey, I'd love nothing more than to play through IEM's all the time as I get a great sound from just the Ampeg circuitry on my pedal board and it's how I practice at home. It would be better for my ears and would allow the taming of always-too-loud guitarists, much to the delight of venue patrons. Of course, that would imply that every venue we book into has a FOH system capable of carrying the band, or that we have to purchase bring such a beast. Plus, until everyone in the band has IEMs there's not much point.

The drummer has a pair of over-ear headphones, since there's no need for him to be wireless. And our vocalist, who was "allergic" to metronome and earphones quit the band

 

[MJ_Sotti]

because I like the way the ground feels

 

[Raimonds]

I have played ampless but I prefer using my own amp. There is just something about having something flapping my pant legs that makes the experience more enjoyable.

Can't relate - I wear skinny jeans

 

[FunkHead]

I really like the sound of my amps. It’s enjoyable for me to have that stage volume and my signature tone.

I am sure IEM’s sound great too. I just have not tried them yet.

Do whatever works for you.

 

[40Hz]

Probably just as well newer players are dumping their amps. Knowing how to get a good and balanced house sound using just your backline amps is pretty much a lost art these days.

Either way, for the amount of volume being cranked through most PA systems I’ve been hearing lately, and the obsession with putting the kick and everything else below 250Hz through the subs, it doesn’t really matter what you do most times. Because even though the quality and capabilities of our gear has improved dramatically, the knowledge of how to effectively use it hasn’t always kept pace.

 

[Fuzzbass]

I'm a busy bassist, but a weekend warrior, mostly bar gigs. I don't get FOH support at the vast majority of them.

 

[gigetto]

With my 100w Combo 10" i play at home, in stage with the band and in live situation, non options....i'll see for a more powerful combo

 

[HelpImaRock]

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

Yep. I don’t play covers and venues for original music with decent sound are pay to play. My band won’t do that, so our mix is hot off the stage, with only vocals through the PA. Amp required.

 

[Fuzzbass]

I'm not sure I've ever done an amp-free gig. I've played festival gigs with big PA systems, but backline has always been supplied.

I've done some amp-free recording sessions, but most of the recording sessions I've done have been DI to one channel, amp (sometimes my own) to another.

 

[LoTone]

Hauling amps is good for your health...

 

[Fuzzbass]

because I like the way the ground feels

A buddy of mine plays bass in church. His musical director decided to have everyone use in-ear monitors, no stage amps. My buddy hated it... I mean HATED it. So the musical director got him a device that vibrates his chair as he plays. My buddy said he was happy enough with that solution.

I think there's also a device that vibrates "the ground"... called a Buttkicker, maybe?

 

[Raimonds]

I'm not sure I've ever done an amp-free gig. I've played festival gigs with big PA systems, but backline has always been supplied.

I've done some amp-free recording sessions, but most of the recording sessions I've done have been DI to one channel, amp (sometimes my own) to another.

Yeah, in all of my gigs there has always been a bass amp in the venue. My point was: it doesn't make much sense (in rock / metal) for a guy like me to invest money in a decent bass rig, if the sound guy uses only the DI of the amp and doesn't mike the cab anyway.

 

[Raimonds]

A buddy of mine plays bass in church. His musical director decided to have everyone use in-ear monitors, no stage amps. My buddy hated it... I mean HATED it. So the musical director got him a device that vibrates his chair as he plays. My buddy said he was happy enough with that solution.

I think there's also a device that vibrates "the ground"... called a Buttkicker, maybe?

Yes, for some the lack of live sound is an issue, because the tone is guaranteed to be different than what you're used to, plus for bassists there's the lack of onstage physical response from the cab