A bass combo amplifier includes a preamplifier with tone controls, power amplifier and speaker(s) in one cabinet for easy transportation. This makes them more portable than their separate counterparts.
Many bass combos feature built-in overdrive effects from manufacturers like Fender, Gallien-Krueger, TC Electronic and Ashdown that provide everything from subtle warmth to heavy distortion. These effects allow players to easily explore an assortment of overdrive sounds that range from subtle warmth to heavy distortion.
Sound
A bass guitar and amp combo for sale offers an all-in-one solution for amplifying, eliminating the need for separate power amplifier heads and speaker cabinets. This type of amplifier is typically compact and easily transportable – perfect for gigging bassists who may have limited space or vehicle storage available to them.
There is an impressive variety of bass combo amps from major manufacturers that come with different wattages to meet varying budgets and playing styles, so customers can select one to meet both. Higher wattage bass amps tend to be louder and more powerful; in particular, their tone usually stays in check at higher volumes if multiple speakers (called “cabs”) are added onto them.
Some combo amplifiers provide multiple channels that can be used for different functions, including clean and distortion channels, as well as built-in reverb effects to add depth to your sound.
Manufacturers usually pair speakers in bass combo amps with their amplifiers to ensure an enjoyable sound from start to finish. This is particularly helpful if you plan on using your combo for live performances as matching head and cab impedance can prevent your bass from sounding “muddy.”
Higher-end bass combo amplifiers may come equipped with more advanced controls beyond basic on/off switch, volume control and bass and treble knobs; such as reverb effects or graphic equalizer sliders to help customize tone.
A bassist can use their combo amp as a direct box and connect it directly into their PA system for maximum amplification without needing additional power amplifiers or speaker cabinets. This setup is commonly required during recording studio sessions; some bassists even prefer it for gigging due to lower equipment costs.
Sweetwater offers the ideal bass amp combos, from simple practice amps to world-class touring rigs, for sale. Our extensive selection includes top brands such as Fender, Ampeg, Gallien-Krueger Peavey TC Electronic Behringer.
Portability
Bass combo amps combine preamp, tone controls and power amplifier into one compact cabinet for portability in practicing, rehearsals or small venue performances. Bass stack amplifiers on the other hand typically require separate amplifier heads and speaker cabinets – although these models may cost more to transport and set up during shows; but provide greater power than their counterparts.
Most combo amps feature one or more indicator lights, such as an LED, to indicate when the amplifier is powered on. Some may include additional indicators for preamp signal input from bass guitar; when limiter or similar speaker protection features have been activated; clipping occurs; and other status information. They also come equipped with headphone jacks so players can practice privately without disturbing others.
Many large combo amps feature wheels to make moving them to gigs and rehearsals simpler for players, with smaller models being carried by single carry handles while larger combo amps may come equipped with two handles on either side for two-handed carrying. Some models are even designed with flattened back corners so that sound can be directed more towards performers through kickback or tilted up toward them to enhance performance.
Size matters in combo amps – some models use multiple 12″ speakers while others utilize 2×12″ or 4×10″ cabinets; there are even combo amps equipped with 15-inch speakers like Orange Amplifiers Crush PiX CR50BXT and Gallien-Krueger MB210-II that feature these options with attached whizzer cones that help address high frequencies that exceed what their low-frequency woofer can reproduce.
Many bassists favor combination amps with built-in digital effects processors to add reverb, chorus, delay and other electronic effects to their music. Some models come equipped with tuners and metronomes for timing assistance while some offer USB recording ports allowing bassists to record directly onto a computer. Some models even support battery power so bassists can play even in locations without access to mains electricity (for street busking purposes, for instance).
Power
Bass amplifiers come in various sizes. Small practice amplifiers amplify an instrument enough for individual home practice without disturbing neighbors or others nearby, while larger combo amps produce enough volume to play small gigs with bands in venues. For greater power, bass guitarists may wish to purchase separate amplifier head and speaker cabinet (known as “a stack”) or use a bass guitar mixer.
Many bass guitar and amplifier combos sold online include an onboard direct output that allows a player to transmit his/her sound directly into a PA system during live performances, making this feature especially helpful in smaller venues where bassists may struggle to hear themselves over drums or other instruments.
A bass amplifier’s output power depends on its design; options exist that utilize both tube (“thermionic,” in UK parlance “valve”) and solid state transistor technology, with some manufacturers producing hybrid designs featuring both valve preamplifier and transistor power amplifier systems.
Bassists typically choose their amplifier based on reviews written by both professional and amateur reviewers online. This information helps musicians decide whether a particular amp will sound good during live gigs or recording sessions, and will last them throughout its lifespan.
Combo amps combine an amplifier, preamp, and speaker(s) into one convenient unit that’s easy to transport and store. They make for an ideal solution when space in your vehicle for carrying equipment is at a premium; however, combo amps do tend to offer less customization than stacks.
A bass stack consists of an amplifier ‘head’ and speaker cabinet or extension cabinet that are separate entities. Some models incorporate speakers directly into their amp head itself while others feature two handles or wheels for easy transporting of larger cabinets. Some stacks allow bassists to easily combine and match different amplifier heads with various speaker cabinets in order to customize the tone of their rig or replace failing components quickly and easily – Reverb offers many high-quality yet budget friendly bass amp heads and speakers from leading brands such as Fender, Ampeg, Gallien-Krueger Orange Peavey Hartke.
Value
Bassists who prefer performing live, without the hassle of carrying multiple amplifier heads and speaker cabinets will find that a bass combo amp makes an ideal value proposition. Ideal for rehearsals and smaller clubs alike, these all-in-one units typically weigh less than 20lbs making transport easy – many also feature direct output, so your bass tone can feed directly into house sound systems without using an additional DI box! AMS stocks an extensive selection of versatile yet powerful bass combo amps perfect for gigging bassists looking for all-in-one solutions
A guitar combo amp combines a preamplifier, tone controls (including bass and treble) and power amplifier into one unit, making setup and use easier for beginners and offering many features experienced musicians may require. More expensive models often feature additional equalizer controls and multiple gain stages; additionally there are some models equipped with built-in overdrive effects ranging from modern bass overdrive to vintage overdrive or fuzz; examples being Fender Rumble 75 and Ampeg Bronco 40 bass combo amps equipped with such effects.
Combo amps offer another advantage, as the speakers are usually pre-matched to your amplifier by its manufacturer, eliminating the hassle of matching impedance between your bass amplifier head and speaker cabinet – something which beginner guitarists can often struggle with.
Some bassists who specialize in louder genres such as punk rock or electric blues prefer high-wattage bass stacks with their own power amplifier and speaker cabinet; however, combo amps remain popular among players playing quieter genres or smaller venues, since these amplifiers allow for full sound without increasing stage volume too significantly.
Though some bassists prefer traditional electric guitar amplifiers for studio and practice spaces due to their lower frequency response and more manageable wattage, most rely on dedicated bass amps when gigging. At AMS we stock an assortment of compact combo amps as well as powerful stack models; you are sure to find one suitable for you in our selection of bass guitar amps and combos for sale.