Question About Low Volume/Home Setup

BigDrew

BigDrew

Jun 1, 2016
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#1
Hey! Looking for a good sounding rig for home use. My question has to do with how to maximize good sound at low levels.

Is it best to go with a low powered head (500 watts) with a single speaker (112), or is it best to get a high powered head (800 watts) with multiple speakers (410)?

Or, does it make sense to use an 800 watt head with a single 12? Again this is about getting the best tone at a relatively low level.

I just want to understand if one approach makes sense over another. Please don't get hung up on the wattage amounts, etc. Thanks in advance!
 
#2
I don't know where you're at in your bass-playing journey,

but so often one needs a home-practice rig only to find out in short-order that they're gonna start jamming/playing with others.

My only advice is to get something that's substantial enough to be played with others, or at least expandable.

For instance, if a 2x10 rig, one that another 2x10 cab can be added to if/when needed.

If you have a budget, please share that. :)
 
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#3
I have a 200 watt 4x10 rig for "small" gigs and a 1000 watt stereo rig using two PA speakers that I custom built. But now for rehearsal I use a little Chinese made 10" coaxial keyboard amp that I bought off Facebook marketplace for $60. I originally bought it to hear my vocals from my vocal footswitch to program in settings for my vocals for particular sounds, but found the headphone jack serves that purpose even better.
For practicing bass, though, it's all I need.
 
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#4
Marko 1 said:
I don't know where you're at in your bass-playing journey,

but so often one needs a home-practice rig only to find out in short-order that they're gonna start jamming/playing with others.

My only advice is to get something that's substantial enough to be played with others, or at least expandable.

For instance, if a 2x10 rig, one that another 2x10 cab can be added to if/when needed.

If you have a budget, please share that. :)
Click to expand...
All great points. This one would be for home only. Cost isn't a factor. I'm really trying to understand what the best setup would be...not necessarily brands, etc., but really just high watt/multi speaker or lower watt/single speaker, or something different.
 
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#5
BigDrew said:
All great points. This one would be for home only. Cost isn't a factor. I'm really trying to understand what the best setup would be...not necessarily brands, etc., but really just high watt/multi speaker or lower watt/single speaker, or something different.
Click to expand...
High watt/multi speaker imo is always better in every way, including low-volume practice. :)
 
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#6
I would focus on the qualities you want from the setup over output. I have done higher output setups turned down for home practice before and it was fine. Recently moved to low output tube heads at home and significantly prefer the setup to my previous ones. I am currently running an Ampeg PF-50T into two Phil Jones Compact 8 cabinets at home (previously had a Quilter Bass Block 800 on these cabinets). I also have a desktop/recording setup with an Ashdown CTM-15 (on order, but expect to like it) with a PJB Compact 2. If I was buying a fresh home practice setup, I would probably do an Ampeg PF-50T with either PF-115HE or PF-210HE cabinet.

Noting that this is not really a high v low output comparison. It is a suggestion to buy a loud enough version of the tone you are after. For home use, there is no need to spend money on output you will not use, unless the more money is also buying something you will use (this assumes setup is strictly home use and you have something else for when you need more output or you never need more output).
 
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#12
Thumpin6string said:
As long as it has a volume knob, any amp/cab will do. My home practice rig is a 1200 watt head into a 210/112 stack. Works fine.
Click to expand...
I am actually looking for the BEST setup. Again, just trying to see if there is a consensus about single speaker vs multiple speak and how much power for a lower volume setup...for best sound.
 
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#14
When I first started using a 215 with a Peavey MK III head, i got a used Yamaha powered floor monitor with a 12 and a horn in it for at home practice since the 215 and head stayed stashed in a trailer. It worked fine for at home bass at low volume and could also be used as a monitor if needed. :D
 
#15
The basic categories in my matrix of decision-making on amplification purchases:

Value For $

Versatility (in terms of size, weight, and power; ability to add more speaker cabs if need be--I want what can work virtually anywhere and weight is usually the compromise that takes the brunt of the beatings)

Must Have Volume Knob.

Of course, it must sound awesome at all volume levels, but that's a given.
 
#16
BigDrew said:
I am actually looking for the BEST setup. Again, just trying to see if there is a consensus about single speaker vs multiple speak and how much power for a lower volume setup...for best sound.
Click to expand...
My point is it shouldn't matter. Find what you like and adjust the volume to your needs. I feel it is better to have too much than not enough.
 
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#17
The question is confusing. Is this just for solo practice at home, in a bedroom? Is it in an apartment? Is it also going to be a gig-ready rig when playing out? You don't need 500 watts to just dink around in your bedroom. If you're in an apartment, then I suggest getting some sort of practice setup that sounds good in headphones.

If you want something that is dual-purpose, then get a 2x10 with a minimum 500 watt head of some sort. MarkBass makes some great setups in that realm. Fender Rumble amps are also well regarded options. 2x10s are very giggable in most any setting, and 500 watts will keep up with (most) drummers. In the bedroom, sculpt out some mids for that pillowy 'bedroom tone', and adjust everything else to taste. You can practice at home with a 500 watt rig at low volumes and it will sound superb. The volume knob is there for a reason.

I have a lot of 'rigs' at home, but my 'practice' setup is my 30+ year old SWR Goliath 4x10 with a MarkBass NanoMark head hooked up to it. Nothing super fancy.... but that rig definitely doesn't leave the house. The cab is at least 100lbs! Sounds great though!
 
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#19
BigDrew said:
I am actually looking for the BEST setup. Again, just trying to see if there is a consensus about single speaker vs multiple speak and how much power for a lower volume setup...for best sound.
Click to expand...
This is my bedroom setup. It works best for me. Fabulous at any volume. But what works best for me may not work best for others.
IMG_3402.jpeg
 
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#20
BigDrew said:
Hey! Looking for a good sounding rig for home use. My question has to do with how to maximize good sound at low levels.

Is it best to go with a low powered head (500 watts) with a single speaker (112), or is it best to get a high powered head (800 watts) with multiple speakers (410)?

Or, does it make sense to use an 800 watt head with a single 12? Again this is about getting the best tone at a relatively low level.

I just want to understand if one approach makes sense over another. Please don't get hung up on the wattage amounts, etc. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

YMMV, but for me, I found a GK MB150E was the perfect home practice amp (80W w 1x12"). It had great tone, a small footprint, and built in EQ and chorus. It also worked for stage sound for small / med gigs. Sitting on the ground beside you, it was enough umph to move your pants. I also had a Markbass 210 combo (300Ww 2x10"). Larger footprint and heavier. At home, I rarely turned up past about 2 out of 10, but it sounded good, just took up more space. On stage, the 300W could thump if needed.

I have since sold both and bought a Phil Jones Bass BG400 suitcase combo which is perfect for me. 400W w 4x5". Small, but rich / warm tone. It looks sexy and I think it would be perfect as a stage monitor connected to FOH.

In hindsight, I do not miss the Markbass - there was something in the tone at higher volume I never really got to the point of appreciating, but I do miss the GK MB150E. I wish I had held on to that amp.

View attachment 5280181 View attachment 5280182
 
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