Bass Combo Basics – Bass Amps and Cabinets
Bass Combo Basics and Components – Shop and Buy on Irukka Online
Bass Combo Basics and Components
Amp Head and Cabinet vs Combo
What is Bass Combo?
Bass Combo is also known as Bass Amp Rigs consist of several different components. And, bass Combo, as they are called, can be purchased differently with various configurations. In this bass combo article, we are going to explain to you bass combo basics, the main components of the bass combo, and the ways you need to combine them. The information we are going to share will also provide you will all the necessary details you need to know about “Bass Combos”.
In the closing stage of this article, we would also share with you some shopping guides that will come in handy when next you are trying to buy or shop online for your bass combo. Whether you are an experienced professional or a starter, this article will meet your bass gear needs.
As an experienced bassist, you know that not just any amplifier (also known as the amp) will do for you. If you’re new, consider this your first lesson in bass combo amplifiers. Since the electric bass has a different power and acoustic demands than a guitar, a purpose-built amp designed specifically for the bass is effectively a must-have piece of equipment.
The good news is that there are a lot of options when it comes to choosing, so no matter your musical style or the venues you play, there is a bass combo amplifier designed and meant for you. Making the right decision can be as simple as finding the right amp that fits into your budget while putting out the kind of wattage you need. When compared to their full-sized Ashdown (amplifier stacks), bass combo amps have one very important advantage: convenience.
“Bass combo amps have one very important advantage: convenience.”
Why Do I Need a Bass Combo?
Since all the electronics are built right into the speaker cabinet, you don’t have to lug around a separate amplifier head. Combo amps are designed so that you can just grab and go, which is why they’re the go-to amplifiers for virtually any venue, event, concert as well as being the best type of the first amp for a beginner. With Bass Combo, you’ll also never have to worry about speaker cabinet compatibility.
Are all Bass Combo Equal?
A Bass combo is the amp that just works – simply plug it in and play. Of course, not all bass combo amplifiers are created equal. Different models will have different electronics and speakers, giving each one its own unique voice. You’ll find the most sought-after sounds and the best-selling brand – Ashdown Bass Combo on Irukka Online Equipment Mall.
When Was Ashdown Bass Combo Founded?
Ashdown Bass Combos Founded in 1997 by Mark Gooday, Ashdown Engineering and has since become the world’s leading brand in Amplification for Bass, Guitar and Acoustic Guitar. Ashdown Bass Combo amps offer the perfect solution for live performance, studio recording and home practice. Ashdown is engineered to focus on designing a new kind of bass combo amp, where the superior tone was matched by unrivaled power and tour-grade performance in a truly engineered, uniquely-styled package after thorough research and feedback from some of the world’s most respected bass players. You can get any of the listed Bass Combos from our Online Music Shop Irukka is the sole distributor of Ashdown Musical Equipment.
Looking through this section, you will see and be able to discern the various components of a Bass Combo Amps and Speaker Cabinet. So go ahead and dive right in… You’ll be glad that you did come across this article on bass gear.
The Main Components of Bass Combo Amps
The two main parts of a bass combo amp are the head and the cabinet.
The bass amp head, or head, is the part housing all the main electronic components of the bass amplifier. The head is the part of the amp into which you plug your bass guitar.
The bass speaker cabinet, or just cabinet, is the box enclosure housing the speaker or speakers. The output of the bass amp head is sent and delivered to the speaker cabinet.
The head and cabinet can be bought separately. Other times the head and cabinet are combined into one unit called a bass combo or combo amp.
Bass Amp Heads VS Bass Preamps
Bass Amp Heads
The head of a bass combo amp can be divided into the preamp and the power amp. Many times the bass combo amp comes together in one unit; other times they come as separate units which you must link together. Let me break down these two parts of the bass amp head.
Bass Preamps
When you plug your bass into the bass amp input the first place your bass signal goes is to the preamp. The preamp shapes and manipulates the bass signal it receives in various ways. It might make it sound brighter or muddier, or it might make it sound boomier or brittle. The preamp can make subtle or drastic changes to the sonic characteristics of the input signal.
Preamps are commonly designed with a particular instrument in mind. A guitar preamp is designed to make the tonal properties of guitars sound good. A bass preamp is designed specifically for bass. Always be sure to get a bass preamp unless you know for sure you want something else.
What is Bass Power Amps?
Bass Power Amps
Once the input signal has been shaped and colored by the preamp, the bass signal is sent to the power amp. The power amp takes the signal from the preamp and essentially makes it more powerful. The power is needed to physically move, or drive, the speaker in the cabinet. So, the amplified signal is then sent to the speaker in the cabinet.
Bass power amps come in different types according to the amount of wattage they can carry, For example, the ASHDOWN RM-500-EVO II Ashdown RootMaster -500 EVO II is the perfect solution for power and reliability. Perfect for small, medium, and even larger shows. Rootmaster EVO II heads also feature an upgraded power section plus a handy mute button. What’s even cooler is when switched to mute, the trademark Ashdown Engineering VU meter changes from orange to cool blue – creating the perfect on stage mood lighting between sets.
What is Bass Cabinet?
Bass Cabinets
A bass cabinet is a box containing one or more speakers. Most bass cabinets are simply constructed. Bass Cabinets are usually wooden boxes covered with carpet. The speaker is screwed inside and covered with a protective grill.
Bass Cabinets come in many different sizes. The size is usually described as the number of speakers and the size of the speakers in inches. A 1 x 15 cabinet means it contains one 15” speaker. A 4 x 10 cabinet contains four 10” speakers. A 6 x 10 cabinet contains six of 10” speakers. A 4 x 14 cabinet contains four 14” speakers. A 2 x 10 cabinet contains two 10” speakers. A 8 x 10 cabinet contains eight of 10” speakers. Now you know.
Bass Cabinets are rated in terms of how much power they can handle coming from the bass head. You can damage the bass cabinet if you send too much power to it.
What is Bass Stacks?
Bass Stacks
A stack is a “head and cabinet” stacked together. A full-stack consists of two cabinets with a “head” on top. A half stack is just one cabinet with a “head” on top.
What Bass Amp Setup Should I Get?
Any bass combo amp setup you buy will need to have a preamp, a power amp (these two are often combined in a “head“), and a speaker cabinet. As for beginners, the easiest thing is to buy is a bass combo amp. That way you can be confident all the parts are there, they are matched to one another, and they are hooked up properly. All you have to do is plug in your bass and turn it on.
You might see our page with recommended bass amps.
Bass Combo Vs Bass Amp
Another downside is bigger combo amps can be heavy and bulky. Buying the bass head and cabinet separately has advantages but can be more complicated. Firstly, you will usually get more power (that is, more volume) from having a separate head and cabinet.
Having separate components allows you to upgrade one piece at a time or slowly add on more pieces. Going modular may make buying new gear easier on you financially.
You also have more options with how you match the sound of the head to the sound of the speaker. This can be a long, expensive process of trial and error. You might like that, or the many possible configurations there are might overwhelm you. And, hooking up a “head and cabinet” can be tricky.
Regardless of what you get, it’s a good idea to understand the pros and cons of bass combo amps.
Enjoy the lowest prices and best selection of Bass Combo Amplifiers at Irukka Online Musical Instrument Mall.
