A bass guitar combo amplifier combines a preamplifier, tone controls and a power amplifier in a single unit. Bassists who prefer a more modular approach may choose separate bass amp heads and speaker cabinets, allowing them to upgrade one component at a time as their skills evolve.
Combos are ideal for rehearsals and studio recording sessions. They are also suitable for small club performances.
1. Convenience
Bass guitar combos are all-in-one amplifiers and speaker cabinets that combine the preamplifier, power amp, and speakers into a single, self-contained unit. A bass combo can be used in practice for rehearsals or to amplify your playing at home or in a small venue for gigs, without the need to haul around separate components (such as an amplifier head and speaker cabinet). Combo amps are also ideal for beginners because they are less expensive than individual amp heads and speaker cabinets and all of the elements are designed by the manufacturer to work together.
Bassists can easily find a variety of basses “combo” amps that provide the right amount of power for different genres and room sizes. For example, if you play rock music in a stadium-sized auditorium, you’ll want to invest in a larger bass “combo” amplifier that produces more watts of power for earth-shaking bottom. Music store displays and online reviews can help you choose the right type of bass combo amplifier for your needs.
Combo amplifiers may be battery powered, allowing you to use them in places that aren’t plugged into AC mains. Some models even have a direct out with an independent level control so you can connect it to a mixer for live sound reinforcement or studio recording.
Many combos include digital modeling components that let you transform your bass amplifier into different types of classic and modern amplifiers with the push of a button. These units allow you to experiment with a wide range of bass sounds and styles to find the one that best suits your musical tastes and performance needs.
The combination of these modern and classic elements in a single compact package makes bass combo amps the perfect choice for bassists who have ever-changing tonal preferences and who don’t want to haul around multiple amp heads and speaker cabinets. Alternatively, you can buy separate amp heads and speaker cabinets to create a custom bass rig.
A few bass combos have the option to run on either AC or battery power, which can be a great benefit for those who live in apartments with strict noise and disturbance rules or for buskers who prefer to play outside. Some have a headphone jack which automatically turns off the main loudspeaker when connected, making them convenient for practicing in quieter environments.
2. Tone
It’s no secret that a bass player can make or break a song. A great bass track is half about the groove and half about a cool tone, and bassists are constantly working to perfect their tone. Achieving a great bass sound involves a variety of factors including playing techniques, equipment, and personal preference.
A bass guitar combo typically consists of an integrated preamp/power amplifier unit. These units are designed to handle the power requirements of a bass amp while providing a speaker enclosure for delivering an output signal. Some bassists prefer to use a separate preamplifier that does not include speakers, in combination with a larger power amplifier for sound reinforcement applications. A bass-specific power amp may also offer features such as a specialized low-frequency cutoff control that provides more headroom for the lower frequencies.
Amplifiers used by bass players typically have an equalizer (EQ) that allows the player to control the volume of specific frequency ranges. Depending on the EQ setup, the EQ controls may be labeled as bass (low), midrange, or treble. It is important for bassists to remember that boosting too many frequencies can be detrimental to their tone. In general, it is best to accentuate only the frequencies that are needed for the particular song or setting in which they are performing.
Other bass rig components, such as effects pedals and preamps, can help to shape the overall tone of the bass. Modulation, which includes effects such as chorus and flanger, is an especially common feature among bassists. Some basses are even built with a’shape’ control, which allows the user to choose between three different boost levels that provide varying amounts of bass and midrange emphasis.
The type of string and tuning that a bass is equipped with can also affect its tone. Round wound strings tend to produce a fuller sound that can help to fill out the lower frequencies, while flats can be a good choice for more defined high-mids and treble. Newer strings are often preferred by bassists because they have a crisper and more defined sound.
3. Portability
A bass guitar combo features a preamp, power amp and speaker all in one cabinet unit. This makes it much easier to transport than a separate preamp and power amplifier “head” paired with an external speaker cabinet, which is called a’stack’ setup. Bassists who travel to many gigs or rehearsals often prefer combos because they only have to move one piece of equipment.
While a combo amp is generally lighter than a stack, some larger models can still be heavy and bulky. Many large bass combos are designed with a handle and wheels for easy transportation. Some also feature a headphone jack that automatically mutes the main speakers when headphones are plugged in. For players who live in apartments or other spaces with strict noise and disturbance rules, a smaller micro-practice amp or a bass combo without a built-in speaker may be more suitable.
Whether you have a bass combo or a head and cab, the bass speakers you use make a big difference in your tone. If you find yourself frustrated with the way your bass amp sounds, try swapping out a different set of speakers to see if it helps you reach your ideal tone. We offer a wide selection of bass speakers, so you’re sure to find the right one for your amp.
Beginners often prefer bass combo amps for practice, rehearsals and small gigs because they are easy to transport and set up. It’s also possible to purchase used bass combo amps that are gig-ready for a fraction of the cost of a new, high-quality bass amplifier.
In addition to bass combos, many music stores sell a variety of bass amplifier “heads” and speaker cabinets for sale as separate units. Some players may choose to buy a combo and then upgrade later, or they may prefer to purchase a separate amplifier “head” and speaker cabinet so they can change the sound of their bass amp as needed. Many of these bass amp heads and cabinets are sold as 19 inch rack mountable components, which can be screw-mounted into a road case for protection during transportation.
4. Versatility
Bassists in some genres such as jazz or funk can get away with less powerful all-in-one bass combo amplifiers. However, those who play rock or other louder styles of music need a bass amp head and speaker cabinet that can provide the power required for larger venues and a more assertive tone. For both cases, a “bass stack” approach allows the bassist to customize their rig by mixing and matching different models of preamplifier, graphic equalizer, power amplifier and speaker cabinets. This allows the bassist to experiment with effects that may enhance their style and also makes it easier to replace a failing component when necessary.
Combo amps are designed with the unique needs of bass players in mind. Unlike electric guitar amplifiers, bass amps often include features such as a master volume and multiple EQ controls. Bassists can usually choose between a simple 3-knob tone control or a more advanced parametric EQ that lets them fine tune the frequencies of a sound by adjusting each knob to a new position.
Some bass combos feature an XLR direct output that can send signal directly into a PA system, eliminating the need for a separate amp head and speaker cabinet. This is especially useful for those who use an electronic bass that is plugged into the PA’s microphone input. Other bass combos offer a variety of other specialized features, such as a built-in tuner and MIDI connectivity.
While many bassists still prefer the convenience of an all-in-one combo amplifier, some prefer a more customizable setup that includes a separate amp head and speaker cabinet. Choosing an amp with the option of running on AC mains power or battery power is also beneficial for those who need to travel light, or who want the ability to busk. In addition, some bass combos come equipped with wheels or handles for easy transport.