Author Topic: Power amp for Home use/Practicing only? (Read 217 times)

haddimudd · « **on:** October 07, 2004, 01:13:07 AM »

In the other thread I was getting an idea about what amp I would need for band situations, thanks a lot!

Now I was curious if there is also a sensible setup idea for home use/practicing situations that goes together with the same F-1X/SF-2 preamp but is as handy and efficient as e.g. a 1x12 G&K combo I have.

Ideally I could pipe my F-1X/SF-2 preamp into the G&K power amp section of the combo but technically it will always have to go through the G&K preamp section first - which gives me a lot of distortion.

So are there any mini poweramps out there, mono and at approx. 150 watts that can be used to drive a mini speaker (1x12)?

Maybe a completely different route would be better? Maybe going via DI into a multi track recording device and out of it's monitor speakers? This would possibly allow me to use headphones too. Not sure how satisfactory the sound can be expected through the monitor speakers though but I would assume as good as off a recorded CD, is this correct?

adriaan · « **Reply #1 on:** October 07, 2004, 01:40:23 AM »

There are some self-powered speakers on the market, like this one: http://www.schertlerusa.com/pub.htm

haddimudd · « **Reply #2 on:** October 07, 2004, 02:10:56 AM »

I am not sure if that is what I am looking for. They seem to have their own preamp section installed already, so the situation would be similar as what I have with my G&K combo already, I believe. Maybe I am wrong?

I think I would need a pure power amp solution to go with my F-1X/SF-2 preamp.

adriaan · « **Reply #3 on:** October 07, 2004, 02:31:28 AM »

If you check the specifications for the PUB 2/280 (Active 2-Way Loudspeaker) it doesn't have a pre section. Schertler also has an all-in-one package, but this one is a powered speaker.

This one has a single input, so it uses an internal cross-over to feed the separate power amps. It would be nice if you could use the cross-over from the F-1X, but I would think this is already in line with what you're looking for.

You could of course add the PUB 1/380 Active Bass Extension, and hook them up to the outputs of the F-1X.

reinier · « **Reply #4 on:** October 07, 2004, 03:09:56 AM »

Hartmut,

Assuming you mean practising for yourself to hear only and you don't mind playing with headphones on, may I recommend the Soundcraft Spirit Folio Notepad mixer? Nice flat sound, Line and XLR (hook up your DI) inputs on 4 mono channels, 2 separate stereo in (hook up your CD player!). Only bummer is the external power adapter (bulky and a not so professional plug). I use a Glockenklang Bass Art preamp; both Line Out and DI are completely free of distortion, but I sometimes just plug my bass straight in. You can use your bass in stereo, e.g. to add an effect to either channel (= PU) with Effect Send/Return per channel.

Just plug in your favourite headphones and be amazed by all the details your Alembic has to offer. And the price is no obstacle I guess: Euro 119,= (Musik Produktiv, Ibbenb?ren). Together with e.g. an AKG K141 semi-open, lightweight headphones you'll have a very good sounding & flexible practice setup for less than 200 Euros!
Dass passt, oder?

Take care, Reinier

haddimudd · « **Reply #5 on:** October 07, 2004, 03:34:00 AM »

Thanks guys! Adriaan, I surely will have to take a closer look at that.

Reinier, I just remember I have a small Mackie mixer that would just do the same job, I am sure. I lent it to a friend a long while ago so maybe it is time to get it back now . Also, I believe my Roland VS-1680 multitrack recorder should be just as good for the same thing, just a bit more complicated to set up.

Which brings me back to my initial question whether monitor speakers on such a recording/mixing setup would represent the sound sufficiently well, in case I don't want to use headphones all the time?

Maybe they will be an even better servant at lower volumes than bass cabinets?

gare · « **Reply #6 on:** October 07, 2004, 06:05:35 AM »

Why not just add a 1 x 10 or 1 x 12 full range cabinet and use your existing pre-amp/power amp ? You could use the full range out of the F-1X. It would also give you approximately the same sound as your full rig. It could also be just as cost effective as adding an amp.
Gary

somatic · « **Reply #7 on:** October 07, 2004, 07:20:36 AM »

You don't need anything like 150W to practice solo at home; 15W will be enough for most people. With a band present you'll need more, but I don't understand why you can't use your main rig to practice with. Is it too big, or too much hassle to get out and use (in roadcases etc)?

There are two cheap solutions I can see to solo practice;
- a Behringer BX300/600
- a decent speaker in a box, and a secondhand stereo hifi amp, running the output from the F1X or DS5 into the line input. Old solidstate (transisitor) amps are cheap, readily available and will do fine for practice.

When I practice I like to keep the rig as simple as possible and concentrate on what I'm doing with my hands, rather than have any knobs etc to distract me.

haddimudd · « **Reply #8 on:** October 07, 2004, 07:38:43 AM »

Well, I don't want to carry around my entire gear every day or every week. So ideally it will stay where the band meets and go to gigs from there, but not to my house, except for the basses and preamps, but not the cabinets or the power amp if possible.

When I had the big gear at home I realized it wouldn't sound good without a certain volume anyways, which isn't a good thing in my living room as well.

Therefore the home vs. band room setup.

Also, in real world situations I realized that if I don't have the setup right at hand ready to go (at home) usually I won't get out all the gear and plug it together just to play for half an hour a day and then unplug everything again to store it away for the evening.

That's another reason why I am looking for a small setup that will always be there without being in the way, still ready to use at any time.

I think one of the cheap solutions mentioned will do the trick for me...

Thanks for all the replies!

dannobasso · « **Reply #9 on:** October 07, 2004, 12:14:55 PM »

Roland keyboard amp.
Danno

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 08, 2004, 04:41:51 AM »

Check out the Galien Kruger Backline 110 also: 1-10 speaker (defeatable); headphone jack; 70 watts and a wedge kickback design. It's a sweet little amp. I've got mine sitting under my desk.
Mike

lowlife · « **Reply #11 on:** October 08, 2004, 04:55:12 AM »

OK, I'll throw in my 2 cents worth. For home use I'm using a David Eden Time Traveller single 10 combo, model CXC10, 39Lbs, 230 watts. I little over-kill but I don't turn it up. I can keep it a low as earphones and the low 'E' still sound big.

Ellery (Lowlife)

bigredbass · « **Reply #12 on:** October 09, 2004, 11:50:57 PM »

Provided the tone is to your liking, I like Baby Blues or any small amps where the designer had the foresight to include a loop for CD/headphones/speaker off operation.

To use your preamp away from your big power stage amp, a Crown DC60 is delicious. All small watt power amps can usually be had pretty cheap on the used market.

J o e y