Feeling pressure to go ampless

[MojoPin]

Playing with or without amp is not something that should influence good musician.

Completely disagree, I play to have fun and to enjoy myself. If I play better and have more fun onstage with an amp, then I'm gonna use an amp. If I can enjoy using the IEMs a bit I might use them, but I'm not gonna sacrifice my fun and enjoyment the entire night just so a few clowns on stage can crank THEIR amps and do whatever they want.

If everyone is using IEMs out of necessity then that would be different and I would have to assess the big 3s: music quality, band quality and pay quality. If 2 of them are met I'm usually happy and will "work" my music with the rest of the band, but If I was the OP and people were cranking their amps on stage, you better believe I'm bringing mine or they can find another bass player. The pay for most gigs ain't worth taking poopie from anybody nowadays in my opinion and I'll be happy as a clam playing and recording at home as long as I don't have to deal with "memememememe" clowns on stage that aren't doing their part to keep stage volume down.

 

[Z-Bass]

I wouldn't fear going ampless. I never used in ears until semi-recently (about 4 years ago) and it was a revelation for me. I know nothing will beat the experience of cranking your amp and having that feeling air movement behind you but I can deal with the trade off for being able to consistently hear my tone and playing no matter where I am on stage. Now, I'm fortunate that the band I'm in has everything in their setup (receiver, wireless signal, etc...). I just needed to buy the in-ear buds. The only downside is that I do not have my own mixer, I need to tell the one guitarist who sets the levels, what I need. But if I need fine tune adjustments, I need to either deal with it or wait until we have a break.

I also still bring an amp and cabinet more so for my drummer and to feel some bass on the stage but it's much less than I usually would if not using in-ears.

 

[Z-Bass]

Some people like those, some use the board that you stand on. I've done a few years worth of gigs without any such devices, and I'm perfectly happy with what I hear and feel. Yes, some places have stages that shake my feet, and some don't, but the presence or absence of stage vibrations isn't an impediment to doing my job well. I prefer working with the simplest rig that gets the job done.

I've thought about these for a while. Seems like a better option than the one you stand on. Not knocking that version, but I tend to move around on stage a lot and having the rumble with me, no matter where I'm standing, is appealing.

 

[turf3]

It could well be that the last bass player sounded not-so-good, then went direct in, and sounded a lot better. Now you're the bass player and maybe you're not sounding as good as they hoped, so they figure the same remedy will give the same results.

So I'd ask the question - what is it you think will be improved if I go ampless, and why do you think that? If they hem and haw and shuck and jive, then you know they're just engaging in cargo-cult thinking; if someone actually has a meaningful response, you can use that as a basis for your subsequent actions.

 

[Trinidad]

Just got in a band where the former bass player used IEMS and a preamp/DI.

A couple of the band members have approached me about not using an amp and just using a stage monitor.

I have a pre/DI, so that's not an issue.. I don't have IEMS and can't really afford a decent set, and not real sure if they'd work for me.

A few weeks ago we played a small venue where stage space was tight, so I tried it. The sound was ok-ish but not ideal; however we we playing at low volumes.

Last gig I thought I'd give it another try, but this time we were in a larger venue and the my stage sound was aweful and nothing I could really fix with the preamp.

Granted they can give me my own monitor mix but the rhe stage sound for me just isn't working.

Everyone else in the group is using amps, and I know all the previous bass players used amps. For some reason the last one in his short time with them set some sort of precedent that I'm expected to follow.

I'm using the smallest amp I have and just for stage volume. I don't play excessively loud, just with it near me so I can hear it.

The BL hasn't approached me about this, but it may be he's having these others take care of it.

I don't want to mess this gig up, nor do I want to get on anyone's bad side, I've just always used an amp and don't feel like I play my best without it.

I know a lot of players are going with IEMS but I don't personally know any who are using floor monitors.

I really don't know what I should do.

I appreciate any advice.

These just got a positive review on the SBL podcast and are under $60:

Amazon.com

They should supply the transmitter/reciever, but if they try to make you do it, there's always this:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PowerPlay2--behringer-p2-ultra-compact-personal-in-ear-monitor-amplifier?mrkgadid=&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=&mrkgbflag=&mrkgcat=&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=92700080984888555&lid=92700080984888555&ds_s_kwgid=58700008756027684&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007215323&dsproductgroupid=2369687790442&product_id=PowerPlay2&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&device=c&network=g&matchtype=&adpos=largenumber&locationid=9029196&creative=709914980325&targetid=aud-442434566861:pla-2369687790442&campaignid=21587258354&awsearchcpc=1&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA0fu5BhDQARIsAMXUBOLoqIxg0SO7AtKASIo0N_OGOaHEmFxeFzX-d1jGTgH-IHZzUmM22doaAoF2EALw_wcB

They make a stereo version too, if you need it.

 

[RattleSnack]

Completely disagree, I play to have fun and to enjoy myself.

Like you said it, you are amateur so do what makes you happy. No pro I know would refuse or loose gig because he/she will not use IEM.

 

[Michael Milner]

When performing live, you want to ensure that you have the final say over your sound. You don't necessarily have to be using your own amp, but I doubt that the PA is doing justice to how you should sound (and it seems that you have already arrived at that conclusion). IMHO, the reason I went out and spent some serious money on an instrument, a preamp and/or pedal, and a quality amplifier was that I wanted my performance to sound as good as I can. I don't know your specific situation, but it has been my experience that sometimes other band members only have ears for what they are doing, and aren't listening to the other members. Just my 2 cents....

 

[Aussie Player]

Just got in a band where the former bass player used IEMS and a preamp/DI.

A couple of the band members have approached me about not using an amp and just using a stage monitor.

I have a pre/DI, so that's not an issue.. I don't have IEMS and can't really afford a decent set, and not real sure if they'd work for me.

A few weeks ago we played a small venue where stage space was tight, so I tried it. The sound was ok-ish but not ideal; however we we playing at low volumes.

Last gig I thought I'd give it another try, but this time we were in a larger venue and the my stage sound was aweful and nothing I could really fix with the preamp.

Granted they can give me my own monitor mix but the rhe stage sound for me just isn't working.

Everyone else in the group is using amps, and I know all the previous bass players used amps. For some reason the last one in his short time with them set some sort of precedent that I'm expected to follow.

I'm using the smallest amp I have and just for stage volume. I don't play excessively loud, just with it near me so I can hear it.

The BL hasn't approached me about this, but it may be he's having these others take care of it.

I don't want to mess this gig up, nor do I want to get on anyone's bad side, I've just always used an amp and don't feel like I play my best without it.

I know a lot of players are going with IEMS but I don't personally know any who are using floor monitors.

I really don't know what I should do.

I appreciate any advice.

An amp is personal, it's part of your sound, the tone you likely spent years developing and paid for.

Bass is not even understood by other musicians so why give into them? I wouldn't. You'd have to really like the songs or the pay to tollerate that.

If you have an opinion, time to exercise it or accept the subordinate role they are offering. A band is a collaboration of equal standing, or you are a hired hand.

 

[Jeff Hughes]

If the gig pays and you aren’t the boss, then just roll with the punches.

IEM bass playing without sufficient PA subwoofers is very uninspiring. I would lobby for at least a 1x12 to feel a little low end especially if there are already amps on stage.

 

[Kael]

No. It's a complete sentence.

 

[MojoPin]

Like you said it, you are amateur so do what makes you happy. No pro I know would refuse or loose gig because he/she will not use IEM.

You actually posted this first which is what I disagreed with:

Playing with or without amp is not something that should influence good musician.

...and then went on to something about music as a profession. I've been payed for plenty of gigs but it's not my primary source of income so that makes me an "amateur"? LOL, maybe don't tie your only source of income to music and you won't be a slave to people who make you do things you don't really want to do? Music is alot more than just playing gigs btw... just a heads up.

 

[Trinidad]

Like you said it, you are amateur so do what makes you happy. No pro I know would refuse or loose gig because he/she will not use IEM.

It almost derailed the Sphere residency for the Eagles.

Joe Walsh: Sphere Problem Was Nearly a 'Deal-Breaker' for Eagles

Joe Walsh revealed the issue that was nearly a 'deal-breaker' for the Eagles' Sphere residency in an October 2024 interview.

ultimateclassicrock.com

 

[andruca]

IMHO you do you. You're worthy of the gig, so it's tacit that your criteria for your gear comes with it. You should openly discuss the matter with the band.

OTOH I've gone (mostly) ampless and do gig in a variety of circumstances. I carry my pre-baked tone in something that acts as a preamp (mostly Zooms + a DI) and usually it all comes down to house system. If there's sufficient low sensation onstage I'm OK and can get the detail in my monitor mix (in-ear or regular wedge).

Still, the gigs I enjoy the most are with a particular metal band I occasionally sub for. We all go in-ear AND use amps. Each one adjusts it's own mix from our phones, and also there's a dedicated track running for each guy with all sorts of marks, title of song before it starts, real awesome (and contrary to what one would believe, EASY from day one for me, a "visitor" to the band's setup). I love to have the perfect mix AND at the same time be able to feel the instant punch and blowing of the amp's speakers behind.

If the band has a very worked out setup (click tracks, programming, etc.) I'd be looking not to complicate anything if there's a valid reason not to use a bass amp. Now, if everybody else in the band is doing as they please and they just happen to have got spoiled by saving the occasional hand in loading a bass rig in/out, IDK, doesn't seem that valid, nor fair.

 

[GreyBeard]

Discuss it with BL

 

[Pep]

Just got in a band where the former bass player used IEMS and a preamp/DI.

A couple of the band members have approached me about not using an amp and just using a stage monitor.

I have a pre/DI, so that's not an issue.. I don't have IEMS and can't really afford a decent set, and not real sure if they'd work for me.

A few weeks ago we played a small venue where stage space was tight, so I tried it. The sound was ok-ish but not ideal; however we we playing at low volumes.

Last gig I thought I'd give it another try, but this time we were in a larger venue and the my stage sound was aweful and nothing I could really fix with the preamp.

Granted they can give me my own monitor mix but the rhe stage sound for me just isn't working.

Everyone else in the group is using amps, and I know all the previous bass players used amps. For some reason the last one in his short time with them set some sort of precedent that I'm expected to follow.

I'm using the smallest amp I have and just for stage volume. I don't play excessively loud, just with it near me so I can hear it.

The BL hasn't approached me about this, but it may be he's having these others take care of it.

I don't want to mess this gig up, nor do I want to get on anyone's bad side, I've just always used an amp and don't feel like I play my best without it.

I know a lot of players are going with IEMS but I don't personally know any who are using floor monitors.

I really don't know what I should do.

I appreciate any advice.

First of all you'll never get the sound you're accustomed to with IEM and unless the monitor is a large one, you'll get more of what you like but no as much as your amp. A lot depends on how important the gig is to you. If it's important, you need to comply with the requests of the other band members.
If not you run the risk of them finding someone else for the gig.

It appears that they use a full FOH sound system with everything in it and if that's the case then part of what they're requesting is probably for the soundman. Also, it's all about your listeners/customers. Just remember that even though you play for some for your own enjoyment, in most cases playing amp-less will make everything out front sound better. I've been through this and fully aware of what you're struggling with.

 

[micguy]

It almost derailed the Sphere residency for the Eagles.

Joe Walsh: Sphere Problem Was Nearly a 'Deal-Breaker' for Eagles

Joe Walsh revealed the issue that was nearly a 'deal-breaker' for the Eagles' Sphere residency in an October 2024 interview.

ultimateclassicrock.com

Eagles don't need their next paycheck, they can afford to be divas. And if you read that article, it doesn't sound like it was that big of a deal - the Sphere had delays that could have messed them up, and they needed to use in ears to block the delays, so they did.

Anyway, very few professional musicians are in that same boat - being able to afford to be divas. Part of being hirable nowadays is being flexible. You get hired to play for a big pop star, they're gonna tell you no amps on stage. Are you gonna say no to Beyonce or Taylor?

One last comment from a guy who's done over 1000 gigs on in ears - it's easy to get used to being able to hear yourself (and everyone else) very clearly on stage. Yes, it takes some learning to get there, but not as much as you'd think. What's really easy to get used to is a single trip for load in and load out.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Just got in a band where the former bass player used IEMS and a preamp/DI.

A couple of the band members have approached me about not using an amp and just using a stage monitor.

I have a pre/DI, so that's not an issue.. I don't have IEMS and can't really afford a decent set, and not real sure if they'd work for me.

A few weeks ago we played a small venue where stage space was tight, so I tried it. The sound was ok-ish but not ideal; however we we playing at low volumes.

Last gig I thought I'd give it another try, but this time we were in a larger venue and the my stage sound was aweful and nothing I could really fix with the preamp.

Granted they can give me my own monitor mix but the rhe stage sound for me just isn't working.

Everyone else in the group is using amps, and I know all the previous bass players used amps. For some reason the last one in his short time with them set some sort of precedent that I'm expected to follow.

I'm using the smallest amp I have and just for stage volume. I don't play excessively loud, just with it near me so I can hear it.

The BL hasn't approached me about this, but it may be he's having these others take care of it.

I don't want to mess this gig up, nor do I want to get on anyone's bad side, I've just always used an amp and don't feel like I play my best without it.

I know a lot of players are going with IEMS but I don't personally know any who are using floor monitors.

I really don't know what I should do.

I appreciate any advice.

Not much different between a stage monitor with a typical stage level bass signal coming from it and a freestanding amp that is “Your” personal monitor. Just a pro-tip here. With your amp as a personal monitor, use a flat EQ.

 

[ole Jason]

You could always just say "no" and use your amp. That's what I'd do unless there's a really good reason not to use an amp.

 

[CalEliteCoach]

I understand how you feel. I prefer using an amplifier on stage when I perform. In-ear monitors (IEM) are a good option if you can afford the earphones, transmitter, and receiver. If you have to use wedges on stage, consider adjusting your EQ by boosting the mids. You can also ask your guitarist to carve out some space in the mix for you by lowering their bass frequencies.

 

[jdh3000]

Are you sharing the monitors with the vocals and other instruments or is it just for you? If it’s just for you, I don’t see how that’s any different than using a small amp aimed at you rather than the audience.

I’ve played at an upscale local venue that banned all amps, everything must be DIed. Each floor monitor is on it's own mix allowing for “more me”. I didn’t miss my amp at all and I did not use a preamp, either. I thought it sounded great but it's an expensive PA installation run by a competent soundperson.

Shared with everything... It's just separate send that so the monitor mix can be sent directly to me, not that it's bass only. Can adjust the volume of the mix everyone except the BL is getting. His mix is set up so he can get just what he needs.