Any of the Ampeg BA Series Good as Floor Monitor/Other Suggestions?

G

Guitar_Steve

Dec 30, 2013
43
31
4,531
Austin, TX
#1
Okay, this is probably more of a two-parter. Here is some background:

I am currently using an SCR-DI direct to FOH on gigs where PA support is provided, and there is no need to carry my main rig. However, more times than not, the monitoring capabilities at these venues are less than ideal for bass. As in, I can only ask for so much volume before monitors fart out, etc. I've Googled just about every option I can think of and can't really seem to find a solid solution. I like the kick back design of these amps and I assume, that along with the DI, it will suffice as a stage monitor. So, the question is, what is the absolute smallest of these that would be viable in a band where there are two guitars playing 40 watts through 212's, and a loud drummer?

I guess the second part of this is, would running the SCR-DI into the front of one of these be redundant, or cause any issues? Reason being, I would like to keep it small, because I figure I can use the amp for at home practice as well, and below the 210/115 there is no direct out. Are there better options? Thanks for the help
 
#2
I have a BA-115, and I don't think I'd be comfortable using it in the situation you describe...but it's right on the border of being acceptable in my mind, so it might work for you. There is a "HP" version that has more power in the same package (I think), so that might be a more viable option. However, the BA-115 is not a particularly small amp, vs. it's potential loudness, IMO. The smaller Ampeg amps also have DI outputs, they're just not on XLR's. A real PA guy should be able to accommodate that. I'd keep using your SCR DI if you like what it does for you. I'm sure you'll elicit a lot of responses touting better alternatives than the Ampegs...start figuring out how much you want to spend.
 
#4
denhou1974 said:
To match the guitars you need 10x the power. 40x10=400 watts.
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I don't know that I agree with that...the OP is just looking for something to use for a stage monitor. He'll still have FOH and stage support. Not that's ever anything wrong with having an abundance of power.

I wouldn't limit myself to the kick-back form factor...a small-ish rectangular rig can be set up on a table or road case to get it up closer to to ear level.

Also to the OP: you might reconsider reposting this subject with a title along the lines of "Need recommendation for bass stage monitor" or something similar. That way you won't be starting out with a limiting factor like considering only one brand. As I said before, I expect that there are a lot of folks on TB who have an opinion about possibly better gear...entice them into posting their opinions.
 
#6
I also have a BA-112...it's my favorite little amp to lug to rehearsals because it offers the best performance-to-weight ratio of my handful of cheap little practice amps. But I would really have my doubts about using it in a band setting with loud guitars and drum set unless I had it right up in my face.
 
#7
Redbrangus said:
I don't know that I agree with that...the OP is just looking for something to use for a stage monitor. He'll still have FOH and stage support. Not that's ever anything wrong with having an abundance of power.

I wouldn't limit myself to the kick-back form factor...a small-ish rectangular rig can be set up on a table or road case to get it up closer to to ear level.

Also to the OP: you might reconsider reposting this subject with a title along the lines of "Need recommendation for bass stage monitor" or something similar. That way you won't be starting out with a limiting factor like considering only one brand. As I said before, I expect that there are a lot of folks on TB who have an opinion about possibly better gear...entice them into posting their opinions.
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What does 'stage monitor' mean? If you're running through the PA then all equipment on stage is a monitor and nobody should be on 10. However, we've all played with that guitarist.
 
#8
Redbrangus said:
I don't know that I agree with that...the OP is just looking for something to use for a stage monitor. He'll still have FOH and stage support. Not that's ever anything wrong with having an abundance of power.

I wouldn't limit myself to the kick-back form factor...a small-ish rectangular rig can be set up on a table or road case to get it up closer to to ear level.

Also to the OP: you might reconsider reposting this subject with a title along the lines of "Need recommendation for bass stage monitor" or something similar. That way you won't be starting out with a limiting factor like considering only one brand. As I said before, I expect that there are a lot of folks on TB who have an opinion about possibly better gear...entice them into posting their opinions.[/QUOTE
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Yeah I don't know. I'm not entirely convinced I need a 400 watt amp for a stage monitor. I'm open to other options outside of Ampeg, so long as I can maintain that Ampeg sound with the SCR-DI. My main concern is finding something with decent enough bass response that is loud enough for me to hear. I also want to minimize the amount of gear needed to carry to small acoustic practices/apartment jams, etc. The QSC K12.2 looks tempting, but I'm not willing to spend $800 for something that wouldn't get a whole lot of use. What other options would you suggest? Let's say the limit is around $400.
 
#9
denhou1974 said:
What does 'stage monitor' mean? If you're running through the PA then all equipment on stage is a monitor and nobody should be on 10. However, we've all played with that guitarist.
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If I can go DI to the house and not bring the bass rig I have, then my monitor defaults to whatever the house provides. My general experience is it is a floor monitor that is carrying vocals, and guitar from stage right. Any bass added to that causes the speaker to fart out at any volume sufficient for me to hear over the drummer and guitar stage right. The band is loud, yes, but it's a hard rock band. The volume of the band isn't an issue. Just looking for an easy schlep when the opportunity presents itself.
 
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#12
Added "Other suggestions" to the title. To be clear: I am really interested in the Ampegs. I would certainly like to know if anyone has experience using these in the scenario I laid out. However, any other suggestions are greatly appreciated. I haven't considered a budget, but I'm going to say $400. This is going to be a limited use item and I don't want to break the bank. @JimmyM, can you delineate your exprience/use of the BA112?
 
#14
Guitar_Steve said:
My main concern is finding something with decent enough bass response that is loud enough for me to hear.
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If you're looking for bass response, then the K-12 would not be the direction to look, IMO. I know it has some fans here on TB, but I think those folks must be using them in situations that aren't as loud as what you're describing.

For $400 you ought to be able to buy something serious enough to keep up with the rest of the guys, but maybe only if you buy used. I'm not all in with Elf yet, 'cause I haven't really been able to use it, but if I were in your situation, I think I'd look at an Elf head and a 1-10 or 2-8 cab, or the equivalent combo. That would be more than $400, of course, and might not give you that characteristic Ampeg sound, but you would be able to hear yourself and the package is certainly small enough.

I took up playing last year after many years of not doing so. I'm well fixed for big rigs, but I started looking for smaller practice amps for practicality reasons. I bought 7 different small used combos on Craigslist...one of my main criteria was not to spend over $100, if possible. I paid $100 for BA-115 in kind of rough shape, but not too bad; I paid $125 for BA-112 in pristine shape, and it's the one I carry around the most. The other amps were a Hartke kickback for $100 (hated it!), SWR Lab 112 (couldn't get loud enough without the circuit-breaker cutting in) and a couple of different first-generation Fender Rumbles. I got a Rumble 80 for only $40 because the guy's cat had worked on it, but honestly, it doesn't look any worse than the usual monkey-fur cab that has been used. I also paid a $100 for a Rumble 100 with a 15. I like both of the Rumbles quite a bit actually, especially when considering the value factor...they're noticeably lighter than the equivalent Ampegs, but still have enough low end for my taste. And the shallower, rectangular form-factor usually fits my usage better. I have to admit that my experience with the modern Rumbles has been limited to hearing other people play them, but they sure seem to deliver on the cost-vs-performance factor.
 
#16
Redbrangus said:
If you're looking for bass response, then the K-12 would not be the direction to look, IMO. I know it has some fans here on TB, but I think those folks must be using them in situations that aren't as loud as what you're describing.

For $400 you ought to be able to buy something serious enough to keep up with the rest of the guys, but maybe only if you buy used. I'm not all in with Elf yet, 'cause I haven't really been able to use it, but if I were in your situation, I think I'd look at an Elf head and a 1-10 or 2-8 cab, or the equivalent combo. That would be more than $400, of course, and might not give you that characteristic Ampeg sound, but you would be able to hear yourself and the package is certainly small enough.

I took up playing last year after many years of not doing so. I'm well fixed for big rigs, but I started looking for smaller practice amps for practicality reasons. I bought 7 different small used combos on Craigslist...one of my main criteria was not to spend over $100, if possible. I paid $100 for BA-115 in kind of rough shape, but not too bad; I paid $125 for BA-112 in pristine shape, and it's the one I carry around the most. The other amps were a Hartke kickback for $100 (hated it!), SWR Lab 112 (couldn't get loud enough without the circuit-breaker cutting in) and a couple of different first-generation Fender Rumbles. I got a Rumble 80 for only $40 because the guy's cat had worked on it, but honestly, it doesn't look any worse than the usual monkey-fur cab that has been used. I also paid a $100 for a Rumble 100 with a 15. I like both of the Rumbles quite a bit actually, especially when considering the value factor...they're noticeably lighter than the equivalent Ampegs, but still have enough low end for my taste. And the shallower, rectangular form-factor usually fits my usage better. I have to admit that my experience with the modern Rumbles has been limited to hearing other people play them, but they sure seem to deliver on the cost-vs-performance factor.
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Any of these used on loud gigs? Subsequently, just had a look at the ELF 1x10 combo, and that looks to be a contender. I believe I would get a lot more use out of something like that compared to the QSC.
 
#17
Guitar_Steve said:
Is it the Headrush FRFR-112. Any downsides to using this on bass?
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Haven't tried one myself but a few folks here on TB play through them, IIRC. They're more into the modelers though so FRFR works for them. I was suggesting FRFR as a possibility since you're already getting your tone from the SCR-DI.

Sounds like from your OP though that you may need to also have an actual amp that can carry a room for gigs where there's no FOH. As others have said, it's hard to know if a small Ampeg combo would be enough to carry the rooms you're playing in.
 
#18
Guitar_Steve said:
Added "Other suggestions" to the title. To be clear: I am really interested in the Ampegs. I would certainly like to know if anyone has experience using these in the scenario I laid out. However, any other suggestions are greatly appreciated. I haven't considered a budget, but I'm going to say $400. This is going to be a limited use item and I don't want to break the bank. @JimmyM, can you delineate your exprience/use of the BA112?
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I was using it a lot in my former band. Used it as a small monitor mostly, but also on a gig we did in a small room on a gambling day cruise where it had to carry the room. Obviously we weren't crazy loud ;)
 
#19
johnpbass said:
Haven't tried one myself but a few folks here on TB play through them, IIRC. They're more into the modelers though so FRFR works for them. I was suggesting FRFR as a possibility since you're already getting your tone from the SCR-DI.

Sounds like from your OP though that you may need to also have an actual amp that can carry a room for gigs where there's no FOH. As others have said, it's hard to know if a small Ampeg combo would be enough to carry the rooms you're playing in.
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Not worried about carrying the room with what I'm searching. More often than not, I use a 610/SansAmp VT_RM or a Traynor YBA200-2. Just looking for an easy DI rig that doubles on bedroom use. We tend to do once a week acoustic practices to hash out new material or harmonies, usually at the BL's second floor apartment. I'm currently using the VT rack through a 112 guitar cab I happen to have, for all of that. Quiet enough that I'm not worried about the speaker blowing, but heavy enough to make the 2 flight lug a pain.
 
#20
Guitar_Steve said:
Not worried about carrying the room with what I'm searching. More often than not, I use a 610/SansAmp VT_RM or a Traynor YBA200-2. Just looking for an easy DI rig that doubles on bedroom use. We tend to do once a week acoustic practices to hash out new material or harmonies, usually at the BL's second floor apartment. I'm currently using the VT rack through a 112 guitar cab I happen to have, for all of that. Quiet enough that I'm not worried about the speaker blowing, but heavy enough to make the 2 flight lug a pain.
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Ah, so you're all set for the big rooms then!
Is the VT Rack that you have the preamp only or the full amp? I assume it's the amp version?
 
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