tm486

I was looking for exactly this, because I live in a flat and I really couldn't do any practice without annoying both flatmates and neighbors. I looked for ages to get something like you describe and the cheapest solution looked to be the VOX Amplug. Unfortunately due to the recessed jack on my bass, I don't think this would have fit. A lot of the small, separate-box solutions that I looked at, like the Ashdown posted above, seem to be pretty expensive for what I wanted to use purely as a practice tool. I ended up with a multi-effects unit, so not quite what you are looking for, but I now use it both as a practice tool and live so it was certainly worth it to me. I got the Line6 Bass Floor Pod, but it might be worth looking at the smaller 'bean shaped' version, they can go for pretty cheap and aren't that big. I have found myself doing so much more practice now and enjoying it much more. Good luck with the search, Tom

Thanks for all the replies. I don't really know what our budget is, ideally as low as possible though, hence I've been looking at second hand. I think we'll probably go for the RCF's I've seen because they seem like a very good deal and are also virtually new and unused. And as some of you have said, poor vocals ruin a performance so easily so I think it's important to get the best we can afford. Thanks for all your help. Tom

Thanks for the replies guys, they were ideal. The RCF's I've seen will work out cheaper than the QTX setup, so it seems like a no brainer. As you confirmed, the subs are probably not necessary as it's vocals only. Now I've just got to set about trying to persuade the rest of the band that more power isn't necessarily better. Chris, am I right in assuming that you use these as the PA in your band? Cheers, Tom

Hi, Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask this or if something similar has been asked before, I have had a quick search but couldn't really find the answer I was looking for. The band I am in at the moment have been borrowing a PA for practice (we rehearse at the drummers), and the person who owned the PA had no need for it so it was on a semi-permanent loan. They now need it back so we are left without a PA and we are looking to buy one. The singer has put forward this setup which seems pretty cheap. [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Astounded-2100W-Channel-Active-System/dp/B008S9Z6JK/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1382696809&sr=8-8&keywords=PA"]http://www.amazon.co...8-8&keywords=PA[/url] Now I've never heard of QTX, but they seem to get alright reviews. I've also seen a second hand pair of RCF ART310A's with stands and a mixer and I was wondering which would be the better choice. I can imagine the QTX system will go a lot louder and produce a lot more bass than the RCF's but seeing as we only ever put vocals through the PA, is it really necessary? We are a loud rock band, so the volume is important, but I should think that 800w dedicated to vocals only should be more than enough? And we could always add subs later if we felt the need and/or wanted to add reinforcement to the other instruments. So, what would be your choice? Get the RCF ART310A's with no subs or the QTX system. Any opinions or other options would be gratefully received. Thanks, Tom Edit: Just had a look at the QTX website and the figures quoted on amazon are fairly misleading. The power figures are actually 250w RMS for the tops and 150w RMS for the subs, bringing the total output to 800w, the same as the RCF tops. I think I might have answered my own question and I'll be trying to persuade the others to go for the RCFs instead.

[quote name='raindog' timestamp='1382435224' post='2252021'] I'm in Bournemouth, Geoff, thanks for the offer, though! The good thing is that Bournemouth seems to have more than it's fair share of Music shops. Interesting, Rhys! It just goes to show that whatever feels comfortable is the important thing, and logic plays no part in it. My gut feeling is that a thinner neck will suit me, but my brain says that my frying pan hands would suit a big neck. I shall have to suck it and see! [/quote] Guitar Mania in Poole have a good selection of Ibanez basses which generally have very skinny necks, and Absolute Music is pretty good too. Just go to as many places as you can get to and try as many as you can. If it helps, I have pretty big hands too, and my go to bass has a very skinny neck. I've got a precision too, which is also pretty comfortable, but I prefer the skinny neck. I wouldn't be concerned about hand size, just go and try a few that take your fancy and pick the most comfortable one. Good Luck, Tom

We don't [i]hate jazz, [/i]we [i]fear [/i]jazz. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKwQ_zeRwEs&t=1m1s[/media] The fact that it doesn't have to follow any real logical order or go where you expect it to might put most people off I think. I've personally started trying to play some jazz having never really been interested in it, I'm quite enjoying it now. Cheers, Tom

Sorry, I've only just noticed your reply. Thanks, I didn't realise they actually made bags for them. I think i've just decided to use my laptop bag as it fits pretty well and it's got good protection. Got a few pockets for leads and things too, works well. Cheers, Tom

Hi, I recently bought a Line6 Bass Floor Pod and I'm really enjoying it, but I've not taken it to a rehearsal yet. I've not had a look at other brands, but Line6 don't seem to have a carry case designed for their units, so I was just wondering, what do people use to transport their multi effects units? I've also been contemplating a new gig bag because the zips on mine seem to be giving up a bit. Are there any decent gig bags that have a pocket big enough for this? The dimensions are roughly 33x23x8 (cm). Cheers, Tom

No worries, thanks for the reply. I was going to use a reinforcing batten inside all edges anyway, so I'll just use that instead. The idea of using rabbet joints was for ease of construction, everything would kinda slot together and I'd just glue and clamp it. Thanks for the link to the corners, now I just need to find time to build it all. Cheers, Tom

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1378381328' post='2199361'] Hiya Tom That's exactly what it is. Lots (hopefully) of players, lots of gear, lots of chat. Nothing formal whatsover. Bring your gear, or just yourself. It's up to you! [/quote] Cool, sounds good, I'll most likely be along at some point then. I've not exactly got any interesting gear, but I might bring the bass along. Cheers, Tom

Hi, I've never been to one of these before but this is just across the tyne from me. This might sound like a stupid question, but what exactly is it? Just an opportunity to admire and maybe try some interesting kit? Cheers, Tom

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1378056050' post='2195237'] If you get a whistling or ringing in your ears the day after a gig or rehearsal then you're damaging your hearing. But you still may be damaging your hearing even if you don't. Have a look at this: [url="http://www.dangerousdecibels.org/education/information-center/decibel-exposure-time-guidelines/"]http://www.dangerous...ime-guidelines/[/url] If in doubt I'd get some ear protection anyway - you don't want to take risks with your hearing. [/quote] That's really interesting, we certainly don't rehearse as loud as a rock concert, but I'd certainly say we are louder than a hair dryer (~1 hour limit). It seems like it's certainly worth investing in a decent set of ear plugs. I can get free earplugs from work, which I always wear when on-site, but I've never worn them at a rehearsal. If i'm likely to be wearing them at rehearsal it'll probably be worth investing in some decent plugs. Thanks, Tom

This might be a stupid question, but my ears don't hurt/ring after rehearsal and I never get a headache, could I still be damaging my ears? I think we rehearse pretty loud because, although my amp isn't particularly powerful, I find myself having to turn up to pretty much full volume to hear myself. I never [i]feel[/i] like I'm damaging my hearing, but I don't want to take the chance. Cheers, Tom

Hi, This might be a bit of a silly question, but I'm in the process of drawing up plans for a simple 1x10 cab and can't really find any information on the radius of most cabinet corners. I've got a router so I can radius the corners of the cab, but how I choose to design the cab will be affected by the radius it needs. How do you normally join your cabs? Does anybody know what the radius of most cabinet edges/corners is? Also, do you just use butt joints or would a rabbet joint be better. I'm thinking of using a rabbet joint because it would make assembling the cab a bit easier, but then depending on the thickness of the ply, it would limit the size of the radius I can put on the cab. Thanks in advance, Tom

[quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1377668435' post='2190028'] So I have a couple of vinyl here, but nothing to play them on, so after a little bit of looking around, I think I'm going to get a Denon turntable, but I'm stuck for ideas on sound systems. I know for records, it doesn't need to be stereo, but if it's in stereo, then I can also use it for listening to music from my laptop. I also wouldn't mind a subwoofer. So, what packs the best punch for the money? You lot are usually good at this [/quote] Not sure what your budget is, but I would say have a look on ebay, you can get some great bargains on stuff local to you as people rarely like posting hi-fi items. Check to make sure that any amp you buy has a phono input for the turntable, you can buy external ones, but it would be easier if the amp had one built in. With regards to the subwoofer, I would ignore that for now personally, I'd spend your full budget on a pair of speakers and an amp and then add the subwoofer later if you still feel that you need it. I did that and although I am still on the lookout for a sub at a decent price, it's nowhere near the top of my list. For music, I don't notice a lack of bass at all, I only really want the subwoofer for watching films tbh.

Hi, I'm not going to read through the rubbish that is obviously going to be posted in this thread, but I wouldn't buy a mac simply for Logic, there is plenty of other great music editing software available to PC. I will however, say that since using mac, I have sworn that I will never buy another PC again. Yes, the initial cost is huge, but you are left with something that is really good looking, and that does matter, not as much as performance and everyday usability, but it isn't something to be ignored, people make purchases every day based upon what looks best. You are also left with something that will last. This essentially negates the price difference for me. I know people with PCs who use them exactly as I use my macbook pro, I've had my macbook pro for over 5 years, they have had their laptops for 2 years and i cannot use them, because they are so slow. after a few years, yea you can wipe it and start again and it'll speed up again, but why should you have to. My mac runs as fast today as the day i bought it. Lastly, things like the magic trackpad make this laptop a dream to use. I have never found another laptop where i could use the trackpad and not a mouse, they infuriate me, but on this, i'd use the trackpad over a mouse anyday. So i'd strongly recommend considering a mac, for someone who just wants a hassle free computer that just works, they can't be beaten. You get what you pay for. Tom

I'd look second hand for your budget, I've recently got a new stereo for my flat, I bought a pair of mission 702e speakers, a Denon AV amplifier and a Denon SACD player for just over £100 in total. None of these are truly Hi-Fi equipment, but the amplifier does have a phono input and for the price I paid, it all sounds fantastic. With your budget, looking second hand you could get some seriously good kit. Due to the size and weight of Hi-Fi equipment, not many people are willing to post so you can get some real bargains on collection only stuff on eBay. Good luck with the search, Tom

[quote name='fumps' timestamp='1374564820' post='2150063'] This thread is very interesting as I was thinking of pulling the trigger on a soundbar. At the moment I have a separates system with the TV/DVD & Sky unit through that. the only issue I have is that the speakers are at one end of the room & the TV is at the other. If I have the TV sound on & the speakers there seems to be a slight delay in the sound, its very small but just enough to make it sound odd. The only way I can make it work it by turning the TV right down but the delay is a little annoying. So I was thinking that a soundbar would be a good way of sorting this. [/quote] I don't know what amplifier or TV you have, but some have a lip-sync feature to help sort out the delay. As you say you are using your separates system I assume you have a hi-fi amplifier and not an AV one so the amplifier would be unlikely to have this feature, but it might be worth checking your tv. With regards to the soundbar vs bookshelf, i think it's all been said already, if you have a good set of bookshelf speakers, i'd definitely stick with those. Cheers, Tom

I live in bournemouth and can help if you are struggling. But I won't be back in bournemouth for about a fortnight as I'm a student living in newcastle. I'll be in bournemouth from the 5th to the 14th so the guitar would need to be picked up during that time. I'll also need to make sure I can get something to package it in safely enough as I've never couriered a guitar/bass before. You might be better off seeing if someone else can help you out, but if you can't I'm happy to give you a hand. Cheers, Tom

[quote name='BOD2' timestamp='1358862720' post='1946164'] Yes, standard "recommended" amp switch on/off sequence to protect speakers is as follows - Turn ON 1. Turn master or main volume down to zero 2. Switch on power 3. Turn master or main volume up to normal operating level Turn OFF 1. Turn master or main volume down to zero 2, Switch off power It's what sound engineers do all of the time. And don't always assume that the volume will be at zero because that's where you left it last time you switched off. The "sound fairies" often move the volume control when you're not looking.... [/quote] Cheers for the reply, I've gotten into the habit of doing this since hearing the loud thumps so it's good to know that it is the right thing to do. Tom

[quote name='Subthumper' timestamp='1359329847' post='1953262'] Was that too technical an answer? [/quote] Sorry I only just noticed that this had been replied to. No that answer is great, I'd not noticed it before so this would help explain why I might have just started noticing it. Thanks, Tom

Cheers guys, as I say, I've never really noticed it before, but I think I may have found the reason for that. The volume of it is affected by the volume on the amp. I've been using an external preamp recently and for ease of use I control the volume on that so I leave the volume on the amp higher than I normally would, so it must just be this that is making me notice it more than I used to. I was just worrying at how much the speaker moved I guess. I didn't think it would be serious, but thanks for the reassurance. Tom