I play rock/punk/hardcore in a decent-sized US city, and my band regularly plays at a venue that supports top local acts and nationally touring bands. It’s the best sounding venue in town. I bring my GK 800rb and GK Neo 412 cabinet, and the sound guy mics me up instead of running me DI. Every time we’ve played, he tells me he loves working with my amp, and I’d say most players there run DI rigs. For him, he gets that old school grind and for me nothing can replace feeling your bass in your feet on stage and the sound moving at your back.
I love my Neo 412! It’s been paired with an Epifani UL501 for years now. Never had it mic’d for stage gigs. I like to be able to adjust my speaker volume without affecting FOH. But sometimes I wonder how much more true tone I would get with a mic
@@frostriver4547 in my case the feel is more important to me live, but I’m sure if you’re playing more articulate and nuanced stuff you’d want more tone control. Your rig sounds sick though!
@@tirestore69 yea I feel like there’s a lot more sound guys who feel like it’s their job to teach artists the “ideal” sound (from what they read on forums), and not what serves the song/room/band. I do run DI in my cover band, but that’s because I’m usually playing in a restaurant for 3-5 hours and it’s easier for FOH to dial things in with the fluctuations in the room, not because stage volume is always bad.
I would have to agree with pretty much everything you said in the video. I’m a bass player who hasn’t used an amp on stage in almost 5 years. I’m using an Ampeg DI and the whole band uses IEM’s, so we have no monitors. Part of me likes it, it’s certainly convenient, we can each control our own IEM mix with our phone or tablet, and I like that my ears ring a whole lot less after a gig using this system, plus transporting equipment is a lot easier, but some days I do miss the sound and feel of my 2 15” cabs thundering behind me. Because bass players still love the “feel” of bass, and many like the certain color or characteristics of their chosen amp, I don’t see amps going away completely. But you just aren’t seeing the big 810’s and SVTs on stage like you used to. Personally, I’ll always have an amp, but my days of lugging it to gigs seems to be pretty much over.
Negative!! I'm in my 40's and still bring a rig to every gig. I don't care if it's heavy. It helps me stay in shape lol. For me, It's a preference. Our equipment are tools that we use to produce the music we do. Some prefer IEM but I still prefer my amp. My rig usually sits right next to the drummer. I don't crank my amp super loud but enough to create a sound and feel that resonates with the rest of the band. Music is to be felt and heard. Bass amps are still in demand. The biggest amp manufacturers like ampeg, Gk, hartke , Markbass etc still produce a large amount of heads and cabinets every year. I recently caught Keanu Reeves band Dogstar and he uses a whole rig of GK cabinets. To sum up. The bass amp is NOT going anywhere soon. Rock on everyone!
Semi-pro bassist here. Well said. Same here. iem's are not for me and never will be. I like to hear and feel my bass tone behind me next to the drummer as well. Call me old school but my ears are trained to hear my tone through my amp, not artificial bass in earphones...Just like the ol saying goes... "music is heard, but the bass you feel" I'll never be ampless! Btw I love amps. Gives me something to keep blowing my money on and inspires me to improve my playing and keeps me excited to get and try new gear! In ears... 🤮 😅
Agree!! I'm new to bass but been playing guitar for 60 years (I'm old!!) Just recently bought a Fender Rumble 500 which more than covers my needs... and the sucker is only 36-37 lbs. .. yes!! I started playing with my church group and while I could go through their house sound system and utilize IEM's,, having my own rig is the Hot Ticket for me. Cheers!! :)
Remember its meant to be a show. Big shiny drum kit, wall of amps, cables, boxes, things people don't see everyday. It adds to the audience excitement. So you have to carry a few bits to gig. That's part of the job. Keep music live in sound and experience.
That’s actually an incredible point, one that truly settles this debate. Amps just look cooler and looking cool matters. Even if amps objectively sounded worse, you’d still need em up there. I am using this angle from now on and I’ll be sure to credit you as the source! If your rig is just a computer and headphones, you are gaming, not performing.
nothing will ever beat a good real analog powered bass amp! yes modeling is good, but when i play live or really any time i play i want to FEEL it not just hear it, and most PA systems dont handle lowend very well at all, they usually high pass the lows in favor of overall volume, ive never liked playing thru a DI, it feels awful and too clean for me, nothing quite like turning up an svt for bass, i dont even really care how much the rig weighs, my current setup probably weighs close to 150lbs total including an 11.2lb warwick bass, its all worth it
You are absolutely right. Just because this guy does not want to lug around good equipment does not mean bass amps are dead. He wants to do it all digital with cab modeling he can do that it sounds Ok. Best sound is real good gear shaking the nails out of the walls.
Sold all my amps and moved to a quad cortex two years ago, and many large bands in my area are doing the same. Once I moved to in ears, I never heard anything on stage, so why spend the time moving an amp and setting up a mic to just end up sending that to the audience and to myself and no one is really hearing the physical amp. I play both guitar and bass, and switched for both. The other issue is, many venues are cracking down on noise levels, so a lot of drummers are also going to digital sets and with no amps you can play at very low volumes allowing for more opportunities to play. I haven't been to a studio in a while, but the ones I been to, they only like to use their equipment to cut down production time, because they have everything dialed in. So unless you are paying a lot, they don't want any new amps. Most of them will force the bass player to even use a P bass, because they have it dialed in for one and they have one there if you don't have one. But for home recording, which is becoming more popular, the quad cortex is amazing you have access to a million dollars worth of pedals and amps and you can record directly from that to USB for a perfect tone.
I play bass in three different bands (as one of one to sometimes three players). Only my own rock band has no substitute members, but I play guitar, blues harp, sax and keys in it. We have different setups with each formation. The cover band completely relies on in-ear monitoring on stage and for rehearsals . But the only one with an amp is the bass player - me - as the in-ear systems don‘t really convey the low end. In the singer-songwriter band (g, b, keys, dr) we only use modelers (but we have a lot of instruments on stage). The blues and the rock bands only use amps and wedges for practise and for stage monitoring. But we‘ll have to change that soon, as we want to scrap our tour mini van and take our private cars instead. It‘s a question of economy and playing pleasure, not puritanity. 😁
@@OnlineBassGuitar1 i will say it all the time, there is and there will never be an IEM comparing with 4x10 or 8x10 cabinets. Periode. That being said, at least a quarter of that physical, body shaking ooumph that these got comes from that first slap delivered by the audio engineer seeing you enter the venuee with one.
I used to carry an SVT everywhere i played, not anymore. They sit in the basement. I will never give up my B15. Lately i have been using a Mesa WD800 and I'm going to grab 4 single ultralight Mesa 12's. Or maybe some Barefaced. I need to feel the vibes from my amp onstage or anytime.
There is definitely a shift away from amps on stage. I've played some shows just with a DI box but find I definitely prefer using an amp on stage. I'm Ears are fine for my backing vocals but I don't like hearing my bass through them. What I have done was downgraded from a head with 4 x 10 cab to a good quality single 12 combo with di out. I have a single 12 extension cab for larger gigs. These fit on a small fold up trolley. I then have a Mono dual bass bag to carry my bases on my back, and a mini pedal board. I can carry everything in to the venue in one go.
I have all the options when it comes to amp's and monitoring. Even have the backbeat on my strap. However, I will always use a physical amp and cab on stage if the setup allows it. It looks great (especially the Vanderkley cabs) and has that unquantifiable mojo you don't get with digital systems.
For me, there is an aesthetic component to what we do as musicians. The sight of a bassist plugged into an vintage SVT, Acoustic 360 or Ampeg SVT while playing a quirky bass like a Gibson EB1 or an old P bass imparts a vibe that is necessary for the things I do. Nevertheless, tonight I’m playing and plugging into a direct box and using in ear monitoring. I don’t prefer it, but that’s what the people who are paying me want. This is a great video , and the lesson learned is that we must utilize the best of the new technology while incorporating the more modern ideas.
One of the major differences between bass and guitar is that guitar is frequency limited and the speakers are important in this sound, in bass nearly all cabs have a compromise, if they are light they don't have solid low end, if they are heavy, they are heavy and most likely a PA is now way more powerful and better setup for low end than a bass amp. Bass amps on stage can cause all kinds of issues because it is loud. Studio bass amps are usually very much expensive tube amps (most likely) and favour flavour over solid low end, often in the studio you can mix both DI and amps to create the perfect balance of solid low end and distorted character (its possible live but phase can cause issues).
This is why I make my own amps and cabs. Just not happy with the compromises. I don't compromise ever. No holds barred, unconditional surrender! Anything else is just lazy.
As a gigging bassist for over 30 years I concur with the majority of comments that indicate a large rig is becoming less needed. I got rid of my 4x10 and 2x15 cabinets and rack head and got a MarkBass 1x12 combo. I played in a heavy rock band several years ago with two loud guitarists and heavy hitting drummer which led me to purchase a 1x15 extension cabinet. I haven't used the extension cabinet since the demise of that band. I also have a device that angles the cabinet upward. My pedalboard has a pre amp/DI. As a singer I have discovered the benefit of IEMs. I'm also a drummer and prefer IEMs as I can dial in my monitor mix regardless of the venue. Stage noise is annoying!
There are hundreds if not thousands of small / medium venues with live music but not a lot of them have a sound system that allows for amp free backlines. The future of bass (and guitar) rigs is assured for some time to come 😎
My Markbass just sits in the office now. My stuff is mostly musical theatre and I'm now using a Zoom B6 straight into the desk, then out through the monitors or in ears. Still comes out for rehearsals occasionally but its been a year now since I gigged with it.
I use to run my sound through a Hartke LH500 and Hartke 4x10. It thumped and people felt the bass. Well now I use the Two Notes Revolt Bass Emulator. It's analog so it doesn't have the digital feel. The pedal has a tube in it. The classic sound is an Ampeg SVT, classic dirt is a 90s Marshall and they have a modern dirt channel. I don't have a roadie or tech and I'm 50 so this pedal saves my back and space.
Last week I decided to plug in my Peavey Max 115 'as a treat'. In about 20 minutes I got fed up of trying to dial in a nice tone, gave up and sold it the next day. It's served me well in my youth in the practice room and for some gigs, but it's almost exclusively been a laptop stand for the last 4 years. Still a great amp and it deserved better, so I'm glad to pass it on to a gigging musician. At the moment I'm mostly practicing at home through headphones using Guitar Rig 6, everything is so easy to dial in a nice tone and load up a track to practice to, and it completely takes out the work of dealing with the room sound too. It definitely feels like the technology has improved so much. Should I start gigging again, I've got a head I take if a bass cab is provided, or I'm planning on getting a DI box. I'd also love to try out in-ear monitors too. Thanks for this video, it popped up at just the right time.
I use a GK 800rb head from the eighties and a GK 2 x 12 neo cab and nothing is going to stop me using this rig live, I hate IEM and won't use it I want to hear my instrument, I am happy to put it off stage if need be as for carrying it to and from gigs well I have a trolly and the cab lives in the garage and only the bass ,head and a bag of leads comes upstairs so no problem.
I stopped playing bass in bands around 20 years ago. But even back then my Mesa/Boogie Bass 400+ with 2x10 and 1x15 cabinets was gathering dust. First, like you stated, it was just too heavy. But even more important, the mixers hated it in our smaller venues, because they could not control it from their board. I had to turn the volume up to hear myself against the drums. But then too much of the sound went to the audience uncontrolled. Sometimes I turned the 2x10 around and pointed it up at me, but that was not great either. They all much prefered I use a DI so they had complete control of the sound. And I could hear myself through the monitor speakers quite well. Win-win :)
Well your problem there was allowing the sound guys to tell you what to do. I do sound for bands and play as well I would never let some sound guy make me use a di that’s just ridiculous. And you o heavy. What are you guys? Women??
@@johnchrestman4245 Yep been on both sides of that. Not going to ruin some ones tone. As the sound man its your job to reproduce that into the audience not control someones creativity and mojo. You support them they don't support you. I have worked with the biggest acts in the world Bob Dylan, Aerosmith, The Mighty VanHalen. Beat The Whos db record, Im in the Guinness World Records. Bass amps are not dead!!!! just because this guys show is so small he does not need a crew. Total wuss NOT Rock & Roll.
I never had to bring a bass amp because every gig I've ever played already had a bass rig ready. My personal 'sound' comes from my bass guitar, pedals and DI/pre-amp.
Pushing 70, can't even lift my 15 inch cab now, I still take it out, but less often. Being as I tie to sound systems a lot, I bought a 100 watt amp to use as a floor monitor. Works at most places.
I like the sound of my bass AND amp. If I just want the sound of my bass, I’ll DI it. However a mic’d up amp in a real room has a lovely growl. If you can’t dial in the right sound with you amp, you’ve got the wrong amp!
Modellers have 1000000 ways you can set up your sound. Even if you do basic math. There are endless amounts of parameters you can tweak, things you can add to your chain. And with Quad Cortex, you can even profile your pedals... or can use things in loops like you do. Even without the randomized "air moving", your guitar/bass will always sound a little different on each day because of RF interference, weather, how new/old your strings are. There will always be uniqueness with modellers...unless everybody uses the same modeller, same firmware version, same factory preset, same guitar, set up the same way, same brand of strings, same amount of dirt/grit on their strings, same picks, playing the same way, trimmed fingernails the same length... which they WON'T. And just anecdotally, I've used computer-simulated amps as far back as 2018 in a major recording studio. I think amps right now are just mostly for purists, cork-sniffers... as well as bragging rights. Because you can't really take a recording studio seriously unless they boast their giant roster of vintage amps/speaker cabs. This will all change once people's way of thinking changes.
Things are changing for sure. I've been planning a follow up video to this on whether all you need is a good clean tone for studio work. As you allude to, so much like re-amping or adding of effects, VST's etc can be done in post. And whilst some still prefer real amps, there's definitely been a shift.
I started using IEMs several years ago primarily to protect my ears. Playing on stage with loud guitar amps and cymbals crashing all around you takes a toll on your hearing after many years, and I only have one set of ears. I use high quality, molded IEMs so I can control the volume going into my ears. But the added benefit is that I can hear the articulation of my bass notes much better and I can also hear my vocal harmonies better. Of course this is all contingent on having a good audio engineer that can get you a really good in ear mix. If I'm dealing with new production people, sometimes I'll throw a small, 1x12 cabinet in the trunk just to have as a safety net. But overall, I much prefer using IEMs for almost all gigs. Plus, I'm in my 60s and have no desire to cart around an amp and cab unless absolutely necessary. ;-)
I play in a gigging death metal band and we always use at least half stacks for stage volume. I absolutely cant feel what I am doing without actual cabs as a bass player. I don't like In ears. Most gigs I play are club gigs and nobody uses in ears except the occasional drummer. Most people still use wedges. I do use the DI out of my head and a cab mic mix. I think it depends on the genre of music you play as well. I know my beastly biamped 1600w stack wouldn't fly in a blues band for example. But I practice with a live band 4 days a week. It becomes a habit.
I actually really enjoy ampless gigs since I can hear my bass and vocals crystal clear through in ears. However on smaller bar gigs, the PA often can't handle bass and bringing an amp is still a necessity. Also on big tours I've seen more bands bring a bass amp not for the bassist but to help the drummer feel the bass and lock in (these stages are so large that a small bass amp is still pretty quiet).
Big heavy heads definitely are obsolete. But having a cabinet onstage is good for monitoring if you don’t use IEMs, and can give you a more signature sound miced.
I know that the pros for going amp-less probably outweigh the cons, but I just prefer my bass coming out of my Thunderfunk TFB550 and Aguilar GS212 cab. It's "slightly" heavy, but I don't mind. I like to "feel" the bass behind me.
Keep your eyes open for my next video. On the subject of feeling bass. I will say no more 😎 But I totally get you. Sometimes there nothing quite like having an amp behind you!
When I was playing weekly gigs I’d bring a DI. Recently I’m playing once a month and have a pretty easy TCElectronics combo to move around. I use IEMs and I have good stage sound. I prefer having an amp personally, but sometimes it’s just not worth it.
Considering to go the in-ear route. Logistics are a pain for cabinets, and with the right tools you can get in-ears to work for small venues. I am fed up with places without proper monitors where everybody just dials to 11 in order to hear themselves.
@@OnlineBassGuitar1 you forgot to add that for some players, it can even prevent becoming dependent of a car for the ride (if you are within areas with suitable public services)
I tour and play sessions full time all over the world. Most recently with the Motown group The Miracles. Can’t remember the last time I played through an amp live. Still use them on studio work though. When I record tracks in my own studio for clients I’ll sometimes use a combination of amp and dry in addition to just providing a direct track. Amps will always have their place but if I never use one live again I’d be fine with that.
Exactly this man. They’re great but just not practical for touring. And modellers have gotten so good now that the studio is really the only place I find I “need” an amp. Congrats on the Miracles gig. Would love to see that some day!
I feel amps are typically pretty dead due to the listed reasons, but I will always drag around my 4x12, even if turned down to 3-4. I find having moving air and a rumbling floor is a tactile response that allows me to *feel* my playing instead of just hearing it, in turn making it easier to focus on and adjust how i'm playing instead of trying to hear every minute detail and adjust what i'm playing.
Also I dont know why people get so confused about this. You can put modellers through a PA and through a cab giving you access to all the amp and effect models at the front of the signal path. Hell you can them mic it up and send that signal back into the modeller for post processing before sending it to the desk. People seem to have this misaprehension that you need to run modellers entirely in box ... that is in fact not the case at all. Especially with the better ones which give you highly granular control over your signal path.
Being in an amp-less band can greatly simply load-in and load-out for everyone. It also (like you mentioned) eliminates stage noise (with E drums). A good sound guy can make you sound amazing and quiet if necessary. With IEMs, no more volume wars with your guitarist!
This is all very well if you are playing with a PA that can handle bass PROPERLY - unfortunately - in my little world - that's hardly ever the case. My rig is not dying - just my back.
I play small and medium sized gigs now and then, after 50 years of playing in bands. I need my amp on stage so that I can hear what I'm doing, as well as getting some feedback/change in dynamics when I need it playing 60's garage and psychedelic music (think Blue Cheer). None of the clubs and venues I play have the ability to provide on-stage volume for me with a monitor that can compete with a double-bass kit and a Marshall. Am I missing the point here?
Last year I played live all I used was a SanAmp DI. Told the sound tech to set all my levels equal and I can shape my tone with the DI and my tone controls on the Stingray bass. All fits in my guitar case. I do use a Mesa D800 and 4x10 Ampeg cab at home to practice.
Amp modelling uses Impulse Responses which are indistinguishable from that real amp in that room. IR quality varies drastically, so finding a good one is challenging. But when you have it, your tone is perfect every time.
Bass Amps are not dead, i still use them on every gig. In-ear monitoring doesn't really work because it gives you a wrong impression of the room sound and therefore it separates you from the audience emotionally. D.I. is also not satisfying because sometimes the stage monitors sound very different to what you are used to and what you like. A good amp sound is still the best!
Regarding the moving the air and capturing that nuance that a modeler can't get. If you can notice a difference between the two in a blind test, you might have something there. I'm skeptical if you can tell and even more skeptical when combined with all the other instruments/vocals on the recoding
I’ve been doing this since 2010 a sans amp rbi into a power amp and cab. Lately I’ve been using cab irs for live and home recording and leaving the cab home. but still take out my cab for recording sessions and for some gigs.
I look at my on stage amp at my stage monitor. I like to feel it, and dial in what I'm hearing in the live mix. I hate IEM's, I generally haven't liked anything in my ears, and am paying for it after 30 years of playing. Just stuck in my ways. Sansamp bass di into a fender rumble is really all I need.
I always trust the sound technician, and ask them to ensure that I'm where they need me to be with stage volume (they always, in turn, offer me room to adjust after they'd gotten settled with what they need). HOWEVER... ...I will *always, always, always* have an amp on the stage. at the very least, my Markbass Ninja 500 2x10 combo (which is GREAT) comes with me to help add a little low-end vibration. Nothing loud or overpowering, just so that the bass isn't just heard, it's 'felt' on the stage with me. If I can't feel the bass (again, just 'enough'), I feel disconnected from it, and it becomes extremely difficult to play. All valid points made in this video, by the way. Still... I'll always have a bass amp of some kind with me on the stage. :p Cheers, all! :)
Bass amps sound very lively and character full - DI cannot compete - in recording situations- but you need to mic properly often with 2 mics on an expensive cab. Otherwise you are right
Just can't beat the sound that comes out of our Marshall cabs. I think it's very genre specific, we're a loud band that wants a wall of sound on stage. It's part of the adrenaline, the stoke and it makes our shows better if we are hyper and stoked. Maybe not the most technically correct thing to do, but we just love it this way! Our amps and cabs are here to stay!!
playing on markbass marcus 500 and 1x12 cab. Super portable, loud enought, so you can hear yourself and feel bass on stage, di out to pa (and loud enought for band practice). But there is almost always a cab already on stage I can use and leave 1x12 in car. Before I played on ashdown 4x10 and abm500 head and that was one hell of a thing to carry around - not worth it. Probably will switch to helix or ampero to use for both guitar and bass. But I see that thing are changing weight-wise. My ashdown 4x10 was over 50kg and oversized, so almost imposible to carry on your own, new Markbass MB58R 4x10 is as small as it gets and weights only 15 kg.
I've been recording my music through my tube amp and a Captor X. The Captor X has bass cabinets and I really loved the sound of my amp through that. Way better than just plugging into the GarageBand DI or a GarageBand amp, although those are nice. My guitar tube amp has a nice warm sound. But then TwoNotes, the makers of the Captor X, came out with the GENOME plugin and holy crap, that is what I now use for my bass sounds.
For rehearsals and smaller gigs my small & light 1x12 Markbass combo is ace. I wouldn't use/need it for a bigger gig but it's portable enough to take on the bus/tube, gets me good sound reliably etc. If you're going anywhere where you aren't 100% on what the setup is sound wise it gives you peace of mind. I do agree more generally that bass amps have become much less useful. But I think there are still some use cases and some really good and light options.
Exactly. I don't think it will ever get to either or. Even rehearsals are so varied these days. Some times they are a chance to set up IEM's rigs for a long tour. But if you're just running songs then amps are the way to go.
you get a light weight cab with detachable casters. that handles a lot of power. like my 4x10 neo cab. at 4ohms (1,200 watts continuous) with detachable casters that will handle my ampeg svt 7 pro. know what your doing.
1. IEMs are virtually useless if you're standing next to loud drums and even more worthless if your IEMs aren't very tight and snug to block out ambient sound. 2. Lot of comments about "I can dial in my own IEM mix" but provide no details or cost. I played in a band that had a personal monitoring system that cost thousands of dollars (Aviom). So I have no idea what people are referring to when they say "I can just set my mix on my phone." 3. An amp can also be virtually useless if stage volume is too loud, i.e., drummer and guitar and keys and vocals and bass all competing. So the correct solution is "it depends".
I think there is a single bass amp model on the AxeFX 3 ... I have never needed more than that or DI for recording. I dont play live anymore but if I did I would just plug straight into the PA. A guitar amp is and has been outside of the scope of things I deem necessary to own for decades so a bass amp is well outside of it.
@@OnlineBassGuitar1 Absolutely plus with bass almost all of it (excusing for specific effects) is at the bassist. Both in how they have set up their bass tone (on the instrument) and for the most part in their articulation and ability to play. Thats one of the most impressive things about bassists ... they have no where to hide.
IMO bass amps could have died the day sansamp was invented, the reason amps are still arround isn't tone, it's about the feel of how the low end is ironing your pants and pounding in your chest. And ironically enough, amps are only relevant on small stages, when the PA is great, your favourite pedal pre will do the job just fine, Sansamp is enough in Wembley but might not cut it at your local bar. That being said, I still play an amp rig but let's be honest, it's not necessary, I just want to.
Great comment! I do think there’s a lot to be said for how the gear affects the player. If it makes you perform better and it’s logistically feasible, then why not use an amp? As you point out, the performance rather than just the tone has to matter here!
DI's and a monitor mixer who has no taste and will not put enough bass in the monitor mix can create huge problems with the rest of the band not being to lock in properly. Drummers need to hear plenty of bass. I've played with too many sound guys who don't like bass and screw up things for everyone.
I play in a 7-piece R&B/funk band. Still using head, 2x10 & 1x15, with a growing pedal board that needs to be slimmed down due to complexity. I don't see guys at the venues I play using in-ear, but I am becoming more interested in moving away from heads and cabs. But like you said here, if you use in-ear in a small club, I would need the sound guy to set the mix for my in-ears, right? That seems like that would go extremely poorly. I feel like the sort of work I am doing (bars/clubs, some festivals and private events) doesn't feel like it's ready for the amp modeler + in-ears, although I am becoming more open to it due to tiring from load-in + setup +teardown +load-out. And I use my amp mostly as an on-stage monitor, and always try hard to not dominate or drive stage volume, but find that sweet spot where me and the others in the band can hear me, but I'm not Lemmy out front. Some days that feels like a delicate balance, but I've improved as well (I can resist turning up when I wish I could hear more clearly). Any advice from others in my situation? None of our guys are in-ears, and it almost sounds like to really make that move, the whole band has to participate? A smaller pack, (more?) consistent tone and lower on-stage volume are the big attractions for me.
Having a bad mix can totally undermine in ears for sure. It’s a very common problem. If I were in your shoes I wouldn’t ditch the amp just yet. But maybe also have some in ears ready to go for when you move onto gigs that necessitate them 🙌
Good advice. It sounds like in-ears can go from very affordable to very expensive. Any advice on what to look at for a player like me who may not need them very often but would want decent ones when the time comes?@@OnlineBassGuitar1
I have only ever known using an bass amp, I haven't played live for years but do appreciate modern tech and convenience of not using one on stage. I would still use an amp, even if it's a small combo. I wouldn't be comfortable without it and just going through a DI only. A bass and an amp (and pedals) all go together, I liked the look of them too, but hey, I'm just an old rocker now 😄
I think guitar players can get away with modellers more than bass players. I have the GT-1000 and regular amps at home. The bass responding to my playing through real amps feels night and day compared to the GT-1000, that kinda affected how i play. For guitar, i do not feel that much "handicapped" via the GT-1000.
Its has long been a myth that the cabs on stage are anything more than set dressing in large venues regardless of what instrument you are playing. The quietest place in the room is on stage in large venues, where musicians today wisely pamper their hearing with only sufficient sound to saturate their playing experience.
Idk everytime i went in studio i just went straight to board. My current rig i got 20+ years ago and is sans amp rbi and power amp. I also gave up playing for 20 years and just pulled everything back out. Figure either way my rack can be used as di and amp probably run through my pevey 1516 in most gigs if i start playing like that again. Its definetly a lighter cab over my ampeg 410hlf. I went rbi so i could run direct to board and still here myself on stage. Same as in studio just run rbi to board and bring cab in case. Just never played live or studio again after i got it. Lol
For sure. There’s certainly room for DI’s in the studio. They give a much cleaner sound. I usually find that putting a mic on a cab is more about giving the sound character. Cheers for your comment!
@OnlineBassGuitar1 understand and agree just was preference of every studio I went to. Well third studio was like why did you only bring your bass? I was like well no other studio used my rig and my gk800 had just died. So all I really got right now. Lol 😆
Hello. I think you're wrong. Almost all professional bassists use their amplifiers on stage. I am a bassist and I wouldn't change the feeling of your own amplifier behind your back for anything. Not even close to personal monitoring. Greetings!
All though I am a amp guy myself - amps feel best imo, looks cool and arent that bulky if you dont want it to be anymore. My impression from norwegian proffesional bass players is that IEM are on its way to taking over. I definetly see why, its seems easier to sound good and makes the job for the sound engineer so much easier. But for me music playing dont have to be all about practicality, when Metallica plays with in ears it just seems wrong.
I can see both sides of it. My band uses IEMs at most gigs. The problem is, I’m playing with guitarists who use amp modelers with different patches for every song, and the dB levels are all over the place. My bass can easily get drowned out in my ears, so I still like to bring a small amp/cab with me. My Ampeg PortaBass 250 is very portable, as suggested by the name 😆😆😆
Even digital processors are being reduced to guitar-oriented units with some bass pedals and amp modelers in them and the companies don't design and build dedicated bass units. The better alternative is really just plugging into a processor and straight into the PA system. My formal education is actually in electrical engineering, so I'm indifferent to the majority of opinions on virtually all gear. I own tube amps and various tube gear, but it's another realm full of mysticism. 1 tube in the signal chain delivers the traits most everyone desires, but 10 or 8 or 12 hold no significant advantage whatsoever, *until you're talking power amps you plan to run at 100% volume lol.* Every tube amp I own no matter how much custom gear I design from scratch and build, I end up running a modeler through it's clean channel, cranking the clean gain for the texture and rounding to the clipped waveform provided by the tube, but that's the depth of my needs from it except of course, going 100% volume. A good Class-A/B solid state will actually produce good power amp distortion when cranked, but once the semiconductors heat up, their physics change no matter how much thermal stability architecture is added into the whole of the circuit, and they start sounding very muffled, midrange dominant and some just outright shatter the soundwaves from hardware distortion and you have poop.
OK ,looks like the overall consenus is that yes, we do need bass amps. There are many ways to achieve sounds whether in the studio or live. There's nothing like the sound of great bass amp. So. I would have to agree that bass amps are not dying a slow death.
Guy complains about carrying an ultra light weight bass cab. Yawn. I’ve had fights with sucky sound guys over my bass amp. I win every time. I get my bass sound from my amp. Good sound guys understand this and work with me. Easy peasy.
My Barefaced cabs weigh maybe 25 pounds, Aggie Head maybe 4 pounds. It's really not that big of a deal. Bass amps will never die, nor decrease amongst bass players because most venues are not providing the capability (with exception of the higher end venues). If you are speaking on the level of a touring band, that's another story but for us mere mortals that own and set up our own sound system, the price of admission is not even close to being worth it. At least in my area (Pittsburgh) you can only play Hardrock, Crafthouse, Jergals...etc so many times. The rest of the shows is bringing your own PA and getting paid ok at best. We provide some great music at a great price point, when we have to start investing thousands into good IEMs and pro level PA with a sound guy we would basically price ourselves out of playing.
Everyone Else: Bassists only need a small combo amp with a clean DI Me: Arrives with two full stacks and sick pedal board! 😂 All kidding aside, a 2x10H for most gigs, and I'll add 1x15 underneath it for outdoor gigs. A minimum for me is the 2x10. Playing with a DI is a necessity, but I haven't experienced a venue where they would not let me use my amp.
In my opinion, for the average, every day player, big rigs are probably pointless. There’s a reason why the smaller and portable market just keeps growing. You’re seeing touring musicians in big bands just having a rack set up that plugs into the PA or whatever. But there’s something to be said about being in the club and the bass player has a killer rig. Listening to Derek Boyer of suffocation or Alex from Cannibal. That rumble in the front is amazing.
Pubs and small club gigs are probably where about 95% of bass amps are still used. The raw experience of playing with backline amplification along with a live drummer is still the easiest and most practical way to do a gig in a pub. Bass amps are not dead, any top band you see will still be using bass amplification, It's usually the support act who have to use monitors because it's less hassle for the sound engineers and they don't care about the support act as much. You'll know you'll have gone up in order of importance when the sound engineers are accommodating your needs and not the other way around. Why do you have to set your bass gear up in the house after gigging with it? You can plug into anything for practice or how about investing in a small practice amp in the house for practice? That way you can find a storage solution that saves you dragging your bass gear up and down the stairs.
It seems to me that pretty much everyone recordring bass for metal music these days are just using DIs, and that's a shame cause of the lack of uniqueness.
For live gigs, if you have a good engineer out front it should be possible to achieve a good sound via the PA, with no proper amps, and the musicians using in-ears. Many bands don't have a sound engineer, and the PA is operated by one of the members, either physically or using an iPad. In my experience, this setup can result in the sound out front being quite poor. Far better to use real amps in these situations. The worst sounding bands I've seen have been those using modellers and in-ears (my niece's wedding springs to mind).
It really depends on the band. I love to play in ears, no matter if I have an amp or just using my quad Cortex. Since you have no bleed from the venue, the monitors from the other band members etc, you can actually play way tighter. If you use a click track even more. I heard a few bands with real amps and they sound muddy af. The band I’m thinking about right now was a international top tear band. All tube amps, just mud. The band after that: modellers, never heard such a clean sound. Sure depending on the venue, the first few rows don’t feel the same pressure when you don’t use amps. So just play bigger venues 😂 I play in several bands, all on in-ear. One band is just straight Direct sounds, besides the drums, the other band is more traditional with real amps but still with in-ears. Works great in both.
You clearly got the wrong amp... if you're not hppy with having to lug all that gear... multiple heads, cabs... You should look into some of the newer 2x10 combos that are pumping out 300 - 500+ watts like the Ampeg Rocketbass 2x10; or the Boss Katana 2x10... talk about having every type of Amp available at the push of a few presets; plus every type of effects possible... that Katana nails it, and with its Class AB design, it can more then keep up with a full band.
Yeah, no. DIs, in ear monitors, amp modeling, etc. cannot replicate the FEELING of having amp at your back. Speakers move air and create vibrations you can feel. As a bass player this feel is absolutely ESSENTIAL. I’ll never go ampless.
@@gibsonguy5240 the Aguilar head was £600 when bought in 2013. The cabs were about £600 each in 2016 and then the Jule Monique Dovecage was around £1700 and the power amp for that was about £1600 if I remember right.
people have been lamenting the death of the amplifier since switch mode psu came in 30 years ago. also multiband compression has changed the music we listen to, not that anyone has noticed that. the question you should ask is, what innovation has there been in amplifiers? new sound? No? None the amplifier industry still squeezes out sausages that have to be eaten, now they are lighter and smaller with the same flavour.
I love amps, but don't see a point to bring it to gigs, I just want a PA with a balanced sound of the band, no point of having a big bass sound coming from behind me. Still have amps at home just for practice, and totally on board with light weight class D
STUDY WITH ME
✅ Transform Your Technique From Okay To Awesome!
onlinebassguitar.krtra.com/t/ryFEsU6lWzZa
I'm 67 and I still load out my old 2 x15 cabinet and Ampeg head. I just really gotta have that sound. But it ain't gettin' any easier, I freely admit.
I play rock/punk/hardcore in a decent-sized US city, and my band regularly plays at a venue that supports top local acts and nationally touring bands. It’s the best sounding venue in town. I bring my GK 800rb and GK Neo 412 cabinet, and the sound guy mics me up instead of running me DI. Every time we’ve played, he tells me he loves working with my amp, and I’d say most players there run DI rigs. For him, he gets that old school grind and for me nothing can replace feeling your bass in your feet on stage and the sound moving at your back.
'nothing can replace feeling your bass in your feet on stage and the sound moving at your back'. Boom - you nailed it.
I love my Neo 412! It’s been paired with an Epifani UL501 for years now. Never had it mic’d for stage gigs. I like to be able to adjust my speaker volume without affecting FOH. But sometimes I wonder how much more true tone I would get with a mic
Lottery ticket sound nerd engineers are the best. Too bad there’s so few on the beginning of the journey but that’s part of it.
@@frostriver4547 in my case the feel is more important to me live, but I’m sure if you’re playing more articulate and nuanced stuff you’d want more tone control. Your rig sounds sick though!
@@tirestore69 yea I feel like there’s a lot more sound guys who feel like it’s their job to teach artists the “ideal” sound (from what they read on forums), and not what serves the song/room/band. I do run DI in my cover band, but that’s because I’m usually playing in a restaurant for 3-5 hours and it’s easier for FOH to dial things in with the fluctuations in the room, not because stage volume is always bad.
This guy makes a very good point. But I rarely trust a sound man. Don't let anyone take your bass amp from you.
So true! Bad FOH can ruin a gig!
I would have to agree with pretty much everything you said in the video. I’m a bass player who hasn’t used an amp on stage in almost 5 years. I’m using an Ampeg DI and the whole band uses IEM’s, so we have no monitors. Part of me likes it, it’s certainly convenient, we can each control our own IEM mix with our phone or tablet, and I like that my ears ring a whole lot less after a gig using this system, plus transporting equipment is a lot easier, but some days I do miss the sound and feel of my 2 15” cabs thundering behind me. Because bass players still love the “feel” of bass, and many like the certain color or characteristics of their chosen amp, I don’t see amps going away completely. But you just aren’t seeing the big 810’s and SVTs on stage like you used to. Personally, I’ll always have an amp, but my days of lugging it to gigs seems to be pretty much over.
Negative!! I'm in my 40's and still bring a rig to every gig. I don't care if it's heavy. It helps me stay in shape lol. For me, It's a preference. Our equipment are tools that we use to produce the music we do. Some prefer IEM but I still prefer my amp. My rig usually sits right next to the drummer. I don't crank my amp super loud but enough to create a sound and feel that resonates with the rest of the band. Music is to be felt and heard. Bass amps are still in demand. The biggest amp manufacturers like ampeg, Gk, hartke , Markbass etc still produce a large amount of heads and cabinets every year. I recently caught Keanu Reeves band Dogstar and he uses a whole rig of GK cabinets. To sum up. The bass amp is NOT going anywhere soon. Rock on everyone!
If it makes you play better and naturally suits your style then I agree, there’s no reason to ditch it.
Cheers for commenting!
I would not expect will to change for anyone above 35
Semi-pro bassist here. Well said. Same here. iem's are not for me and never will be. I like to hear and feel my bass tone behind me next to the drummer as well. Call me old school but my ears are trained to hear my tone through my amp, not artificial bass in earphones...Just like the ol saying goes... "music is heard, but the bass you feel" I'll never be ampless! Btw I love amps. Gives me something to keep blowing my money on and inspires me to improve my playing and keeps me excited to get and try new gear! In ears... 🤮 😅
Ron Carter said people bring their gear but he brings his sound. Just considering getting an aguilar th350, i think i will 😊
Agree!! I'm new to bass but been playing guitar for 60 years (I'm old!!) Just recently bought a Fender Rumble 500 which more than covers my needs... and the sucker is only 36-37 lbs. .. yes!! I started playing with my church group and while I could go through their house sound system and utilize IEM's,, having my own rig is the Hot Ticket for me. Cheers!! :)
Remember its meant to be a show. Big shiny drum kit, wall of amps, cables, boxes, things people don't see everyday. It adds to the audience excitement. So you have to carry a few bits to gig. That's part of the job. Keep music live in sound and experience.
That’s actually an incredible point, one that truly settles this debate. Amps just look cooler and looking cool matters. Even if amps objectively sounded worse, you’d still need em up there. I am using this angle from now on and I’ll be sure to credit you as the source! If your rig is just a computer and headphones, you are gaming, not performing.
nothing will ever beat a good real analog powered bass amp! yes modeling is good, but when i play live or really any time i play i want to FEEL it not just hear it, and most PA systems dont handle lowend very well at all, they usually high pass the lows in favor of overall volume, ive never liked playing thru a DI, it feels awful and too clean for me, nothing quite like turning up an svt for bass, i dont even really care how much the rig weighs, my current setup probably weighs close to 150lbs total including an 11.2lb warwick bass, its all worth it
If it makes you play better then it’s the best option. There’s always a lot to be said for that approach.
You are absolutely right. Just because this guy does not want to lug around good equipment does not mean bass amps are dead. He wants to do it all digital with cab modeling he can do that it sounds Ok. Best sound is real good gear shaking the nails out of the walls.
My old fender bass amp heats my bedroom in the winter, tubes make a nice warm glow also
Hahaha I didn’t anticipate that kind of use
I see bass amps all the time at gigs. Thankfully the bands I like still play 8x10’s and stacks for guitars.
🙌🙌
I still use amps on every gig. I don’t care what anyone else is doing, but I’m not giving up my amp.
Sold all my amps and moved to a quad cortex two years ago, and many large bands in my area are doing the same. Once I moved to in ears, I never heard anything on stage, so why spend the time moving an amp and setting up a mic to just end up sending that to the audience and to myself and no one is really hearing the physical amp. I play both guitar and bass, and switched for both. The other issue is, many venues are cracking down on noise levels, so a lot of drummers are also going to digital sets and with no amps you can play at very low volumes allowing for more opportunities to play. I haven't been to a studio in a while, but the ones I been to, they only like to use their equipment to cut down production time, because they have everything dialed in. So unless you are paying a lot, they don't want any new amps. Most of them will force the bass player to even use a P bass, because they have it dialed in for one and they have one there if you don't have one. But for home recording, which is becoming more popular, the quad cortex is amazing you have access to a million dollars worth of pedals and amps and you can record directly from that to USB for a perfect tone.
So true man! Time is money and studios are so efficient with their set ups.
I should do a video on this. Really appreciate the comment ☺️
@@OnlineBassGuitar1 thanks love the content!
Lazy.
I play bass in three different bands (as one of one to sometimes three players). Only my own rock band has no substitute members, but I play guitar, blues harp, sax and keys in it.
We have different setups with each formation. The cover band completely relies on in-ear monitoring on stage and for rehearsals . But the only one with an amp is the bass player - me - as the in-ear systems don‘t really convey the low end.
In the singer-songwriter band (g, b, keys, dr) we only use modelers (but we have a lot of instruments on stage).
The blues and the rock bands only use amps and wedges for practise and for stage monitoring. But we‘ll have to change that soon, as we want to scrap our tour mini van and take our private cars instead. It‘s a question of economy and playing pleasure, not puritanity. 😁
That’s a great point. You do have to spend more on IEM’s if you want them to handle bass properly!
Great to hear you’re busy with gigs!
@@OnlineBassGuitar1 i will say it all the time, there is and there will never be an IEM comparing with 4x10 or 8x10 cabinets. Periode. That being said, at least a quarter of that physical, body shaking ooumph that these got comes from that first slap delivered by the audio engineer seeing you enter the venuee with one.
I used to carry an SVT everywhere i played, not anymore. They sit in the basement. I will never give up my B15. Lately i have been using a Mesa WD800 and I'm going to grab 4 single ultralight Mesa 12's. Or maybe some Barefaced. I need to feel the vibes from my amp onstage or anytime.
There is definitely a shift away from amps on stage. I've played some shows just with a DI box but find I definitely prefer using an amp on stage. I'm Ears are fine for my backing vocals but I don't like hearing my bass through them.
What I have done was downgraded from a head with 4 x 10 cab to a good quality single 12 combo with di out. I have a single 12 extension cab for larger gigs. These fit on a small fold up trolley. I then have a Mono dual bass bag to carry my bases on my back, and a mini pedal board. I can carry everything in to the venue in one go.
It's much easier to move around, right?
I have all the options when it comes to amp's and monitoring. Even have the backbeat on my strap. However, I will always use a physical amp and cab on stage if the setup allows it. It looks great (especially the Vanderkley cabs) and has that unquantifiable mojo you don't get with digital systems.
For me, there is an aesthetic component to what we do as musicians.
The sight of a bassist plugged into an vintage SVT, Acoustic 360 or Ampeg SVT while playing a quirky bass like a Gibson EB1 or an old P bass imparts a vibe that is necessary for the things I do.
Nevertheless, tonight I’m playing and plugging into a direct box and using in ear monitoring. I don’t prefer it, but that’s what the people who are paying me want.
This is a great video , and the lesson learned is that we must utilize the best of the new technology while incorporating the more modern ideas.
One of the major differences between bass and guitar is that guitar is frequency limited and the speakers are important in this sound, in bass nearly all cabs have a compromise, if they are light they don't have solid low end, if they are heavy, they are heavy and most likely a PA is now way more powerful and better setup for low end than a bass amp. Bass amps on stage can cause all kinds of issues because it is loud. Studio bass amps are usually very much expensive tube amps (most likely) and favour flavour over solid low end, often in the studio you can mix both DI and amps to create the perfect balance of solid low end and distorted character (its possible live but phase can cause issues).
Excellent points made! I often find that a blend works best in the studio.
DI for body and amp for character.
Cheers for commenting!
This is why I make my own amps and cabs. Just not happy with the compromises. I don't compromise ever. No holds barred, unconditional surrender! Anything else is just lazy.
As a gigging bassist for over 30 years I concur with the majority of comments that indicate a large rig is becoming less needed. I got rid of my 4x10 and 2x15 cabinets and rack head and got a MarkBass 1x12 combo. I played in a heavy rock band several years ago with two loud guitarists and heavy hitting drummer which led me to purchase a 1x15 extension cabinet. I haven't used the extension cabinet since the demise of that band. I also have a device that angles the cabinet upward. My pedalboard has a pre amp/DI. As a singer I have discovered the benefit of IEMs. I'm also a drummer and prefer IEMs as I can dial in my monitor mix regardless of the venue. Stage noise is annoying!
There are hundreds if not thousands of small / medium venues with live music but not a lot of them have a sound system that allows for amp free backlines. The future of bass (and guitar) rigs is assured for some time to come 😎
Yes! And with what most small-medium sized bars want to pay, the time and cost of IEM and having a sound engineer work FOH is not worth it.
As a bassist, I play my Bass VI straight into a DI. The sound is in the fingers. And a quiet stage is priceless!
My Markbass just sits in the office now. My stuff is mostly musical theatre and I'm now using a Zoom B6 straight into the desk, then out through the monitors or in ears. Still comes out for rehearsals occasionally but its been a year now since I gigged with it.
I use to run my sound through a Hartke LH500 and Hartke 4x10. It thumped and people felt the bass. Well now I use the Two Notes Revolt Bass Emulator. It's analog so it doesn't have the digital feel. The pedal has a tube in it. The classic sound is an Ampeg SVT, classic dirt is a 90s Marshall and they have a modern dirt channel. I don't have a roadie or tech and I'm 50 so this pedal saves my back and space.
Last week I decided to plug in my Peavey Max 115 'as a treat'. In about 20 minutes I got fed up of trying to dial in a nice tone, gave up and sold it the next day. It's served me well in my youth in the practice room and for some gigs, but it's almost exclusively been a laptop stand for the last 4 years. Still a great amp and it deserved better, so I'm glad to pass it on to a gigging musician.
At the moment I'm mostly practicing at home through headphones using Guitar Rig 6, everything is so easy to dial in a nice tone and load up a track to practice to, and it completely takes out the work of dealing with the room sound too. It definitely feels like the technology has improved so much. Should I start gigging again, I've got a head I take if a bass cab is provided, or I'm planning on getting a DI box. I'd also love to try out in-ear monitors too.
Thanks for this video, it popped up at just the right time.
My pleasure! Thanks for such a detailed comment! Hope your rig works out for you!
I use a GK 800rb head from the eighties and a GK 2 x 12 neo cab and nothing is going to stop me using this rig live, I hate IEM and won't use it I want to hear my instrument, I am happy to put it off stage if need be as for carrying it to and from gigs well I have a trolly and the cab lives in the garage and only the bass ,head and a bag of leads comes upstairs so no problem.
I stopped playing bass in bands around 20 years ago. But even back then my Mesa/Boogie Bass 400+ with 2x10 and 1x15 cabinets was gathering dust. First, like you stated, it was just too heavy. But even more important, the mixers hated it in our smaller venues, because they could not control it from their board. I had to turn the volume up to hear myself against the drums. But then too much of the sound went to the audience uncontrolled. Sometimes I turned the 2x10 around and pointed it up at me, but that was not great either. They all much prefered I use a DI so they had complete control of the sound. And I could hear myself through the monitor speakers quite well. Win-win :)
Glad it worked out for you 🙌
That was my dream rig for many years. Those 400+ heads are glorious.
Well your problem there was allowing the sound guys to tell you what to do. I do sound for bands and play as well I would never let some sound guy make me use a di that’s just ridiculous. And you o heavy. What are you guys? Women??
@@johnchrestman4245 Yep been on both sides of that. Not going to ruin some ones tone. As the sound man its your job to reproduce that into the audience not control someones creativity and mojo. You support them they don't support you. I have worked with the biggest acts in the world Bob Dylan, Aerosmith, The Mighty VanHalen. Beat The Whos db record, Im in the Guinness World Records. Bass amps are not dead!!!! just because this guys show is so small he does not need a crew. Total wuss NOT Rock & Roll.
I never had to bring a bass amp because every gig I've ever played already had a bass rig ready. My personal 'sound' comes from my bass guitar, pedals and DI/pre-amp.
Pushing 70, can't even lift my 15 inch cab now, I still take it out, but less often. Being as I tie to sound systems a lot, I bought a 100 watt amp to use as a floor monitor. Works at most places.
I like the sound of my bass AND amp. If I just want the sound of my bass, I’ll DI it. However a mic’d up amp in a real room has a lovely growl. If you can’t dial in the right sound with you amp, you’ve got the wrong amp!
If it makes you play better then there’s a lot to be said for that!
Modellers have 1000000 ways you can set up your sound. Even if you do basic math. There are endless amounts of parameters you can tweak, things you can add to your chain. And with Quad Cortex, you can even profile your pedals... or can use things in loops like you do.
Even without the randomized "air moving", your guitar/bass will always sound a little different on each day because of RF interference, weather, how new/old your strings are. There will always be uniqueness with modellers...unless everybody uses the same modeller, same firmware version, same factory preset, same guitar, set up the same way, same brand of strings, same amount of dirt/grit on their strings, same picks, playing the same way, trimmed fingernails the same length... which they WON'T.
And just anecdotally, I've used computer-simulated amps as far back as 2018 in a major recording studio. I think amps right now are just mostly for purists, cork-sniffers... as well as bragging rights. Because you can't really take a recording studio seriously unless they boast their giant roster of vintage amps/speaker cabs. This will all change once people's way of thinking changes.
Things are changing for sure. I've been planning a follow up video to this on whether all you need is a good clean tone for studio work.
As you allude to, so much like re-amping or adding of effects, VST's etc can be done in post. And whilst some still prefer real amps, there's definitely been a shift.
I started using IEMs several years ago primarily to protect my ears. Playing on stage with loud guitar amps and cymbals crashing all around you takes a toll on your hearing after many years, and I only have one set of ears. I use high quality, molded IEMs so I can control the volume going into my ears. But the added benefit is that I can hear the articulation of my bass notes much better and I can also hear my vocal harmonies better. Of course this is all contingent on having a good audio engineer that can get you a really good in ear mix. If I'm dealing with new production people, sometimes I'll throw a small, 1x12 cabinet in the trunk just to have as a safety net. But overall, I much prefer using IEMs for almost all gigs. Plus, I'm in my 60s and have no desire to cart around an amp and cab unless absolutely necessary. ;-)
I play in a gigging death metal band and we always use at least half stacks for stage volume. I absolutely cant feel what I am doing without actual cabs as a bass player. I don't like In ears. Most gigs I play are club gigs and nobody uses in ears except the occasional drummer. Most people still use wedges. I do use the DI out of my head and a cab mic mix. I think it depends on the genre of music you play as well. I know my beastly biamped 1600w stack wouldn't fly in a blues band for example. But I practice with a live band 4 days a week. It becomes a habit.
Exactly. There’s a fair bit of making ends meet here. Glad you’ve got a set up that works for you!
I actually really enjoy ampless gigs since I can hear my bass and vocals crystal clear through in ears.
However on smaller bar gigs, the PA often can't handle bass and bringing an amp is still a necessity. Also on big tours I've seen more bands bring a bass amp not for the bassist but to help the drummer feel the bass and lock in (these stages are so large that a small bass amp is still pretty quiet).
Big heavy heads definitely are obsolete. But having a cabinet onstage is good for monitoring if you don’t use IEMs, and can give you a more signature sound miced.
Nah. I need that power behind me when I’m playing.
That’s what she said
I know that the pros for going amp-less probably outweigh the cons, but I just prefer my bass coming out of my Thunderfunk TFB550 and Aguilar GS212 cab. It's "slightly" heavy, but I don't mind. I like to "feel" the bass behind me.
Keep your eyes open for my next video.
On the subject of feeling bass.
I will say no more 😎
But I totally get you. Sometimes there nothing quite like having an amp behind you!
When I was playing weekly gigs I’d bring a DI. Recently I’m playing once a month and have a pretty easy TCElectronics combo to move around. I use IEMs and I have good stage sound. I prefer having an amp personally, but sometimes it’s just not worth it.
Considering to go the in-ear route. Logistics are a pain for cabinets, and with the right tools you can get in-ears to work for small venues. I am fed up with places without proper monitors where everybody just dials to 11 in order to hear themselves.
It’s been a game changer for me for sure.
If you’re in the right type of gigs, or if you just prefer IEM’s, I’d say they’re a solid investment!
@@OnlineBassGuitar1 you forgot to add that for some players, it can even prevent becoming dependent of a car for the ride (if you are within areas with suitable public services)
@@luisborralho4298 great point!
I tour and play sessions full time all over the world. Most recently with the Motown group The Miracles. Can’t remember the last time I played through an amp live. Still use them on studio work though. When I record tracks in my own studio for clients I’ll sometimes use a combination of amp and dry in addition to just providing a direct track. Amps will always have their place but if I never use one live again I’d be fine with that.
Exactly this man. They’re great but just not practical for touring. And modellers have gotten so good now that the studio is really the only place I find I “need” an amp.
Congrats on the Miracles gig. Would love to see that some day!
Most live shows that I've seen that were "ruined" (by bad sound) were ruined by a bass player who turned his amp up too loud :)
Hahaha we’ve all been there 😂
You hired a loser.
I feel amps are typically pretty dead due to the listed reasons, but I will always drag around my 4x12, even if turned down to 3-4. I find having moving air and a rumbling floor is a tactile response that allows me to *feel* my playing instead of just hearing it, in turn making it easier to focus on and adjust how i'm playing instead of trying to hear every minute detail and adjust what i'm playing.
Also I dont know why people get so confused about this.
You can put modellers through a PA and through a cab giving you access to all the amp and effect models at the front of the signal path.
Hell you can them mic it up and send that signal back into the modeller for post processing before sending it to the desk.
People seem to have this misaprehension that you need to run modellers entirely in box ... that is in fact not the case at all. Especially with the better ones which give you highly granular control over your signal path.
True! There are so many options!
I might do a follow up video and make these points.
Thanks for your comment!
Being in an amp-less band can greatly simply load-in and load-out for everyone. It also (like you mentioned) eliminates stage noise (with E drums). A good sound guy can make you sound amazing and quiet if necessary. With IEMs, no more volume wars with your guitarist!
Exactly this!! If you’ve got the right set up for it at a gig, they help a load!
This is all very well if you are playing with a PA that can handle bass PROPERLY - unfortunately - in my little world - that's hardly ever the case. My rig is not dying - just my back.
I play small and medium sized gigs now and then, after 50 years of playing in bands. I need my amp on stage so that I can hear what I'm doing, as well as getting some feedback/change in dynamics when I need it playing 60's garage and psychedelic music (think Blue Cheer). None of the clubs and venues I play have the ability to provide on-stage volume for me with a monitor that can compete with a double-bass kit and a Marshall. Am I missing the point here?
Last year I played live all I used was a SanAmp DI. Told the sound tech to set all my levels equal and I can shape my tone with the DI and my tone controls on the Stingray bass. All fits in my guitar case. I do use a Mesa D800 and 4x10 Ampeg cab at home to practice.
Amp modelling uses Impulse Responses which are indistinguishable from that real amp in that room. IR quality varies drastically, so finding a good one is challenging. But when you have it, your tone is perfect every time.
it is frequencywise but the 3D feel of the air movement is missing. However that's extremely subtle and could even get lost in a busy mix.
Bass Amps are not dead, i still use them on every gig. In-ear monitoring doesn't really work because it gives you a wrong impression of the room sound and therefore it separates you from the audience emotionally. D.I. is also not satisfying because sometimes the stage monitors sound very different to what you are used to and what you like. A good amp sound is still the best!
GK 500 fusion w/ GK 1x12 neo for small stages. Post preamp signal sent to the board via balanced out. Tone monster with small footprint.
Regarding the moving the air and capturing that nuance that a modeler can't get. If you can notice a difference between the two in a blind test, you might have something there. I'm skeptical if you can tell and even more skeptical when combined with all the other instruments/vocals on the recoding
I’ve been doing this since 2010 a sans amp rbi into a power amp and cab. Lately I’ve been using cab irs for live and home recording and leaving the cab home. but still take out my cab for recording sessions and for some gigs.
Sounds like a great set up for you!
I look at my on stage amp at my stage monitor. I like to feel it, and dial in what I'm hearing in the live mix. I hate IEM's, I generally haven't liked anything in my ears, and am paying for it after 30 years of playing. Just stuck in my ways. Sansamp bass di into a fender rumble is really all I need.
I use a DI for the low end and a real amp/cab for mids/highs. I've tried all modelers and they do NOT sound as pleasant as an amp for the mids'highs.
I always trust the sound technician, and ask them to ensure that I'm where they need me to be with stage volume (they always, in turn, offer me room to adjust after they'd gotten settled with what they need).
HOWEVER...
...I will *always, always, always* have an amp on the stage.
at the very least, my Markbass Ninja 500 2x10 combo (which is GREAT) comes with me to help add a little low-end vibration. Nothing loud or overpowering, just so that the bass isn't just heard, it's 'felt' on the stage with me. If I can't feel the bass (again, just 'enough'), I feel disconnected from it, and it becomes extremely difficult to play.
All valid points made in this video, by the way. Still... I'll always have a bass amp of some kind with me on the stage.
:p
Cheers, all!
:)
Every local band I have seen has a bass amp on stage. Some of the bands even have more than 5 members with elaborate PA systems.
Bass amps sound very lively and character full - DI cannot compete - in recording situations- but you need to mic properly often with 2 mics on an expensive cab. Otherwise you are right
Just can't beat the sound that comes out of our Marshall cabs. I think it's very genre specific, we're a loud band that wants a wall of sound on stage. It's part of the adrenaline, the stoke and it makes our shows better if we are hyper and stoked. Maybe not the most technically correct thing to do, but we just love it this way! Our amps and cabs are here to stay!!
check the metal scene, almost no band records a real bass amp anymore, some even shifted to midi bass instruments. its sad, but here we are
playing on markbass marcus 500 and 1x12 cab. Super portable, loud enought, so you can hear yourself and feel bass on stage, di out to pa (and loud enought for band practice). But there is almost always a cab already on stage I can use and leave 1x12 in car. Before I played on ashdown 4x10 and abm500 head and that was one hell of a thing to carry around - not worth it. Probably will switch to helix or ampero to use for both guitar and bass. But I see that thing are changing weight-wise. My ashdown 4x10 was over 50kg and oversized, so almost imposible to carry on your own, new Markbass MB58R 4x10 is as small as it gets and weights only 15 kg.
I've been recording my music through my tube amp and a Captor X. The Captor X has bass cabinets and I really loved the sound of my amp through that. Way better than just plugging into the GarageBand DI or a GarageBand amp, although those are nice. My guitar tube amp has a nice warm sound. But then TwoNotes, the makers of the Captor X, came out with the GENOME plugin and holy crap, that is what I now use for my bass sounds.
For rehearsals and smaller gigs my small & light 1x12 Markbass combo is ace. I wouldn't use/need it for a bigger gig but it's portable enough to take on the bus/tube, gets me good sound reliably etc. If you're going anywhere where you aren't 100% on what the setup is sound wise it gives you peace of mind.
I do agree more generally that bass amps have become much less useful. But I think there are still some use cases and some really good and light options.
Exactly. I don't think it will ever get to either or. Even rehearsals are so varied these days. Some times they are a chance to set up IEM's rigs for a long tour. But if you're just running songs then amps are the way to go.
You can use yours at any gig for your own convenience. I always want to hear my own sound 1st. I E M's have the whole band.
you get a light weight cab with detachable casters. that handles a lot of power. like my 4x10 neo cab. at 4ohms (1,200 watts continuous) with detachable casters that will handle my ampeg svt 7 pro. know what your doing.
Lightweight does help loads!!
@@OnlineBassGuitar1 its a old carvin cab. 4x10. no port for air. movement.
1. IEMs are virtually useless if you're standing next to loud drums and even more worthless if your IEMs aren't very tight and snug to block out ambient sound.
2. Lot of comments about "I can dial in my own IEM mix" but provide no details or cost. I played in a band that had a personal monitoring system that cost thousands of dollars (Aviom). So I have no idea what people are referring to when they say "I can just set my mix on my phone."
3. An amp can also be virtually useless if stage volume is too loud, i.e., drummer and guitar and keys and vocals and bass all competing.
So the correct solution is "it depends".
I think there is a single bass amp model on the AxeFX 3 ... I have never needed more than that or DI for recording. I dont play live anymore but if I did I would just plug straight into the PA.
A guitar amp is and has been outside of the scope of things I deem necessary to own for decades so a bass amp is well outside of it.
I hear you. A solid clean tone is essential as so much can be done digitally or in post these days.
@@OnlineBassGuitar1 Absolutely plus with bass almost all of it (excusing for specific effects) is at the bassist.
Both in how they have set up their bass tone (on the instrument) and for the most part in their articulation and ability to play.
Thats one of the most impressive things about bassists ... they have no where to hide.
@@sacredgeometry very true! Thanks for commenting
you have to bring guitar and bass amps where I play... the "PA" is usually two shitty Harbinger powered 12" speakers left/right for vocals only.
IMO bass amps could have died the day sansamp was invented, the reason amps are still arround isn't tone, it's about the feel of how the low end is ironing your pants and pounding in your chest. And ironically enough, amps are only relevant on small stages, when the PA is great, your favourite pedal pre will do the job just fine, Sansamp is enough in Wembley but might not cut it at your local bar. That being said, I still play an amp rig but let's be honest, it's not necessary, I just want to.
Great comment! I do think there’s a lot to be said for how the gear affects the player.
If it makes you perform better and it’s logistically feasible, then why not use an amp?
As you point out, the performance rather than just the tone has to matter here!
DI's and a monitor mixer who has no taste and will not put enough bass in the monitor mix can create huge problems with the rest of the band not being to lock in properly. Drummers need to hear plenty of bass. I've played with too many sound guys who don't like bass and screw up things for everyone.
I play in a 7-piece R&B/funk band. Still using head, 2x10 & 1x15, with a growing pedal board that needs to be slimmed down due to complexity. I don't see guys at the venues I play using in-ear, but I am becoming more interested in moving away from heads and cabs. But like you said here, if you use in-ear in a small club, I would need the sound guy to set the mix for my in-ears, right? That seems like that would go extremely poorly. I feel like the sort of work I am doing (bars/clubs, some festivals and private events) doesn't feel like it's ready for the amp modeler + in-ears, although I am becoming more open to it due to tiring from load-in + setup +teardown +load-out. And I use my amp mostly as an on-stage monitor, and always try hard to not dominate or drive stage volume, but find that sweet spot where me and the others in the band can hear me, but I'm not Lemmy out front. Some days that feels like a delicate balance, but I've improved as well (I can resist turning up when I wish I could hear more clearly).
Any advice from others in my situation? None of our guys are in-ears, and it almost sounds like to really make that move, the whole band has to participate? A smaller pack, (more?) consistent tone and lower on-stage volume are the big attractions for me.
Having a bad mix can totally undermine in ears for sure. It’s a very common problem.
If I were in your shoes I wouldn’t ditch the amp just yet.
But maybe also have some in ears ready to go for when you move onto gigs that necessitate them 🙌
Good advice. It sounds like in-ears can go from very affordable to very expensive. Any advice on what to look at for a player like me who may not need them very often but would want decent ones when the time comes?@@OnlineBassGuitar1
Depends on crowd size and quality of PA system. Amps very relevant for less than 100 people shows
And then rock players do this and the stage sound empty , both guitar and bass. I think smaller almost monitor like would be a great in between medium
They can work really well. Just having the feeling of air being moved can make you play differently.
I have only ever known using an bass amp, I haven't played live for years but do appreciate modern tech and convenience of not using one on stage. I would still use an amp, even if it's a small combo. I wouldn't be comfortable without it and just going through a DI only. A bass and an amp (and pedals) all go together, I liked the look of them too, but hey, I'm just an old rocker now 😄
I think guitar players can get away with modellers more than bass players. I have the GT-1000 and regular amps at home. The bass responding to my playing through real amps feels night and day compared to the GT-1000, that kinda affected how i play. For guitar, i do not feel that much "handicapped" via the GT-1000.
Its has long been a myth that the cabs on stage are anything more than set dressing in large venues regardless of what instrument you are playing. The quietest place in the room is on stage in large venues, where musicians today wisely pamper their hearing with only sufficient sound to saturate their playing experience.
Idk everytime i went in studio i just went straight to board. My current rig i got 20+ years ago and is sans amp rbi and power amp. I also gave up playing for 20 years and just pulled everything back out. Figure either way my rack can be used as di and amp probably run through my pevey 1516 in most gigs if i start playing like that again. Its definetly a lighter cab over my ampeg 410hlf. I went rbi so i could run direct to board and still here myself on stage. Same as in studio just run rbi to board and bring cab in case. Just never played live or studio again after i got it. Lol
For sure. There’s certainly room for DI’s in the studio. They give a much cleaner sound. I usually find that putting a mic on a cab is more about giving the sound character. Cheers for your comment!
@OnlineBassGuitar1 understand and agree just was preference of every studio I went to. Well third studio was like why did you only bring your bass? I was like well no other studio used my rig and my gk800 had just died. So all I really got right now. Lol 😆
@@fat_ninja_status 😂😂
I just hook a bass straight into DI box and let the soundtech handle the sound with EQ and compression to however he wants.
Do you get a pre-feed for your monitoring? It’s a great set up that way.
Hello. I think you're wrong. Almost all professional bassists use their amplifiers on stage. I am a bassist and I wouldn't change the feeling of your own amplifier behind your back for anything. Not even close to personal monitoring. Greetings!
All though I am a amp guy myself - amps feel best imo, looks cool and arent that bulky if you dont want it to be anymore. My impression from norwegian proffesional bass players is that IEM are on its way to taking over. I definetly see why, its seems easier to sound good and makes the job for the sound engineer so much easier. But for me music playing dont have to be all about practicality, when Metallica plays with in ears it just seems wrong.
I can see both sides of it. My band uses IEMs at most gigs. The problem is, I’m playing with guitarists who use amp modelers with different patches for every song, and the dB levels are all over the place. My bass can easily get drowned out in my ears, so I still like to bring a small amp/cab with me. My Ampeg PortaBass 250 is very portable, as suggested by the name 😆😆😆
Can you send us links to the in-ear monitors you use and the DI's? That'd be very helpful. Thanks in advance
Even digital processors are being reduced to guitar-oriented units with some bass pedals and amp modelers in them and the companies don't design and build dedicated bass units. The better alternative is really just plugging into a processor and straight into the PA system.
My formal education is actually in electrical engineering, so I'm indifferent to the majority of opinions on virtually all gear. I own tube amps and various tube gear, but it's another realm full of mysticism. 1 tube in the signal chain delivers the traits most everyone desires, but 10 or 8 or 12 hold no significant advantage whatsoever, *until you're talking power amps you plan to run at 100% volume lol.*
Every tube amp I own no matter how much custom gear I design from scratch and build, I end up running a modeler through it's clean channel, cranking the clean gain for the texture and rounding to the clipped waveform provided by the tube, but that's the depth of my needs from it except of course, going 100% volume.
A good Class-A/B solid state will actually produce good power amp distortion when cranked, but once the semiconductors heat up, their physics change no matter how much thermal stability architecture is added into the whole of the circuit, and they start sounding very muffled, midrange dominant and some just outright shatter the soundwaves from hardware distortion and you have poop.
OK ,looks like the overall consenus is that yes, we do need bass amps. There are many ways to achieve sounds whether in the studio or live. There's nothing like the sound of great bass amp.
So. I would have to agree that bass amps are not dying a slow death.
Guy complains about carrying an ultra light weight bass cab. Yawn. I’ve had fights with sucky sound guys over my bass amp. I win every time. I get my bass sound from my amp. Good sound guys understand this and work with me. Easy peasy.
My Barefaced cabs weigh maybe 25 pounds, Aggie Head maybe 4 pounds. It's really not that big of a deal. Bass amps will never die, nor decrease amongst bass players because most venues are not providing the capability (with exception of the higher end venues). If you are speaking on the level of a touring band, that's another story but for us mere mortals that own and set up our own sound system, the price of admission is not even close to being worth it. At least in my area (Pittsburgh) you can only play Hardrock, Crafthouse, Jergals...etc so many times. The rest of the shows is bringing your own PA and getting paid ok at best. We provide some great music at a great price point, when we have to start investing thousands into good IEMs and pro level PA with a sound guy we would basically price ourselves out of playing.
Everyone Else: Bassists only need a small combo amp with a clean DI
Me: Arrives with two full stacks and sick pedal board! 😂
All kidding aside, a 2x10H for most gigs, and I'll add 1x15 underneath it for outdoor gigs. A minimum for me is the 2x10. Playing with a DI is a necessity, but I haven't experienced a venue where they would not let me use my amp.
How do you get any sound without an amp......
In my opinion, for the average, every day player, big rigs are probably pointless. There’s a reason why the smaller and portable market just keeps growing. You’re seeing touring musicians in big bands just having a rack set up that plugs into the PA or whatever. But there’s something to be said about being in the club and the bass player has a killer rig. Listening to Derek Boyer of suffocation or Alex from Cannibal. That rumble in the front is amazing.
Pubs and small club gigs are probably where about 95% of bass amps are still used. The raw experience of playing with backline amplification along with a live drummer is still the easiest and most practical way to do a gig in a pub. Bass amps are not dead, any top band you see will still be using bass amplification, It's usually the support act who have to use monitors because it's less hassle for the sound engineers and they don't care about the support act as much. You'll know you'll have gone up in order of importance when the sound engineers are accommodating your needs and not the other way around. Why do you have to set your bass gear up in the house after gigging with it? You can plug into anything for practice or how about investing in a small practice amp in the house for practice? That way you can find a storage solution that saves you dragging your bass gear up and down the stairs.
It seems to me that pretty much everyone recordring bass for metal music these days are just using DIs, and that's a shame cause of the lack of uniqueness.
RUclips brain and lazy sound guys have made DI the standard and it sickens me.
how do you go ampless i have a tech 21 bass fly rig what do i need to just go to the gig on a bus since i own no car?
How would I make myself heard or hear myself at a pub gig??
You’d have to send your signal directly to the PA and depend on their stage monitors to hear yourself (or bring an IEM system).
For live gigs, if you have a good engineer out front it should be possible to achieve a good sound via the PA, with no proper amps, and the musicians using in-ears. Many bands don't have a sound engineer, and the PA is operated by one of the members, either physically or using an iPad. In my experience, this setup can result in the sound out front being quite poor. Far better to use real amps in these situations. The worst sounding bands I've seen have been those using modellers and in-ears (my niece's wedding springs to mind).
That can be a problem for sure. You are really putting your faith in your front of house engineer. Great point!
It really depends on the band. I love to play in ears, no matter if I have an amp or just using my quad Cortex. Since you have no bleed from the venue, the monitors from the other band members etc, you can actually play way tighter. If you use a click track even more.
I heard a few bands with real amps and they sound muddy af. The band I’m thinking about right now was a international top tear band. All tube amps, just mud.
The band after that: modellers, never heard such a clean sound.
Sure depending on the venue, the first few rows don’t feel the same pressure when you don’t use amps. So just play bigger venues 😂
I play in several bands, all on in-ear. One band is just straight Direct sounds, besides the drums, the other band is more traditional with real amps but still with in-ears. Works great in both.
You clearly got the wrong amp... if you're not hppy with having to lug all that gear... multiple heads, cabs... You should look into some of the newer 2x10 combos that are pumping out 300 - 500+ watts like the Ampeg Rocketbass 2x10; or the Boss Katana 2x10... talk about having every type of Amp available at the push of a few presets; plus every type of effects possible... that Katana nails it, and with its Class AB design, it can more then keep up with a full band.
Those drum grooves r sa. Cool vid. Thanks man🤙
Nope. Especially if you're using an acoustic drummer. And, I need to hear me. Running a stage amp saves wear and tear on monitors. The list goes on.
Bass amp on a live gig, if I have PA support and monitoring, is only for looks.
Yeah, no. DIs, in ear monitors, amp modeling, etc. cannot replicate the FEELING of having amp at your back. Speakers move air and create vibrations you can feel. As a bass player this feel is absolutely ESSENTIAL. I’ll never go ampless.
Wow I just checked out his in ear headphones. $800 on the low side and $3700 on the high side.
$3700 yes but the cheapest pair in the IEM's video you can find on Amazon for around £50/$75. Cheers for checking out the videos!
@@OnlineBassGuitar1 How much did yours cost?
@@gibsonguy5240 the Aguilar head was £600 when bought in 2013.
The cabs were about £600 each in 2016 and then the Jule Monique Dovecage was around £1700 and the power amp for that was about £1600 if I remember right.
people have been lamenting the death of the amplifier since switch mode psu came in 30 years ago.
also multiband compression has changed the music we listen to, not that anyone has noticed that.
the question you should ask is, what innovation has there been in amplifiers? new sound? No? None
the amplifier industry still squeezes out sausages that have to be eaten, now they are lighter and smaller with the same flavour.
I love amps, but don't see a point to bring it to gigs, I just want a PA with a balanced sound of the band, no point of having a big bass sound coming from behind me.
Still have amps at home just for practice, and totally on board with light weight class D
Where is the fun in it?
I love my loud growly Orange amp