Rexel Matador Posted 20 hours ago Posted 20 hours ago Hi all, I'm forming a new metal band and thinking of splurging on a new amp. It's so hard to know what I'm going to need in terms of wattage, cab size etc. I play with a pick, on a 4 string bass tuned B-E-A-D with EMGs. Musical style is roughly a cross between The Black Dahlia Murder and Amon Amarth. Two guitars, bass and drums. I like the look of the Darkglass heads - Microtubes specifically - as I feel like I probably wouldn't need to be messing around with pedals too much to get a solid tone with a bit of compression and grit. But I'm also thinking they might be a bit of a fad and maybe I should go for something more timeless that I could shift in a few years provided I take care of it. As far as cabs go, I get the impression most gigs with a proper PA and a sound guy tend to mainly DI the bass, so would the cab(s) on stage be mostly for my benefit? My thinking at the moment is to get two - a 2x10 and either a 1x15 or a second 2x10, to be added if the situation calls for it. I was thinking maybe Fender Rumble because they're not too expensive and not too heavy. Last time I played in a heavy rock band I had a Hartke LH1000 and 8x10 cab which were both insanely cumbersome and way too much power for almost any gig we played. My most resent band was a classic rock covers band playing mostly in pubs and I got by with a cheap TC head and a homemade 2x10 (basically two of the speakers from the old 8X10 that I screwed into a box - no tweeter or anything fancy!), so it's definitely time for an upgrade. I know this is entirely subjective, but I just don't know where to start. Are there any places left (preferably in the north of England) with a good selection of amps and cabs that one can actually go and try out? I feel like Youtube demos that people were probably sponsored to make can only get you so far. Any advice would be appreciated! Quote
Lozz196 Posted 19 hours ago Posted 19 hours ago Given the style of music I’ll assume it’s originals and therefore venues with proper PAs. Given that I’d look at a rig that can fulfill on stage sound. You can’t always rely on either the gear that’s there or the person operating it, so having a rig that if needed is powerful enough for the whole band to hear on stage is essential imo. As I do similar (tho punk/Oi) I’ve an Ashdown 500 watt RM500 Class D head, and two of their Pro Neo 210s, the whole rig is about 28kg. I’d always look at two of the same cab, for rehearsals use one, for gigs both if needed, plus if one cab blows the sound will be the same whereas with say a 210 & 115 each will have its own sound, so your overall sound always depends on both cabs. Quote
Rexel Matador Posted 18 hours ago Author Posted 18 hours ago Good advice about the cabs, thanks - I think you're right - two of the same makes more sense Quote
BassAdder60 Posted 18 hours ago Posted 18 hours ago (edited) Assuming you’re just looking for stage volume and it’s mostly di out to a large PA rig then a decent 210 cab would suffice Rumble cabs tend to fart out when pushed and I’m not too sure they would handle the low B that well But they are reasonably priced If you don’t mind heavy gear then the Ampeg SVT 212 AV is a great single use cab and sounds similar to 610 and 810 Ampeg cabs. A decent 500w head should be fine, Darkglass are very good but so many others to consider and if you need drive just run a boss ODB3 in front or Spark Booster job done Amp Brands to choose Ashdown Ampeg Laney Aguilar ToneHammer Make sure they have a DI output Ive always found the best sound comes from heavier gear but some lightweight gear is a close second these days or some would say as good as especially the top end priced cabs Dont cheap out on cabs as they are more important than amps in many cases Edited 17 hours ago by BassAdder60 1 1 Quote
Dan Dare Posted 9 hours ago Posted 9 hours ago 8 hours ago, BassAdder60 said: Dont cheap out on cabs as they are more important than amps in many cases Up to a point, maybe, but if you pair high quality, revealing cabs with a cheap amp, the result is unlikely to be good. The cabs will likely highlight the limitations of the amp - garbage in, garbage out and all that. Don't choose/buy on the basis of reviews or recommendations. Try stuff and see what works for you. If buying used, look at plenty. Take your time, rather than trying to get it sorted in a single day. That way, your new rig won't end up in the classifieds after a few weeks. Google should help find you some shops to visit. Quote
Norris Posted 8 hours ago Posted 8 hours ago 9 hours ago, BassAdder60 said: Rumble cabs tend to fart out when pushed and I’m not too sure they would handle the low B that well Not in my experience playing my 5-string through it. I have a v5 500 combo btw and they have since brought out the 800s. That is plenty enough for the pub gigs I play and more than enough for the occasions where we have full PA and it's just used for on stage monitoring. Places to try a range of amps are very few and far between. You just have to read reviews, listen to demos, ask for advice and ultimately take a bit of a punt. I'm very happy with my Rumble. There are a few BC members using them and they very rarely appear in the classifieds, I guess that says something. But then ask 10 people and you'll get 20 different recommendations 😂 Quote
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