Swijn

On 3 November 2019 at 08:13, geoham said:

It sounds like the Helix Stomp would do the job for you, though make sure the extra features of the bigger units won’t be useful.

Personally, I have the LT and it’s great. I’ve done my past 20 or so gigs without an amp. It’s the switching options that swung it for me. I have patches for a few core sounds, a few for specific songs, then one I call ‘pedalboard’ with a different effect assigned for each of the 8 foot switches.

Another one to consider is the Zoom B3n. It can easily do what you have described and a much lower price. I only got rid of mine due to Helix GAS, but truthfully it was more than sufficient. (Don’t tell my wife!)

George

I've been playing ampless for around six months now. I also went for the Helix Lt (from a GT-10) and have not regretted it at all. You could argue that its way overkill for what i need, but what i do need to for it does exceptionally well : a few amp sims and a couple of effects. The HX Edit makes creating patches so easy too.

I've literally today just taken delivery of a new Helix LT. My band runs IEM's, so I can now convincingly go completely amp-less too. My two guitarists also have the LT and it is truly an awesome piece of kit. 

1 hour ago, EBS_freak said:

Just realised I've never answered the OP question -

I send everything to the PA and do a separate monitor mix for myself (I actually run a second desk just for IEMs for extra processing independent of FOH -- but that is overkill for most people) where I can set the volume and stereo position for every instrument on the stage.

I also have another aux that feeds a haptic bass board that enables me to put in a blend of kick and my bass. (Some people like just bass, I like to feel the kick too).

- I find this the most intuitive way of doing things... but what @Higgie describes is also a popular alternative, especially if you haven't got immediate control of your monitor mix - this is "the more me" setup.. however, you will then be running in mono unless you put another submixer in the setup. The only downside of this, is that if you are blending the bass signal with what is coming back from a (digital) mixer, you can introduce phasing issues, as the processing through A/D and D/A conversion will add latency, shifting the signals out of phase. In reality, most people won't even notice this.

EBS, We also have separate desk ready for the IEM's which will be run in stereo - mixed individually by us muso's onstage. I am tempted to get the Helix anyway (both my guitarists use the and it is an awesome piece of kit - equally so for bass) and A/B it with/without my current amp. 

Thanks all for the really useful info. The switch to IEM is mainly to get a more consistant and controlled monitor mix. The quieter stage will also be welcome. The stages we play are fairly large - so space not a real issue if i did set up my full rig - although i do like the idea of not having to cart it all around/unload/set-up/pack-down etc   

I guess i will just need to have a try out a few different routing options ..

29 minutes ago, EBS_freak said:

Save your back. Get as small a rig as possible. Ampless means less mush going into open mics on stage and a better sound outfront (assuming your PA can take bass OK). DI straight into the PA. If you want some sort of drive/speaker emulation or something like that, the Helix Stomp is a good bet.

Cheers ... and yes small rig does makes sense. Both my guitarists use the Helix .. sing nothing but praises for it - i might have to join the club too  

Hello Guys & Gals,

My band are looking to move into IEM territory. We travel with own PA and sound engineer - so the switch itself will be pretty painless and am very confident in getting a great mix too. 

My question is .. how do you bassists run your rigs with IEM's..? Do you just D.I straight from a pedal board (presumably with an amp sim) so are completely amp-less onstage? or do you run into your amp head first (no cabinet attached) for your 'tone' and then D.I to the board? or do you just play your full rig (Amp + Cab) but just at low volume..? 

My initial thought was to go into my SVT7PRO and then D.I out to the board .. but after some scouting about i see for most people that its usually an 'all' or 'nothing'  approach. Your thoughts greatly appreciated !

 

On 26 January 2019 at 10:35, chris_b said:

I know someone using a BF Six10 and it sounds huge. He bought it for big stages and loud bands. It always looks the part but I think it's overkill every time he uses it.

If the OP is replacing 2 410's then I'd suggest a BF Four10 (at a weight reduction of about 75%) would be a good choice. It runs at either 8 ohms or 2 ohms, so with the 7PRO you'd get a maximum 600 watts at 8 ohms. The Four10 is a sensitive cab so 600 watts would be far more than is needed to fill a gig. I doubt you'd really need as much as that. I use 2 Super Compacts or 2 Two10's and I've never gone past half way on the volumes of my Aguilar AG700, even for the loudest of my loud bands.

With other cabs you need volume to fill up the room and even then you probably won't reach 100% coverage. The fantastic clarity, definition and dispersion of the BF cabs means you can hear each note clearly in every part of the room. . . and you've got 30 days to try it and either keep it or send it back.

Really appreciate the comments ... BF owners that i have spoken too also remark how loud but clear the BF cabs are. I'm also looking now at the 410 + 210 combo - especially if i can get the 210 switchable. 

Sorry just found this thread .. I've got a Speakeasy Fretless that i use only on certain songs. Got it from a band mate who actually had a few... Im not a massive Fretless guy - but it plays really well. It has a quick neck and overall is well balanced.

20 minutes ago, Muzz said:

I have a 212 and a 115 if I want a daft high stack, but the 115 is 8 ohm and the 212 is 4ohm*, so the 115 shouldn't be working as hard as the 212.

Oooo, Lozz beat me to it...on that, though, I don't know what your SVTPro 7 goes down to impedance-wise, so it's worth bearing that in mind if you were to look at a modular solution...EDIT: I've just looked it up, and it goes down to 4 ohms, so tread carefully with regard to cabs: two 8ohm ones will be fine (but if it's a 210/410, then the 210 will be working harder), but a 8ohm and a 4ohm, for example, will run the amp too hard (2.67 ohm) and may release the Magic Smoke Of Disaster...

 

*My Walkabout will do 2.67 ohms no problem, but this isn't exactly common...

Yep understood. Ive got two 8ohm cabs at the mo. The 4x10 & 2x10 configuration looks good on paper - but don't think my amp can handle that mix. I don't think i can stretch to a new amp too !

21 minutes ago, Lozz196 said:

I can’t remember the exact ratings but the ohmage of the Barefaced 410 and 210 are worked so that if paired each gets about the same amount of power per driver, so not pushing one cab too much. He’s a clever chap is Alex, makes his gear from a users point of view rather than a manufacturers.

Thats good to know... I've read many a horror story with mis-matched cabs & ohms..

2 minutes ago, Muzz said:

The BF six10 is, I believe, designed to be a (much) lighter, better version of the good old Ampeg fridge, though I have no direct experience.

This is what i have heard too - which is pretty much what I'm after... cheers Muzz

Cheers for the info guys - much appreciated. Seems the jury is split between the boutique cabs (Barefaced, Berg etc) and the big boys (MB, Mesa, Fender etc). 9 times out of 10, i'll be loading my gear on my lonesome - hence still think weight is a big deal for me. For loading out/set up/break down/load in there is plenty help at hand for any stairs etc. To the 6x10 owners - do you also own a smaller cabs for smaller stages..? Or do you think - 'what the hell, why not make the room shake at every gig..?

I'm curious to those with a 410 + 210, how to you get on sonically with this split..? with the 2x10 working harder - do you notice a difference in the sound at all between the two cabs?

Cheers again folks,

4 hours ago, la bam said:

I have the Markbass 106 which is a 6x10 sealed cab with optional horn (can be turned on or off). Not the ported one with the yellow speakers.

It has great tilt back wheels, and easy to move around as it has the carry/push bar on too (helps wheeling).

It goes ridiculously loud. Ive only ever put around 50% of 400w into it, both indoor and outdoor gigs.

Its probably the perfect height where you can rest your amp on top and any set lists and theyre at a good reading height.

Its a 6ohm cab, which if using solid state or class d you kind of get the best of both worlds, with your amp giving a bit more power than it would into an 8ohm cab, but not running flat out at 4ohm.

This cab is also only 34kg! Which makes it pretty much lighter than a lot of 4x10s. It feels like nothing to wheel around - due to its height (ie no stooping to push a 4x10) and quality wheels, and is fairly easy to hoik up onto a stage if needed. Just remember stairs are a completely no no really, unless you have help.

Only thing i'll say (and im still twiddling with the sound) is that the sound changes dramatically the louder you go. Pretty much from a nice smooth bass rich funk sound to trebely ampeg tones just by increasing the volume. I presume thats the effect of x6 10inch speakers coming into play?

What amp do you use with this cab? Funny question, but does it have a 'Mark Bass' sound..? I really like the tone i have, so am not looking for a cab that adds much colour...

4 hours ago, Lozz196 said:

The Barefaced are warm/vintage sounding, if looking for hi-fi sounds or crystal clear, sharp highs prob not the best cabs to get, but they really nail a more traditional bass sound, classic rock, Motown, ideal for those.

Yep warm sounding / vintage vibe is what I'm after... cheers for the info  

11 hours ago, thodrik said:

For the combination of portability, sound projection and general awesomeness though I think that the Bergantino NV610 would be pretty tough to beat. 

 

Good call on the Berg 610 .. i had completely forgot about that one. At 44kg its pretty light for size too. Do you know how much colour the Mesa, Berg or Barefaced add to the sound..? 

11 hours ago, thodrik said:

n some ways it is actually more difficult to load a 6x10 into the back of a van or a car than an 8x10. The height of an 8x10 allowed me to kind of lean it back and just slide it in (no innuendo intended) with a bit of leverage. 

Im afraid i just don't have the length (no innuendo intended) to get the 8x10 in .. !

Hi Guys,

Some advice / thoughts if you don't mind. I currently use an SVT Pro7 through 2x Ampeg B-series 410 cabs (I've replaced all the drivers with better eminence ones) however i would like to condense these two cabs down to just the one. I've ruled out an 8x10 as i don't have the means to transport it. The 6x10 then pretty much fits my MO. Im a big fan of Ampeg but at 53kgs the SVT610HLF looks just too darn heavy to cart around - and simple tasks like loading it into a car could be a big hassle. I need something lightweight. Ive checked out the spec's for the Fender Neo 610 and on paper looks ok - I've not played one though. My other thought was the Barefaced Six10... what do you reckon..? Cheers friends.. 

Hi Guys & Gals,

Just curious as to what brands of cables people are using here..? or do you people prefer the DIY approach...?

Many thanks

I use a GT10 - but for effects only as i bypass all the amp sims + pre-amp etc (i have an Ampeg PF head). The Tech21 is extremely versatile and gives a great Ampeg sound.. you could retain the GT for effects.

I have both a MIA P Deluxe and a MIM Jazz. For my current band i only use the P - as it has [i][b]the[/b][/i] sound i need.. which i just cant get with the J. If I'm being honest though, the J feels more 'comfortable' to hold a play.

Ah my bad.. in that case the MS-60B would get my vote !!

Welcome from Rochester..

Question: in terms of a "single Boss size" pedal is there a multi-fx that is better than the Zoom MS-60B?

Al Krow, Im probably a little late on this thread... but in relation to your query above i use the Boss GT-10 - the guitar version. I bypass all the amp sims etc and purely just use the effects. My band (PF tribute) requires using some very specific effects - which the GT-10 is more than capable of delivering with easy switching. Having used separate stomp boxes before, i much prefer the convenience of the single unit. Its way way more complex than i will ever need from a pedal, as i just use it as a live tool as and when needed.

You cant go wrong with any of the great suggestions mentioned in this post... I would most certainly recommend trying a few out. I have had a few over the years (teamed with both P & J's) and have settled on an Ampeg PF500

+1 to having a good sound engineer who know's what he is doing - it is worth its weight in gold! We'd never perform without ours. Fortunately we are quite a disciplined (and knowledgeable) band and have mastered our levels wisely. After all, we all want our band to sound the very best it can - so we all work together in that respect. With correct monitoring there is no need for big rigs on stage - make the PA do the work.