la bam

Mine is my favourite all round amp ever. I think people get can get confused, but take time to properly understand the controls. I say this as I assumed at first 'depth' was clockwise for more bass (which it is), and 'contour' was clockwise for more highs. But it isnt. Clockwise is a smooth smoothed out sound. Anti clockwise gives you that high end bite especially when then turning 'depth' anti clockwise also. All the controls work with each other. Gain adds a bit of dirt and compression clockwise, and is clean as a bell anti clockwise. Again, work that in with your eq sound.

Great amp. I had one. Spend as much time as possible getting used to the controls. Its confusing to how all 4 main outputs work together. Also, use the software - the compressore on there is by far and away the best compressor I have used.

For me, I just go off feel if I'm starting anything, or anything else has to be drummer lead. Lock in with your drummer and you'll be fine. If it's too fast or too slow you'll feel it, rather than know it from memory.

Markbass couldnt even be bothered responding to me when I wanted to buy some rack ears for one of their amps I'd spent a fortune on buying. I asked by email and their own facebook page and messenger. Got nothing back. Ashdown responded within an hour for rack ears for one of their amps I also had, and transaction done in less than 2 hours. I kept the Ashdown. The markbass went. Customer service is essential for a brand for me.

I love an 8x10, but the reality is i never really run them hard. If i do, i cant hear the drummer. So it renders the whole thing a bit pointless. Only time I've ran an 8x10 hard has been at big festivals on large stages outdoors when we dont get anywhere near a sound check or chance to amend anything. My lightweight 4x10 is all I'll ever need from now on.

I had one of those (if it's the mini 4x8). I thought it would be light and easy to move. It was like lifting 10 tonnes of lead.

Me too! Weird.

In theory it shouldn't be enough. But, with a high quality efficient 4x10 it's more than enough, honestly. I run mine with a helix in the loop just for tuning and detune. I have the helix volume on 3 o'clock. The quilter sound just cuts through so well it doesnt need much volume. Genuinely, and I tried, if I went one click over 40w on the bb800 I then struggled to hear guitar, and we are a really loud full on band, with drummer, guitarist, bass, keys, synths and 4 backing vocals. My previous amps were: 400w laney nexus all valve nx tube. Ashdown evo iv 600 abm. Markbass evo I 500w. Most of them lived on between 50% and 75% volume. Oh, and I forgot......I wear ear plugs as well! So its be louder still if I took them out. Obviously what works for some wont for others, but dont dismiss it purely on wattage.

BB800 round, try gain on 4 o'clock. Depth on 2 o'clock, contour on 3 o'clock. (That's o'clock position not number). The contour clockwise smooths everything out and the gain adds character and drive.

This is why our business never does the black friday or indeed any other discounted offer sale, even though we could very easily. All you end up doing is upsetting customers who have paid full price, and it causes no end of headaches. It can even lose you business with returns and cancellations.

Me too. I've done my last 3 gigs (over 200 crowd) in our queen tribute (with pa support) through my laney 4x10 with the output on my quilter bb800 showing less than 40w.

You'll pick up a used combo - Trace elliot or Ashdown Mag - even an ABM for under £200.

Go 1u more and get a used QSC. Different class in sound and reliability. If you're lucky you'll pick one up for around £100. Failing that the original behringer ep range (copies of the qsc) are pretty indestructible. Both are heavy.

Great amps. Take some time to work all the buttons and eq out. But the extra mid sliders are fantastic. Really being it alive. As with all ashdowns, forget what they sound like on their own, they sound great in the mix.

I really think 300w minimum as a rough guide. I'd genuinely get an ashdown abm combo for second hand money and put wheels on it. Failing that splash a tiny bit more and a rumble 300 v3. As others have said, you'll be lucky to get loud and light for £300. Sounds to me like your keys player is drowning you out on stage. Work together to find frequencies you can both be heard in. Failing that, roll your bass back and add in mids.

Showcase yourself by playing the type of songs the band your after joining plays (do a little research). How can they argue with that?

Love my G&L l100. Those kilotons look great too.

Good luck Lozz. Everything will work out one way or another. Keep positive and look on the positive future things it can bring.

Buy once, buy right. IMO you need at least a 300w head for gigging, especially when starting out. The ashdowns will blow the tc bam out of the water in both volume and quality. You dont want to be buying then find it's really underpowered for your band. Without getting too boring its 300 solid state watts vs the reduced class d watts of the bam. There really wouldnt be any comparison. Any ashdown mag or abm combo would be perfect.

...and the Barefaced 2x12 and 4x10 exist.

You see, I read that as - before the lows fail to keep up with the mids on the 4x10 - stating the sc is much superior. Yep, I'm sure they can justify it scientifically, but no way, no way on a larger stage is it anywhere near a good 4x10 in volume, sound or presence.

I know you said talk you out of it, but if it helps, I struggled with the super compact. The claims on the website that it's as loud as a good 4x10 are absolute bobbins. Great cabs if you're ok with the volume.

I think Ashdown are really on to something with the RMs. They've 2 stellar amps now in the ABM IV and the new RM models.

I made one of those! It's great until you forget you're wearing it and wonder why everyone is looking at you weirdly!

Just an update on this. We did a bit of recording a year ago in our guitarists house - just a one take then mixed. No frills etc. Using a vt bass rack preamp and rotosound 77 flat wounds. You can hear the bass clearly if you put the headphones on, obviously not as much without. For a £200 bass I think its recorded well. https://www.queenesque.co.uk/queen-tribute-music